The mangroves of Africa: A review

Abstract

Mangroves are highly productive, dynamic ecosystems that occur in intertidal areas in tropical and temperate regions. These woody trees or shrubs are important because of their global extent and high productivity. Africa has 20 % of global mangroves, with 74 % on the west coast and 26 % on the east coast. Mangroves occur in 19 African countries on the west coast and 15 on the east coast. This review gives an overview of the importance, losses, current areas and distribution of mangroves in Africa, using current data based on Global Mangrove Watch maps. It then summarizes the ecosystem services provided by mangroves and examines threats to their survival from anthropogenic factors such as harvesting, pollution and conversion to aquaculture and agriculture. It also examines treats from natural factors such as climate change and sea level rise. It discusses the status of mangroves in each country and makes recommendations for management and conservation.

Keywords: Climate change; Conservation; Deforestation; Ecosystem services; Management; Nursery function; Sea-level rise.