Southern Africa: Along the coasts of South Africa and Mozambique

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Small patches of mangrove habitat are scattered along the eastern South African and Mozambique coastline. While the total area is small, these habitats are biologically significant, as they are located in the subtropics under the influence of the Agulhas Current, and provide important habitat for breeding and migratory wetland birds, and breeding turtles. They are also known for their rich benthic and aquatic communities, which foster an extensive food web in surrounding habitats. South Africa is the most developed country in the Afrotropical realm, and pollution as well as tourist, harbor and marina development threatens the mangroves here.

  • Scientific Code
    (AT1405)
  • Ecoregion Category
    Afrotropical
  • Size
    400 square miles
  • Status
    Vulnerable
  • Habitats

Description

Location and General Description

Biodiversity Features

Current Status

Types and Severity of Threats

Justification of Ecoregion Delineation
The ecoregion is found within the subtropics where the warm water of the Agulhas Current runs along the eastern coast of South Africa. These are the only subtropical mangrove stands in Africa. The mangrove stands are found only in the most suitable sites, are relatively poor in species compared to the mangroves of Eastern Africa, and are structurally less well developed.

References

Prepared by: Sylvia Tognetti
Reviewed by: