Mangrove vegetation in Amazonia: a review of studies from the coast of Pará and Maranhão States, north Brazil

Abstract

The present study is a compilation of the literature about vegetation of mangrove forest of the north coast of Brazil. it synthesizes the knowledge about this important ecosystem and lists the currently available literature. The study focuses on the coast of Pará and Maranhão states, which are covered by a continuous belt of mangroves. The mangrove flora comprises six mangrove tree species and several associated species. Mangrove tree height and stem diameter vary as a function of abiotic local stand parameters. seasonal variation in rainfall and salinity affect the species' phenology and litter fall. local population use products derived from mangrove plants for different purposes (e.g. fuel; medicinal; rural construction). The increase in the coastal population has given rise to conflicts, which impact on mangrove forest.Key words: Amazonian mangroves, phenology, litter fall, herbivory, anthropic impacts Vegetação de manguezais na Amazônia: uma revisão dos estudos da costa dos Estados Pará e Maranhão, norte do Brasilresumo O presente estudo apresenta uma compilação da literatura sobre a vegetação dos manguezais da costa norte do Brasil, apresentando uma síntese do conhecimento e listando a literatura disponível. O estudo se concentra na costa dos estados do Pará e Maranhão que formam um cinturão contínuo de manguezais . Foram contabilizadas seis espécies arbóreas exclusivas de mangue e várias outras associadas. A altura e o diâmetro das árvores de mangue variam em função de parâmetros abióticos locais. As variações sazonais do regime de chuvas e da salinidade afetam a fenologia das espécies e a produção de serapilheira. A população costeira utiliza a flora do manguezal para diferentes fins (ex: combustível, medicinal, construção rural). O aumento da ocupação costeira inicia um processo de impacto para as florestas de mangue e a disponibilidade de seus recursos.

Are the Species of the Genus Avicennia L. (Acanthaceae) a “Superhost” Plants of Gall-Inducing Arthropods in Mangrove Forests?

“…In addition to the wide distribution of this genus, where Avicennia species occur they are often abundant and the dominant species. These characteristics, together with the reduced plant diversity of the mangrove ecosystem on a regional scale (Menezes et al 2008), are probably among the key factors to determine the preference of endophytic herbivores for this species.…”

Spatial Assessment of the Bioclimatic and Environmental Factors Driving Mangrove Tree Species’ Distribution along the Brazilian Coastline

“…However, a study conducted by Menezes et al [71] in the Amazonia mangroves has shown that R. racemosa and R. harrisonii has a disjunct distribution. Wherever available, we used site-specific information (the absence of R. mangle in Camboriú), but given that this information is not systematically available for all species, we often focused on the limits of all species, keeping in mind the environmental range that species had to go through to reach their limit in the direction of higher latitudes.…”

Systematic Planning and Ecosystem-Based Management as Strategies to Reconcile Mangrove Conservation with Resource Use

“…The Bragança peninsula is the data-richest area in this mangrove belt, due to intensive research work developed through the MADAM Project and subsequent projects (SaintPaul and Schneider, 2016). Geomorphological and hydrographic conditions (Souza Filho and Paradella, 2002) as well as vegetation patterns (Menezes et al, 2008), are likely similar throughout the northern mangrove region. Research gaps remain, however, as to whether data and assessment applied to the local level could be scaled up to support a regional approach to management.…”