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Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves

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A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecology and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (6 September 2024) | Viewed by 70244

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Faridah Hanum Ibrahim

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Guest Editor

Department of Forestry Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus, Nyabau Road, Bintulu 97008, Sarawak, Malaysia
Interests: plant diversity; taxonomy; mangrove; forest ecology; conservation

Prof. Dr. Abdul Latiff Mohamad

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
Interests: taxonomy; forest ecology; biodiversity; conservation; ethnobotany

Dr. Waseem Razzaq Khan

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Guest Editor

Department of Forestry Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus, Nyabau Road, Bintulu 97008, Sarawak, Malaysia
Interests: mangrove ecology; stable isotopes ecology; forest management; medicinal plants; REDD+

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The mangrove ecosystem is among the most productive ecosystems in the world, with well-established ecological, economic, and cultural importance providing a range of services including food security, livelihood, and coastal protection. Mangroves play a critical role in sustaining the biological integrity and resources of the adjacent marine ecosystem and thus contribute significantly to commercial fisheries and other regulatory ecosystem services. The productivity of offshore areas is dependent on the presence of mangroves along the shores as they provide breeding and spawning grounds for sustaining fish populations. In addition, mangroves become more important in safeguarding these ecological and the biotic dynamics as well as that of hydrological and sedimentation regulatory functions. They protect shorelines from strong wind, erosion, currents, and storing carbon, among other functions. Mangroves are multifunctional ecosystems providing resource provisions and various ecosystem services which support the livelihoods of millions of people in the world. Despite their huge socioeconomic contribution to the nation, mangrove ecosystems are threatened by reclamation, pollution, and other land-use activities resulting in habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. Unsustainable anthropogenic activities continue to undermine the health of these ecosystems, resulting in environmental adversities and declining resources. The issue of how to address mangrove health remains. Are our mangroves healthy enough to sustain these provisioning services for the current and future generations’ well-being?

This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest status and trends in biodiversity, health, and ecosystem services of mangroves, especially in Asia, with several exceptions from mangrove-rich areas beyond Asia. Topics may include: mangrove biodiversity: plant species diversity, mangrove fauna diversity, mangrove fireflies and other insects, genetic differentiation of mangrove species, diversity of mangrove plant families; health of mangrove ecosystem: pest and diseases of mangrove species, mangrove health index, mangrove productivity, mangrove forest regeneration, invasive alien species, pollution; mangrove ecosystem services: plant–animal or –microbes interaction, ecotourism, charcoal production and other products, refugia for migratory birds, Nypa and its services, carbon and climate mitigation; novel approaches: practical conservation management options, methodologies, tools and available best practices and technologies using potential smart automated monitoring system, institutional and governance-related interventions for the sustainable management of mangrove resources, health and ecosystem services.

Prof. Dr. Faridah Hanum Ibrahim
Prof. Dr. Abdul Latiff Mohamad
Dr. Waseem Razzaq Khan
Guest Editors

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Keywords

mangrove biodiversity
mangrove health
mangrove ecosystem services
mangrove ecology
status
trends

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16 pages, 9032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Vulnerability to Cyclone Hazards in the World’s Largest Mangrove Forest, The Sundarbans: A Geospatial Analysis

by Mohammed, Fahmida Sultana, Ariful Khan, Sohag Ahammed, Md. Shamim Reza Saimun, Md Saifuzzaman Bhuiyan, Sanjeev K. Srivastava, Sharif A. Mukul and Mohammed A. S. Arfin-Khan

Forests 2024, 15(10), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15101722 - 29 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1182

