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Mangroves are thick groups of trees, which grow along the tropical coastal zones. They represent an essential ecosystem in the close relationship between terrestrial and marine life.
Which kinds of mangroves can we find in the Yucatan Peninsula?
Four species of mangroves live on the Peninsula; they are distributed in a special way along the coast. The four types are: the red mangrove, the black, the white and the "botoncillo". The red ones grow near the coastal line; behind we find the black, next comes the white and finally the "botoncillo".
Why are the mangroves important?
Mangroves have several characteristics that make them an essential part of the coastal ecosystem, for example:-
Mangroves thrive in a mixture of salt and fresh water. Because they grow so close to one another, their roots and branches become large nets that work as filters, letting the water flow but stopping the harmful sediments, that damage the reefs.
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Mangroves provide food and refuge to many terrestrial and marine species. Some of the animals that spend part of their lives living in the mangroves are: sea stars, sponge, anemones, sea urchins, crabs, lobsters, iguanas, snakes, anteaters, lizards and many bird species.
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Besides their essential role in the equilibrium of the terrestrial and marine life, these ecosystems are very limited and in the extinction process, they are so fragile that any minor alteration puts them in great danger.
For all these reasons please be very careful with the mangroves!!!
Help Us protect them. For more information on mangroves please click here
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