MARTINIQUE’S

MANGROVES

SWAMPS

WHAT IS IT?

A SHORESIDE ECOSYSTEM

Mangrove Swamp is a salty wetland located between the core

and the coral reef, especially in the tropical areas.

Mangrove swamps in Martinique

It is spread over an area of around 1,800 ha and accounts for about 6% of the island's total forest surface.  

It is mainly situated in the center of the island and in the south. 

The biggest mangrove is located in the Bay of Genipa.

MANGROVE DISTRIBUTION

It give refuge to numerous acquatic species, birds, crabs, fishes, seaweeds, oysters…

It serves as refuge and nursery for many young species.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MANGROVES

The white mangroves

The black mangroves

The red mangroves

THE FEATURES OF THE DIFFERENT MANGROVE

RED MANGROVE(RHIZOPHORA MANGLE)

BLACK MANGROVEAVICENNIA GERMINANS

It has got prop roots arch, propagule, and it’s vivipary.

It has got elongated leaves and pneumatophores (‘pencil roots’)

WHITE MANGROVELAGUNCULARIA RACEMOSA

GREY MANGROVECONOCARPUS ERECTA

It has got rounded leaves and pneumatophores

It excretes salts on the leaf surface like the black mangrove

Grey mangrove, smaller than the red mangrove and it’s situated behind mangroves in the dry part where the soil is a mixture of sand and clay.

WHAT’S ITS ROLE?

It is a transition zone which protect the coast of agressions due to waves, swells or cyclones.

It filters run-off before it is discharged into the sea.

It provides both habitat and a source of food for a diverse animal community.

AN ECOSYSTEM UNDER THREAT

This ecosystem is threatened by

Clearing for human settlements and infrastructure (such as harbours,), and commercial and industrial areas.

Pollution: fertilizers, pesticides, and other toxic chemical products chemicals carried by river can kill animals living in mangrove forests.

 

Mangrove swamps are very significant for the biodiversity.

Save and protect them

AN ECOSYSTEM UNDER THREAT

Mangrove in the Bay of Genipa