Abstract

The Sundarbans is the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest with an area of about 10,000 square kilometers and shared between Bangladesh and India. This world-renowned mangrove forest, located on the lower Ganges floodplain and facing the Bay of Bengal, has long served as a crucial barrier, shielding southern coastal Bangladesh from cyclone hazards. However, the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem is now increasingly threatened by climate-induced hazards, particularly tropical cyclones originating from the Indian Ocean. To assess the cyclone vulnerability of this unique ecosystem, using geospatial techniques, we analyzed the damage caused by past cyclones and the subsequent recovery across three salinity zones, i.e., Oligohaline, Mesohaline, and Polyhaline. Our study also examined the relationship between cyclone intensity with the extent of damage and forest recovery. The findings of our study indicate that the Polyhaline zone, the largest in terms of area and with the lowest elevation, suffered the most significant damage from cyclones in the Sundarbans region, likely due to its proximity to the most cyclone paths. A correlation analysis revealed that cyclone damage positively correlated with wind speed and negatively correlated with the distance of landfall from the center of the Sundarbans. With the expectation of more extreme weather events in the near future, the Sundarbans mangrove forest faces a potentially devastating outlook unless both natural protection processes and human interventions are undertaken to safeguard this critical ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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15 pages, 2239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Productivity of the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve: Review of One of the Best-Managed Mangrove Forests

by Waseem Razzaq Khan, Mohammad Nazre, Seemab Akram, Shoaib Ahmad Anees, Kaleem Mehmood, Faridah Hanum Ibrahim, Syeed SaifulAzry Osman Al Edrus, Abdul Latiff, Zohari Ahmad Fitri, Muhammad Yaseen, Ping Li and Xiaoshan Zhu

Forests 2024, 15(5), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050747 - 25 Apr 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2419

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity and coastal protection but face threats from climate change and human activities. This review assesses the productivity of the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (MMFR) in Malaysia, which is recognised as one of the best-managed mangrove forests, while also addressing challenges such as deforestation and climate change-induced factors. This review explores the concept of productivity in mangrove forests, highlighting their role in carbon sequestration and discussing litterfall measurements as fundamental metrics for assessing primary productivity. An analysis of historical changes in MMFR’s biomass and productivity revealed fluctuations influenced by logging, reforestation, and climatic conditions. Trends in MMFR productivity indicate a concerning decline attributed to anthropogenic activities such as aquaculture and industrial projects. A regression analysis conducted on Rhizophora apiculata data with age as the predictor and AGB as the response variable indicated a positive trend (slope = 3.61, R-squared = 0.686), suggesting a quantitative increase in AGB with age. Further analysis revealed a significant negative trend in MMFR’s overall productivity over years (coefficient = −3.974, p < 0.05) with a strong inverse relationship (rho = −0.818, p < 0.05), indicating declining AGB trends. Despite these challenges, this review underscores the significance of sustainable management practices, effective conservation efforts, and community engagement in maintaining mangrove ecosystem health and productivity. In conclusion, sharing management lessons from MMFR can contribute to global conservation and sustainable mangrove forest management efforts, fostering resilience in these vital ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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15 pages, 2589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Current Status and Potential Invasiveness Evaluation of an Exotic Mangrove Species, Laguncularia racemosa (L.) C.F. Gaertn, on Hainan Island, China

by Cheng Cheng, Xinran Ke, Tao Lang, Cairong Zhong, Xiaobo Lv, Mengwen Zhang, Yu Chen, Zanshan Fang, Haichao Zhou and Yiqing Chen

Forests 2023, 14(10), 2036; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14102036 - 11 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1290

