Guianan-Amazon Mangroves - A Global Ecoregion
Largest mangrove complex in the neotropics, adapted to high tidal fluctuations
Snapshot: Ecoregion 141
Size:
31,855 sq. km (12,300 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Mangroves
Geographic Location:
Northern South America - Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
Conservation Status:
Relatively Stable/Intact
Quiz Time!
Do mangroves need saltwater to grow and survive?
Answer:
No, Mangrove trees do not require saltwater to live. They just tolerate the saltwater better than other species and were able to thrive in this habitat when most other tree species could not.
About the Area
This Global ecoregion is made up of these terrestrial ecoregions: Amapa mangroves; Maranhao mangroves; Pará mangroves; Guianan mangroves.
The mighty Orinoco and Amazon rivers, along with many smaller rivers and streams, create a vast network of swamps, wet savannas, and mangroves that constitute the Guianan-Amazon Mangroves ecoregion.Together these habitats support a great diversity of wildlife, including large populations of migratory birds and fish.
Local Species
Five species of mangrove occur here, including the red, white, and black mangroves. These are often found in different zones related to the amount of time they spend in saltwater. The ecoregion contains marshes with dense, tall grasses; elsewhere, trees and bushes grow in deep, still swamps.
Characteristic species include Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) , Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Caribbean manatee (Trichetus manatus), American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), and Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis).
Threats
The development of chemical complexes, oil refineries, sedimentation from agriculture, and urban and recreational facilities represent an important threat to the area. Mangrove leveling for development represents another general cause of habitat destruction.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
