Colonization of Non-Planted Mangrove Species into Restored Mangrove Stands in Gazi Bay, Kenya

Background

As mangroves are being recognized as some of the world’s most productive ecosystems, restoration efforts are being undertaken around the world. Not all projects are successful, however. This study will potentially help mangrove restoration practitioners with species selection.

Goals & Methods

This study investigates the potential for natural recruitment of non-planted mangrove species into 5-year-old reforested mangrove stands in Kenya’s Gazi Bay. Three different species of mangrove tree plantations were compared, as well as two control sites: a bare mudflat and a natural mangrove forest.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The results show no re-colonization in any of the bare sites, whereas a number of non-planted species had recruited into both the reforested and natural stands. This suggests that the mangrove restoration modified the hydrological and physio-chemical site conditions enough to facilitate the establishment of mangrove propagules.