Abstract

Laguncularia racemosa is widely planted in coastal mudflats as a pioneer species of mangrove afforestation in China; however, whether it exhibits invasiveness as an exotic species has been a topic of debate. In this study, we investigated the distribution, community structure, and population characteristics of L. racemosa on Hainan Island, China, to discuss its potential invasiveness. The results showed that Hainan Island has become an important distribution area for L. racemosa in China, covering a total area of 64.90 ha. In this investigation, a total of 11 true mangrove species, belonging to six families and 11 genera, were discovered in the L. racemosa community throughout Hainan Island. Furthermore, L. racemosa exhibited a strong adaptive range to seawater salinity and demonstrated a high capacity for natural dispersion. L. racemosa exhibited high importance values in the tree, shrub, and seedling layers of this artificial community, indicating its dominance and potential exclusion of other mangrove species. Over time, the importance values of L. racemosa in the tree and shrub layers initially decreased and then increased, while the opposite trend was observed in the seedling layer. Overall, the diversity indexes, including the Simpson index, Shannon–Wiener index, and Pielou community evenness index, were low in the planted L. racemosa forest on Hainan Island, suggesting a relatively simple species composition within the L. racemosa community. Additionally, based on the height levels of the L. racemosa population, we found that it mainly belonged to the first level, characterized by a large number of seedlings on Hainan Island. The number of L. racemosa seedlings gradually decreased in subsequent levels, and higher height levels of L. racemosa appeared with longer planting times, indicating a growing trend of potential invasiveness of L. racemosa on Hainan Island over an extended period. We suggest that the government should be able to list L. racemosa as an invasive species that can be harvested in the future. Based on this, this study provides fundamental data and theoretical references for the sustainable prevention, control, and management of the exotic species L. racemosa on Hainan Island, and also in other mangrove wetlands in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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22 pages, 8818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Diversity of Bangka Island’s Mangroves: A Baseline for Effective Conservation and Restoration

by Suci Puspita Sari, Nico Koedam, Aditya Pamungkas, Muhammad Rizza Muftiadi and Frieke Van Coillie

Forests 2023, 14(8), 1666; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081666 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1896

Abstract

The current state of the mangrove ecosystem on Bangka Island requires urgent attention from the local government to protect, restore, and conserve the remaining mangrove areas. Hence, this study endeavors to assess the species composition of mangroves on Bangka Island, examining their correlation with edaphic factors and shedding light on the zonation pattern within the region. We examined species composition, edaphic factors, and zonation patterns along 20 m × 100 m transects perpendicular to the waterfront at 22 sampling sites distributed across Bangka Island. Our findings revealed the presence of 21 mangrove species from ten families, including two mangrove associates. Among the documented species, the Rhizophoraceae family exhibited the highest floristic abundance with nine species. Edaphic factors (soil texture, pore-water salinity, N-total, P, and K) significantly influenced mangrove species composition (p < 0.05). However, these factors explained only 37.2% of the overall variability, suggesting additional factors contribute to the diverse zonation and composition of mangroves on Bangka Island. This study has relevant implications for the conservation and management of mangroves on Bangka Island. By gaining insight into the specific site’s floristic composition, overall richness, and distribution, our findings can guide effective conservation and restoration strategies by understanding the factors shaping mangrove composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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21 pages, 5716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) from a Thermoelectric Power Plant on Morpho-Functional Traits of Rhizophora mangle L. Leaves

by Mariana Ayala-Cortés, Hugo Alberto Barrera-Huertas, Jacinto Elías Sedeño-Díaz and Eugenia López-López

Forests 2023, 14(5), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14050976 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2113

Abstract

A conventional thermoelectric plant (TP) in the sandy bar of the Tampamachoco Lagoon (Gulf of Mexico slope) emits particulate matter (PM) transporting trace metals that affect a mangrove forest. Wind transports the emission plume from north to south in the northerly wind season (NWS); the dry season (DS) showed calm periods. We analyzed whether PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ emissions from the TP and their trace metals impact Rhizophora mangle leaves. The experimental design included three sampling sites along the main lagoon axis (north to south) during the NWS and DS. Mangrove leaves were collected; PM was obtained with a cascade impactor and trace elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Leaves were measured and tested for metal and chlorophyll content, and for metal detection with SEM-EDX. Calm periods in the DS promote high atmospheric PM concentrations. Wet deposition in the NWS caused the highest trace metal deposition on mangrove leaves. A north-to-south gradient was identified on the mangrove forest, being the south site of the lagoon where lower chlorophyll and leaf area, higher stomatal width and density, and higher Cd concentrations were recorded. The morpho-physiological modifications observed on mangrove leaves affect functions such as photosynthesis and gas exchange. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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16 pages, 3024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterisation of Methane Production Pathways in Sediment of Overwashed Mangrove Forests

by Yaya Ihya Ulumuddin, Irawan Sugoro, Sara Beavis, Michael Roderick, Stephen Eggins and Muhammad Rizky Muarif

Forests 2023, 14(3), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030564 - 13 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2018

