Bruguiera hainesii

Threats 5

Major Threats

This species has very low rates of propagation and low rates of germination. It is threatened by extensive coastal development within its range, especially as it occurs primarily in back mangrove areas. There has been at least a 27% loss of mangrove area in countries within this species range between 1980 and 2005 (FAO 2007).

All mangrove ecosystems occur within mean sea level and high tidal elevations, and have distinct species zonations that are controlled by the elevation of the substrate relative to mean sea level. This is because of associated variation in frequency of elevation, salinity and wave action (Duke et al. 1998). With rise in sea-level, the habitat requirements of each species will be disrupted, and species zones will suffer mortality at their present locations and re-establish at higher elevations in areas that were previously landward zones (Ellison 2005). If sea-level rise is a continued trend over this century, then there will be continued mortality and re-establishment of species zones. However, species that are easily dispersed and fast growing/fast producing will cope better than those which are slower growing and slower to reproduce.

In addition, mangrove area is declining globally due to a number of localized threats. The main threat is habitat destruction and removal of mangrove areas. Reasons for removal include cleared for shrimp farms, agriculture, fish ponds, rice production and salt pans, and for the development of urban and industrial areas, road construction, coconut plantations, ports, airports, and tourist resorts. Other threats include pollution from sewage effluents, solid wastes, siltation, oil, and agricultural and urban runoff. Climate change is also thought to be a threat, particularly at the edges of a species range. Natural threats include cyclones, hurricane and tsunamis.

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) wan_hong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/10382320@N08/3880632555/
  2. (c) wan_hong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/10382320@N08/3880665497/
  3. (c) Ria Tan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsingapore/5354409858/
  4. (c) Ria Tan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsingapore/5003103520/
  5. (c) International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/30964688

More Info

iNat Map