Speech On Mangroves

Mangroves
Introduction: Mangroves are tidal salt marsh community dominated by trees and large shrubs, particularly of the genus “Rhizophora” which grow in tropical and subtropical regions and have special adaptations enabling them to survive the harsh environment occurring in their habitats. Their size may vary considerably ranging from prostrate shrubs to 60-meters-high timber trees. The term mangrove is applied to either individual plant or to the ecosystem.
Distribution and habitats: Because mangroves cannot withstand freezing temperatures, their forests only grow at tropical and subtropical latitudes near the equator. About 75% of world’s mangroves occur in around 15 countries whereas Asia dominates the world’s mangroves, followed by Africa,

In fact, the aerial roots enable the plant to absorb gases directly from the atmosphere.
Biological role of mangroves: Mangrove forests are considered among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. They provide a habitat for a vast variety of organisms. Mangroves host variety of aquatic organisms including algae, barnacles, oysters, sponges, and bryozoans which grow on and anchor to the root surface in areas where the roots of mangroves are submerged permanently in water. Also, muddy bottoms in mangrove forests provide the home for bottom organisms such as shrimps and mud lobsters.
Moreover, mangroves provide a home for more of terrestrial, estuarine and marine species such as the hawksbill turtle, Bengal tiger as well as to a number of migratory bird species which rely on mangroves as wintering and roosting sites along their migratory routes. Added to that, mangroves provide nursery grounds for many fish species, including coral reef fish. They also provide food for monkeys, deer, tree-climbing crabs, even kangaroos; and a nectar source for bats and

Mangrove trees absorb carbon dioxide, taking carbon out of circulation and reducing the amount of greenhouse gas. In fact, such ecological role is significant in regard to global carbon budgets and in the process of mitigating climate change. It is estimated that mangrove forests in the tropics can sequester 6 to 8 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare per year. Based on that, some believe that if carbon trading becomes a reality, forest-rich, carbon-absorbing countries would be able to sell the emissions credits to more industrialized, carbon-emitting countries. If this occurs, such trade would serve in the conservation of mangrove trees.
Socio-economic role of mangroves: Considering the biological and ecological role of mangroves, their benefits to surrounding habitats and communities is quite obvious. The resistance of mangrove wood to rot and insects makes it a valuable candidate for construction by indigenous communities who may also use mangrove food for fuel. The leaves of mangroves are also used as animal fodder. Added to that, mangrove forests may support the growth of medicinal plants within their system. Moreover, mangrove trees have been harvested for their pulp, wood chip, and also for charcoal