Abstract

Methane (CH₄) emissions in mangrove ecosystems may complicate the ecosystem’s potential carbon offset for climate change mitigation. Microbial processes and the mass balance of CH₄ in mangrove sediment are responsible for the emissions from the ecosystems. This is the follow up of our previous research which found the super saturation of CH₄ in the pore water of mangrove sediment compared to atmospheric CH₄ and the lack of a correlation between pore water sulphate and CH₄ concentrations. This study is going to investigate methane production pathways in the sediment of overwashed mangrove forests. Two approaches were used to study methanogens here: (1) the spread plate count method and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method, and (2) laboratory experiments with additional methanogenic substrates (methanol, acetate, and hydrogen) to determine which substrates are more conducive to methane production. According to the qPCR method, methanogen abundance ranged from 72 to 6 × 10⁵ CFU g⁻¹ sediment, while SRB abundance ranged from 2 × 10² to 2 × 10⁵ CFU g⁻¹ sediment. According to the plate count method, the abundance of methylotrophic methanogens (the only group of methanogens capable of competing with SRBs) ranged from 8.3 × 10² to 5.1 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹, which is higher than the abundance of the other group of methanogens (0 to 7.7 × 10² CFU g⁻¹). The addition of methanol to the sediment slurry, a substrate for methylotropic methanogens, resulted in a massive production of CH₄ (up to 9 × 10⁴ ppm) and intriguingly the control treatments with autoclaving did not kill methanogens. These findings suggested that mangrove ecosystems in the marine environment provide favourable conditions for methanogens and further characterisation of the methanogen involved in the process is required. As a result, future research in this ecosystem should include methane production in carbon offset calculations, particularly due to methylotropic methanogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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15 pages, 2130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lessons from A Degradation of Planted Kandelia obovata Mangrove Forest in the Pearl River Estuary, China

by Tao Lang, Ping-Ping Wei, Shen Li, Hui-Lan Zhu, Yi-Jian Fu, Ke-Ying Gan, Steven Jing-Liang Xu, Fred Wang-Fat Lee, Feng-Lan Li, Ming-Guo Jiang, Nora Fung-Yee Tam and Hai-Chao Zhou

Forests 2023, 14(3), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030532 - 8 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1932

Abstract

Kandelia obovata (S., L.) Yong and Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. are two dominant mangrove species in the subtropical coastlines of the Pearl River Estuary, China. The main aim of this study was to investigate the specific causes of K. obovata mortality versus S. caseolaris vitality on the west coast of Bao’an, Shenzhen, China and to propose sustainable management strategies for mangrove protection and future ecological planting restoration. Results showed that although both mangroves possessed simple and unstable community structures, S. caseolaris had a more tenacious vitality than the native species K. obovata, indicating that the former possesses stronger adaptability under adversity conditions. Moreover, the salinity of the seawater collection point 5 from the K. obovata plot was found to be lower than that of seawater collection point 1–3 from the S. caseolaris sample plots, indicating that no hydrologic connectivity existed in the K. obovata plots. In addition, the location of the drain outlet (seawater collection point 8) might be another potential risk factor for the dead of near K. obovata forests, implying that they were badly affected by poor oxygen and serious inorganic pollution, such as ammonium nitrogen, total phosphorus, and other inorganic substances. Depending on local circumstances, we should consider strengthening infrastructure construction to activate hydrological connectivity, reinforcing the stability of man-made mangrove communities, and controlling the pollution sources for sustainable mangrove protection and management on the western coast of Bao’an, Shenzhen, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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16 pages, 2129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential of Phylloplane Fungi from Mangrove Plant (Rhizophora apiculata Blume) as Biological Control Agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in Banana Plant (Musa acuminata L.)

by Melya Shara, Mohammad Basyuni and Hasanuddin

Forests 2023, 14(2), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020167 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3265

