The Mangroves of Bocas del Toro
Saturday, November 29, 2008 10:07
The mangrove is a species of tree that is vital to both an abundance of land and marine life. The mangroves are predominantly the Red Mangrove, or as known in botanical terms the rizophora mangle.
The mangroves of Bocas del Toro grow on the shores of the mainland of Panama as well as the numerous islands in the Bocas del Toro area. These mangroves are a vital habitat for conches, shrimps, crabs and snappers from a protection against their natural predators. These areas in Bocas del Toro also accommodate very important species of starfish, needlefish and barracudas, which are part of the delicate and intricate eco system within the Bocas del Toro islands and coast line.
Bocas del Toro areas covered with the mangroves are protected from erosion and storms, as the mangroves anchor the sediments and soil within these areas, acting on a land reclamation basis, as these mangroves grow.
Unfortunately the mangroves are under threat due to expanding tourism and commercial projects. A lot of the mangroves are used as construction poles, as well as in the production of charcoal. The surrounding areas are also are over fished by net fishing which in turn threaten the myriad of marine life that inhabit the coves and channels.
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