There are about 54 species of trees that are considered mangroves. What makes a tree a mangrove is its location and biology. Mangroves exist in tropical and subtropical saltwater tidal areas. These trees are tolerant to the saltwater, heat, and moisture that exists in these areas, and are valued because they provide a protective barrier against erosion and storms because their root systems can absorb the shock of waves, and can keep sediment from being washed out to sea. Additionally, mangroves create oyster habitats, which can contribute significantly to a coastal community's economy.
Mangroves can be found in many different areas of the world, including parts of Africa, coastal parts of North, Central, and South America, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East, as well as many Caribbean countries, like the Cayman Islands. Mangroves in the Cayman Islands are protected by a National Trust. Cayman mangroves are the red, white, and black varieties, and each type serves a specific function in the delicate ecosystem of Cayman's wetlands.
Hollow black mangroves provide a nesting place for the indigenous parrots of Cayman. The parrot is the national bird of the Cayman Islands, so the mangroves have a twofold ecological importance. One is the importance of the mangroves themselves, and the other is the function of the dead black mangroves as a habitat for a protected and beloved species of bird.
Red mangrove provide a safe haven for certain types of fish who can hide in the colorful roots from predators and make their home there feeding on the smaller fish that congregate there. Red mangroves can grow up to 80 feet high, but the standard height is 20 feet in most areas.
The mangroves in general provide a home for turtles and lobsters in their root systems, and underwater trees provide a home for creatures such as crabs, shrimp, oysters, and snails. While this fertile area would provide a great place for snorkeling, many of the mangrove areas are off-limits to tourists, as the mangroves are protected and some visitors have been unkind to the mangroves, pulling some out and cutting off pieces as souvenirs.
The Cayman trust for the mangrove wetland recognizes the importance of the mangroves for preventing erosion, and for protection against storms like hurricanes. In addition, they recognize that the mangroves act like sponges, absorbing large amounts of fresh rainwater and releasing it into the air, rather than letting it disturb the delicate ecosystem that thrives in its roots and shallows.
The biggest threat facing the mangrove wetlands in the Cayman Islands is man, or more to the point, development. Since the 1980's, more and more of Cayman's environmental areas have fallen victim to land development for residential and tourist areas. The prime real estate is on the waterfront, and as many mangrove swamps have been obliterated to make room for hotels, condos, and homes.
Some of Cayman's mangroves are protected by the national trust and by certain animal sanctuaries, but more and more mangroves are destroyed every year. There is currently an effort in place to protect all of the remaining mangroves in the Caymans.
Mangroves can be found in many different areas of the world, including parts of Africa, coastal parts of North, Central, and South America, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East, as well as many Caribbean countries, like the Cayman Islands. Mangroves in the Cayman Islands are protected by a National Trust. Cayman mangroves are the red, white, and black varieties, and each type serves a specific function in the delicate ecosystem of Cayman's wetlands.
Hollow black mangroves provide a nesting place for the indigenous parrots of Cayman. The parrot is the national bird of the Cayman Islands, so the mangroves have a twofold ecological importance. One is the importance of the mangroves themselves, and the other is the function of the dead black mangroves as a habitat for a protected and beloved species of bird.
Red mangrove provide a safe haven for certain types of fish who can hide in the colorful roots from predators and make their home there feeding on the smaller fish that congregate there. Red mangroves can grow up to 80 feet high, but the standard height is 20 feet in most areas.
The mangroves in general provide a home for turtles and lobsters in their root systems, and underwater trees provide a home for creatures such as crabs, shrimp, oysters, and snails. While this fertile area would provide a great place for snorkeling, many of the mangrove areas are off-limits to tourists, as the mangroves are protected and some visitors have been unkind to the mangroves, pulling some out and cutting off pieces as souvenirs.
The Cayman trust for the mangrove wetland recognizes the importance of the mangroves for preventing erosion, and for protection against storms like hurricanes. In addition, they recognize that the mangroves act like sponges, absorbing large amounts of fresh rainwater and releasing it into the air, rather than letting it disturb the delicate ecosystem that thrives in its roots and shallows.
The biggest threat facing the mangrove wetlands in the Cayman Islands is man, or more to the point, development. Since the 1980's, more and more of Cayman's environmental areas have fallen victim to land development for residential and tourist areas. The prime real estate is on the waterfront, and as many mangrove swamps have been obliterated to make room for hotels, condos, and homes.
Some of Cayman's mangroves are protected by the national trust and by certain animal sanctuaries, but more and more mangroves are destroyed every year. There is currently an effort in place to protect all of the remaining mangroves in the Caymans.
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