Abstract

Phylloplane fungi is a non-pathogenic fungi on the leaf surface that can be used to control plant diseases caused by pathogens. One of the most damaging banana plant diseases is fusarium wilt, caused by the pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense (Foc). Mangrove plant Rhizophora apiculate is widely distributed and is a high-diversity area where microorganisms that produce anti-microbial compounds flourish. This plant can be used as a biological agent. This study aims to determine the various phylloplane fungi available from mangrove plant R. apiculata leaves and their potential use against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) in banana plants (Musa acuminata L.). All 20 phylloplane fungi were identified through DNA sequencing with identities of 83.88–100%; of those 20, 3 were found that have antagonistic potential against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc): Lasiodiplodia theobromae (67.43%), Trichoderma harzianum (66.65), and Nigrospora sphaerica (65.33%). In the in vivo tests, the best inhibition of disease incidence was shown by treatment with Lasiodiplodia theobromae (11.11%). The present study confirmed that phylloplane fungi isolated from R. apiculata can inhibit fusarium wilt disease in banana plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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17 pages, 2991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergetic Roles of Mangrove Vegetation on Sediment Accretion in Coastal Mangrove Plantations in Central Thailand

by Sarawan Hongwiset, Chadtip Rodtassana, Sasitorn Poungparn, Suthathip Umnouysin and Vilanee Suchewaboripont

Forests 2022, 13(10), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13101739 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4529

Abstract

Mangrove plantations can potentially restore the vegetation structures protecting coastal areas. In Avicennia alba plantations in central Thailand, we investigated the vegetation structures (trees, seedlings, pneumatophores, and belowground roots), sedimentation rates, and elevation changes over one year across the shore. The results showed a heterogeneous vegetation structure with an increasing tree basal area (BA) and seedling density towards the interior. The pneumatophore quantitative characteristics decreased towards the interior in association with the topographic gradient and inundation period. The sedimentation rates, which were greater in the plantation than on the mudflat, showed a negative correlation with the height, total surface area, and total volume of the pneumatophores. This indicates that the pneumatophores facilitated the transportation of fine sediments into the interior. Our results suggest that an optimal complexity of the aboveground vegetation structure might enhance the sedimentation rates. According to the gradient of tree BA and seedling density, the fine root density increased towards the interior. The monthly elevation changes in the plantation showed less fluctuation than those on the mudflat. The net elevation changes indicated sediment accretion within the plantation and erosion on the mudflat. Our results demonstrate the synergetic roles of mangrove plantations in which the aboveground structures facilitate sediment redeposition and the belowground roots stabilize sediment accretion in coastal areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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17 pages, 7093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing Global Patterns of Mangrove Canopy Height and Aboveground Biomass Derived from SRTM Data

by Aslan Aslan and Mohammed Othman Aljahdali

Forests 2022, 13(10), 1545; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13101545 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3063

Abstract

Numerous studies have been done using remotely sensed data to produce global mangrove height and biomass maps; however, little is known about the worldwide pattern of mangroves in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres that corresponds to their height and biomass. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a specific pattern that can be seen between northern and southern mangroves according to height and biomass. Based on an empirical model, we processed Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) elevation data in combination with 450 field data points to produce a global mangrove height map and its corresponding aboveground biomass (AGB) per hectare at 30 m spatial resolution. We also refined the global mangrove area maps and provided a set of equations to determine the maximum mangrove height at any given latitude. Results showed that 10,639,916 ha of mangroves existed globally in the year 2000, with a total AGB of 1.696 Gt. Even though the areal coverage of mangroves was higher in the Northern Hemisphere, the total mangrove AGB was higher in the Southern Hemisphere. The majority of mangroves in both hemispheres were found to be between 6 and 8 m tall, although height distribution differed in each hemisphere. The global mangrove height equation for northern and southern mangroves produced from this study can be used by relevant stakeholders as an important reference for developing an appropriate management plan for the sustainability of the global mangrove ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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38 pages, 4565 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mangrove Health: A Review of Functions, Threats, and Challenges Associated with Mangrove Management Practices

by Hina Akram, Shoaib Hussain, Purabi Mazumdar, Kah Ooi Chua, Talib E. Butt and Jennifer Ann Harikrishna

