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Estuarine Ecosystem Article
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The Mangrove Ecosystem
from:The mangrove ecosystem covers the flora, fauna and ground conditions with in the parameters of a mangrove. From the climatic conditions to the members and relationships in the food chain, the mangrove ecosystem is dependant on the major resources available. The mangrove ecosystem is unique to its area between brackish and fresh water. The mangroves are vital to filtering out the salt from the water to enable the trees to grow.
The fauna in a mangrove ecosystem will include the minute and the massive. The mangrove ecosystem offers shelter and living conditions to insects, birds, arachnids and mammals, from the tiny bush mouse to large mammals, lizards or water dwelling predators.
In the mangrove ecosystem the smallest creatures and plants are still important to the structure of the environment. From the smallest gnat to the largest predator, the relationship between the food chain is vital to the balance of the ecosystem.
Even the plants of the mangrove will become fodder for larger herbivores or small fish and water dwelling creatures. The mangrove ecosystem is balanced by the resources available. The number of trees is maintained by the number of animals or insects using them for their lifestyle or food sources. If the number of predators in the mangrove ecosystem should alter, then the food chain would be unbalanced right down to the fundamental level. Even a slight alteration in the mangrove ecosystem, due to floods, pollution, drought or human intervention, can lead to the destruction of the mangrove ecosystem itself.
The mangrove ecosystem is reliant on the balance being maintained, between growth and decay. While rotting plants, brackish water, carcasses and mulch can offer sustenance to some creatures, the death of a plant is still part of the mangrove ecosystem. The mulch provides the ideal place for germination of other seeds. All this is part of the balance of the mangrove ecosystem.
The mangrove ecosystem includes the life cycle of the larger animals too. Their living, reproducing, hunting and dying all effect the way the mangrove ecosystem achieves balance. Any variation to the numbers of creatures within the mangrove ecosystem could change the fragile balance drastically. Too few predators could mean an over production of marine life that relies on the mangroves. Once the balance is lost, it can be impossible to regain.
The delicate balance of the mangrove ecosystem is vital to the health and vitality of the mangrove itself. From climate conditions, water quality and quantity, to human intervention, or exploitation, the mangrove ecosystem is prone to influences that can alter it forever.
Estuarine Ecosystem Specific links
Estuarine Ecosystem News
Step Up Efforts to Protect Biodiversity - Molewa - AllAfrica.com
 Times LIVE | Step Up Efforts to Protect Biodiversity - Molewa AllAfrica.com The 2011 report is a comprehensive technical assessment of South Africa's biodiversity and ecosystems across terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine environments. The assessment focuses on spatial biodiversity information including species and ... SA wetlands under threat |
Long Island Wineries Set Out to Prove Their Green Cred - Wine Spectator
Long Island Wineries Set Out to Prove Their Green Cred Wine Spectator In an attempt to protect that fragile ecosystem and set an example, a group of producers—Bedell Cellars, Channing Daughters, Martha Clara Vineyards and Shinn Estate—have banded together to create a Long Island-specific sustainability code and ... |
Cape, county to cooperate on spreader - Pine Island Eagle
Cape, county to cooperate on spreader Pine Island Eagle The lift was taken down with the county's support to alleviate any further damage to the estuary and to provide the estuary with a chance to recover. The county now wants the barrier reinstalled. The city, however, does not. |
The Guide's Forecast: May 23 - May 29 - OregonLive.com
The Guide's Forecast: May 23 - May 29 OregonLive.com Although it seems the population isn't as prolific as it was last year, fish should be available on most north coast streams but larger fish are commonly found in the estuary ecosystem at this time of year, feeding on salmon fry and small baitfish. |
Mangrove reforestation - Business Mirror
 Business Mirror | Mangrove reforestation Business Mirror MANGROVES are tropical, salt-tolerant medium-height trees and plants that straddle inter-tidal zones around estuaries and lagoons in tropic and subtropics. Mangrove forests, classified as estuarine wetlands, are valued for their diverse ecosystem ... |