Mangroves of Kenya: The effects of species richness on growth and ecosystem functions of restored East African Mangrove stands
Background
The authors of the story identify the gaps in long-term studies on the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem services in specific ecosystems. The study focuses on one of these ecosystems: mangroves, examining the effects of species diversity on above ground productivity.
Goals & Methods
The aim of the experiment was to determine the effects of species richness, species identityand environmental variables on aboveground biomassincrement using replanted mangroves at Gazi Bay,Kenya. The study included 32 plots with 8 different treatments and the variables were measured annually between July/August 2004, when they were planted, and 2009.
Conclusions & Takeaways
The study found that Avicennia marina had the best overall growth in mixed-species plots, contributing to a strong specieis selection effect on biomass. The authors conclude that the stages of plant development influence species richness and that various environmental variables can effect the relationship between species richness and ecosystem functions in mangrove forests.
Reference:
Huxham, M., Kairo, J. G., & Skov, M. W. (2006). Mangroves of Kenya: The effects of species richness on growth and ecosystem functions of restored East African Mangrove stands.
Affiliation:
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Keny
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Bangor, UK
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK