ISSN:
1573-5117
Schlagwort(e):
coastline configuration
;
mangrove
;
selective death
;
Mozambique
Quelle:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Thema:
Biologie
Notizen:
Abstract Changes in coastline configuration and sand movements on Portuguese Island, a small island lying close to Inhaca Island 35 km east of Maputo, Mozambique have resulted in large areas of the Island being eroded away and consequent restricted tidal recharge of the mangrove. Measurements made during 1989 show that flooding of the mangrove occurred on only three occasions. Percentage mortality of the dominant species,Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C. B. Robinson., is high. However, at the time of the study, the co-dominant,Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam., showed no signs of stress. Halophytic conditions are indicated by an invasive spread of salt-tolerant herbs. All species of crustaceans and molluscs have disappeared from the mangrove. Although mortality ofC. tagal is high, the regeneration status of this species is also high, comparable to that in a regularly recharged mangrove on Inhaca Island. It is suggested thatC. tagal propagules were shed under conditions when seedling establishment was favorable i.e. flooding. These seedlings may represent the last cohort which may also suffer stress and death unless tidal recharge is re-established.
Materialart:
Digitale Medien
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00008204
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