The Mangroves

Next, we traveled through the mangrove forest, a crucial site for fish breeding.  At low tide, we were able to see three of the eleven different types of mangroves present in East Africa.  Their incredible roots exposed for our viewing pleasure.  Mangroves are a natural barrier to decrease erosion and flooding on the island.  Without them, the island would not survive.  The mangroves have incredible behavioral adaptations.  The cell membranes of the batrus roots remove excess salt from the ocean water so that the mangrove tree can survive.  Furthermore, the tree also drops it’s leaves into the water to absorb the salt.  It’s not often that we think of plants with such behavioral adaptations.  Due to climate change, the water table is constantly rising and the manmade boardwalk through the mangroves needs to be replaced every 12 or so years.