Mangroves is a habitat for many different species of organisms. Mangroves provide shelter, food, nurseries, and even protects the shoreline when there are major storms. Organisms that live in the mangroves range from small critters to large animals. A total of 220 fish species, 181 bird species, 24 reptiles, 18 mammal species and filter feeders are present in the mangroves. The mangroves are also inhabited by insects such as spiders, termites, ants and moths.
Filter feeders, which are usually barnacles and oysters attach themselves to the roots of the mangroves. They are important to the mangrove environment because they filter organic matter that is flowing in with the tide. Crabs are also considered another important animal in the mangroves. Crabs help maintain the biodiversity of the environment by burrowing in the sediment, preying on mangrove seedlings, and they help with the decomposition of litter and help convert detritus energy to the birds and fish. Fiddler crabs are an example of species that leaves near the mangroves. Fiddler crabs have an enlarged claw that they wave in the air when they are looking for a mate.
The Mangroves are a great place for birds to nest and feel protected. Not only do the mangroves provide shelter to the birds they also provide a food source for them and their young. The birds like to search and catch fish in the shallow waters. The nest of these birds are high above on the mangrove tree branches. Coastal birds that migrate to the mangroves consist of Blue Heron, Egret, Brown Pelican, and Osprey to name a few. These birds can be found during the dry months which occurs November through April.
There are a wide variety of fishes that use the mangroves as a nursery and for protection. The fish can be found swimming around and through the roots of red mangrove. Some examples of fishes that you will see are sheepshead, gobies, schoolmasters, grunts, and gray snappers. Predator fishes also take advantage of the mangroves and prey on the fish that live there. The Florida Gar and the Spotted Seatrout are top predators that can bee seen in the mangrove. Roots of the mangroves provide protection of the juvenile fishes until they are grown and are capable of avoiding most predators. The sport and commercial fishing industries rely on the mangroves to provide nursery areas. As the mangroves are destroyed the sport and commercial fishing industries decline as well.
Overall, the many animals that live and pass through the mangroves rely on them for food, protection, and reproducing which makes this environment vital to the many different species that take up residence here. There is so much more to learn about the mangroves and the animals that live there, so if you want to take a deeper dive into the mangroves take a look at the links below.
This post definitely sparked my interests. It made me wonder how many of these animals we may see in the area. Sure, crabs and snappers are common in this area, but what less-common species will we see? Is it possible that we may see a panther even though they were mostly driven out? Due to the recent oil spill, will we see any species of fish or bird that may have migrated away from the oil? I would personally love to see an otter here, they're so cute!
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