MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM

The term “mangrove” refers to an ecosystem rather than a single plant species. Mangrove ecosystems occupy the intertidal zone in tropical and subtropical regions.

The most common tree species found in the mangroves of Isla colon is the “Red Mangrove”, Rhizophora mangle.

The mangrove forest occupies three distinct tidal zones. The zone above the high tide is aboral. The intertidal zone, between the high and low tides, contains a unique assemblage of flora and fauna. Mangroves are salt tolerant and adapted to exclude or excrete salt.

ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Nurseries, feeding grounds, and refugia.

Fish species such as the anchovies shown in the picture and Cubera Snapper spend part of their lives in the protective areas created by the mangroves submerged root system. Destruction of mangroves leads to declines in fish populations.

Stabilizing shorelines

Mangroves protected coastlines from storm caused erosion. The interlocking root system holds the shoreline in place.

Filtering and Nutrient cycling

Above: Algae thrives in nutrient rich water.

Mangroves filter nutrients from terrestrial runoff and slowly release nutrients to coastal waters which are utilized in marine food webs.

Ecological habitat

Mangroves provide habitat for a wide range of species. The tidal variation and varying environmental conditions fosters an incredible diversity of organisms.

Hairy Land Crabs burrow into the peat and feed on fallen mangrove leaves. These crabs are important in the cycling of nutrients.	The Mangrove periwinkle feeds on fungi and algae found on the bark and roots
Barnacles and Oysters attach them-selves to the prop roots and feed on plankton suspended in the water.	Green Herons patrol the mangroves in search of small fish.

Smithsonian research

One study monitors coastal environments in Bocas del Toro to understand the function and relations of the different biological communities. Surveys are done for water quality and plankton, mangroves, seagrass beds and, coral reefs.

A second study, The response of phytoplankton to experimental nutrification in Bocas del Toro, aims to identify what nutrient is limiting phytoplankton growth in Bocas del Toro. Luis D’Croz, Juan B. Del Rosario and plinio gondola

Tropical and subtropical mangroves support adjacent marine communities and ecosystems, including seagrass beds and coral reefs. The objectives of a third study, Effects of Nutrient Availability on Plant Growth, Photosynthesis, Nutrient, Cycling Processes, and Animal-Plant Interactions in Mangrove Forests at Bocas del Toro, Panama. are to determine the patterns of nutrient limitation across mangrove forests in Bocas del Toro.

Dr. Ilka C. Feller