Mangrove Forest Ecosystem

There are about 70 different species of mangroves in the tropics and sub-tropic climates, with the Indo-West Pacific having the most diverse assemblage (30-35 species), and the Arabian Gulf having the least diverse community of just two native species: Rhizophora macrunata and Avicennia marina. The last, is the only one that takes root on the shores of Qatar. Avicennia marina, the grey or white mangrove, is particularly equipped for life in very saline habitats and sediments that get quickly depleted of oxygen. Using its aerial roots that extend vertically out of the main root, it performs ultrafiltration of seawater, leaving the salt behind. The salt that makes it in is then excreted on the underside of its sclerophyllous (hard) leaves. The aerial roots are called pneumatophores (lung carriers) because they bring in extra oxygen. In Al Khor and Al Thakira, we find two of the naturally occuring mangrovial forests. The rest, have been partially or fully afforested (planted by humans) in the 1980’s, when it was recognized that mangroves could help protect from coastal erosion, flooding, and filter out pollution. These are what we call ecosystem services in ecology. After all these decades, the young planted seedlings have grown into lush forests that can be seen on satellite images.

Other Information

Published in: Earthna publications reports
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
See educational resource on publisher's website: https://www.earthna.qa/publications/educational-materials/qatar-marine-ecosystem-lesson-plans

Project Identifier (PI): EEF-2023-003