Forests 2023, 14(9), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14091698 - 23 Aug 2023

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 30896

Abstract

Mangroves stand out as one of the most diverse and biologically significant natural systems in the world. Playing critical roles in maintaining the health and productivity of coastal ecosystems, mangroves provide a range of services and functions, including habitat for local fauna and flora, food and other goods, carbon sequestration, and protection from natural disasters such as storm surges and coastal erosion. It is also evident that mangroves face several threats, which have already led to the gradual depletion of mangrove areas worldwide. Based on the analysis of current and related historical literature and data, this review summarises mangrove functions and the threats and challenges associated with mangrove management practices. Our findings suggest that coastal development, expanded aquaculture, deforestation, climate change, and other associated implications such as eutrophication, diseases, and pollution are the major factors posing threats to mangrove sustainability. We also highlight the various challenges, such as land use conflict, a lack of stringent regulatory actions, inadequate policy and government frameworks, and a lack of community awareness, that underlie ineffective mangrove management. The implementation of inclusive and coordinated approaches involving stakeholders from different backgrounds and interests, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and academia is essential for mangrove restoration and sustainable mangrove management by adapting mitigation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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32 pages, 7102 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mapping the Link between Climate Change and Mangrove Forest: A Global Overview of the Literature

by Thirukanthan Chandra Segaran, Mohamad Nor Azra, Fathurrahman Lananan, Juris Burlakovs, Zane Vincevica-Gaile, Vita Rudovica, Inga Grinfelde, Nur Hannah Abd Rahim and Behara Satyanarayana

Forests 2023, 14(2), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020421 - 18 Feb 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5919

Abstract

Mangroves play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of coastal regions, particularly in the face of climate change. To gain insight into associations between climate change and mangroves, we conducted bibliometric research on the global indexed database of the Web of Knowledge, Core Collection. A total of 4458 literature were analyzed based on bibliometric information and article metadata through a scientometric analysis of citation analysis as well as a cluster analysis. Results suggest that coastal countries such as the USA, Australia, China, India, and Brazil are showing the recent influential mangrove-related keywords such as blue carbon and carbon stock. Interestingly, the “carbon stock”, “Saudi Arabia”, “range expansion” and “nature-based flood risk mitigation” is among the top cluster networks in the field of climate change and mangrove forest. The present research is expected to attract potential leaders in research, government, civil society, and business to advance progress towards mangrove sustainability in the changing climate meaningfully. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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23 pages, 3072 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review of the Physicochemical and Microbial Diversity of Well-Preserved, Restored, and Disturbed Mangrove Forests: What Is Known and What Is the Way Forward?

by Jiayong Lai, Wee Cheah, Kishneth Palaniveloo, Rempei Suwa and Sahadev Sharma

Forests 2022, 13(12), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13122160 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6587

Abstract

Mangrove forests are salt-tolerant intertidal vegetation in tropical and subtropical areas. Mangrove ecosystems provide commercial products, valuable fisheries, and aquaculture resources, protect and stabilize coastlines, and are important carbon sinks. However, they are threatened globally by human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and development causing fragmentation between the well-preserved, restored, and disturbed mangrove forests. Despite this, mangroves can adapt and strive well and are notable well associated with microbial diversity. Here, we investigate the diversity of microbes in different environmental settings using preferred reporting items for systematic and meta-analyses (PRISMA) analysis for publications from Scopus and the Web of Science databases. We report publications since 1987, and observed an exponential increase in publications beginning in the year 2000, which may be associated with the development of molecular and sequencing technologies. Differences in bacterial diversity was observed across the well-preserved, restored, and disturbed mangrove environments. Disturbed mangrove forests had a higher diversity (70 unique taxon orders reported) compared to well-preserved (33 unique taxon orders reported) and restored forests (38 unique taxon orders reported). Based on our analysis, we found that the microbial community plays an important role in the survival and adaptability of mangroves under varying environmental conditions. Thus, there is a need and a lot of potential for research in the area of mangrove microbiology with reference to ecology, biogeochemistry, and geomorphology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Health, and Ecosystem Services of Mangroves)

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