BY RACHEL JACKSON THE MANGROVE SWAMPS

LOCATION Mangrove swamps are coastal wetlands found in tropical and subtropical regions. These wetlands are often found in estuaries, where fresh water meets salt water. In North America, they are found from the southern tip of Florida along the Gulf Coast to Texas. Florida's southwest coast supports one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world.

PRECIPITATION The precipitation averages annually about 4.5 meters. During the rainy season when most of the rain falls the salinity (salt) decreases greatly because the rain washes it away.

TEMPUTATURE Tidal Mangrove Swamps are found to grow best in temperatures 66 degrees F or higher. If the temperature fluctuates more than 40 degrees F in a short period of time the mangroves can not survive either.

AMOUNT OF LIGHT The amount of light in the mangrove swamps are different because the mudflat is exposed to sunlight whereas the land in the mangrove swamps are not exposed to sunlight due to the big mangrove leaves, giving a shade.

AIR QUALITY AND SALINITY One of the biggest challenges is the salinity, or the amount of salt in the water. The water in a mangrove swamp is so salty it would kill most plants. But the roots of red mangroves contain a waxy substance that helps keep salt out. Lack of oxygen is also a huge challenge in mangrove forests. The soil is covered with salt water every time the tide comes in. Salt water’s low oxygen level means bacteria can thrive. These bacteria free up chemicals and substances harmful to plants, like phosphates, sulfides, and methane. So mangrove trees grow systems of roots that “breathe” through knobby holes called lenticels. They take in carbon dioxide directly from the air, instead of from the soil like other plants.

NUTRIENT LEVEL : Mangroves are very important to the adjacent coral reefs in that they filter out silt and nutrients that would otherwise go out to the reef and smother corals and encourage algal growth. These roots are firmly mired in the organic muck; decomposition in this muck releases nutrients that the tree can use, but there is no oxygen.

COMMON SPECIES (VEGETATION) Obviously, the main vegetation in the mangrove swamps is the mangrove trees. Mangroves are hardy and can live in such rough conditions because they are able to absorb carbon dioxide through the air and can filter salt water, unlike most species of trees.

COMMON SPECIES (ANIMAL) Mangrove forests are nesting grounds for hundreds of species of birds. They’re home to manatees, monkeys, turtles, fish, monitor lizards, and, in parts of Asia, the fishing cat.

ENDANGERED SPECIES (ANIMAL) In Florida, mangroves shelter endangered species such as hawksbill turtles, bald eagles, and American crocodiles.

ENDANGERED SPECIES (VEGETATION) Mangrove trees (Red, White and Black) are on the endangered species list. Because they thrive in areas also popular for building beach homes and resorts, they were cut down until about 60% of the population was wiped out. Organizations are now working tirelessly to bring back the trees, but it won’t be easy.

MAN’S INFLUENCE CAUSE Today mangrove forests are one of the most threatened habitats in the world. Mangrove roots are very susceptible to pollutants like crude oil clogging their lenticels, and continual flooding from artificial dikes and sea walls. Mangroves act as sinks which concentrate pollutants like sewage, toxic minerals and pesticides and herbicides. EFFECT Over time the stress of the pollutants and reduced light kill large areas of mangroves forests. Mangrove wood also makes a superior kind of charcoal and many trees are being cut down to sustain local charcoal industries.