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Mangroves
Mangroves, mangrove forests or ‘mangals,’ are general terms used to describe a range of inshore communities dominated by several species of trees or shrubs that grow in salt water.
There are approximately 90 species of ‘mangrove tree’ found worldwide with Australia the home of over 30 species making it an important community centre.
All mangroves have evolved from a single species and in the Pittwater there are generally two – the River mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum) and the more common Grey mangrove (Avicennia marina).
Mangroves have developed many unique adaptations for living in an extreme salty environment including the ability to excrete salt through the leaves, developed extensions (pneumatophores) rising from the roots to absorb more oxygen, and have a specialised reproduction method where the seed germinates on the tree (vivipary).
Mangrove forests also act as important nurseries for fish, prawns and home many other species such Australia’s only nocturnal heron, the Nankeen night heron.
Human impact on mangroves can be potentially severe, these specialised ecosystems require intensive management, activities such as trawling, dredging and development are having detrimental effects on the long-term survival chances of mangrove habitats.
Pittwater Council has incorporated Mangrove Conservation into its Development Control Plan so as to assist and guide developers and the community into the right direction when related matters arise.
Where in Pittwater are they found?
On the lower intertidal mudflats at:
- Crescent Reserve
- Refuge Cove
- Saltpan Reserve
- Careel Bay
- Winnererremy Bay
- Churchpoint
- Bayview
- Winji Jimmi
- Browns Bay
- the Western Foreshores of Pittwater - Lovett Bay North & Towlers Bay | Lovett Bay South & Elvina Bay
What plants dominate them?
- Avicenia marina
- Aegiceras corniculatum