Mangroves

The World Mangrove Atlas is the first significant attempt to provide an overview of the distribution of mangroves worldwide. Mapped data showing the extent of mangroves in over 100 countries have been gathered from a wide range of sources. Mangrove plants include trees, shrubs, ferns and palms. These plants are found in the tropics and sub- tropics on river banks and along coastlines, being unusually adapted to anaerobic conditions of both salt and fresh water environments. These plants have adapted to muddy, shifting, saline conditions. They produce stilt roots which project above the mud and water in order to absorb oxygen. Mangrove plants form communities which help to stabilise banks and coastlines and become home to many types of animals.