Propagule predators in Kenyan mangroves and their possible effect on regeneration

Dahdouh-Guebas, F.; Verneirt, M.; Tack, J.F.; Van Speybroeck, D.; Koedam, N.

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Propagule predators in Kenyan mangroves and their possible effect on regeneration

Dahdouh-Guebas, F.; Verneirt, M.; Tack, J.F.; Van Speybroeck, D.; Koedam, N. (1998). Propagule predators in Kenyan mangroves and their possible effect on regeneration. Mar. Freshw. Res. 49(4): 345-350

In: Marine and Freshwater Research. CSIRO: East Melbourne. ISSN 1323-1650; e-ISSN 1448-6059

Available in	Authors
VLIZ: Open Marine Archive 97794 [ download pdf ]

Keywords

ISW, Kenya, Gazi Bay
ISW, Kenya, Mida Creek
Grapsidae MacLeay, 1838 [WoRMS]; Terebralia palustris (Linnaeus, 1767) [WoRMS]
Maftaha Bay [Marine Regions]; Mida creek [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal

Author keywords

mangrove; regeneration; predation; crabs; Terebralia palustris; Kenya

Authors		Top
Dahdouh-Guebas, F., more Verneirt, M. Tack, J.F.	Van Speybroeck, D. Koedam, N.

Abstract

Grapsid crabs can play a considerable role in the predation of mangrove propagules and possibly are a threat to the regeneration of mangroves, whether natural or artificial. Experiments consisting of artificial plantation of mangrove juveniles were set up in Gazi Bay (Kenya). Grapsid crabs, particularly Neosarmatium meinerti in the most landward fringe and N. smithii and Sesarma guttatum in the middle fringe of the mangrove forest, were found to be a regeneration-limiting factor. Almost 100% (n = 40) of the landward plantations were cleared. There was a slight initial preference for Rhizophora propagules lying horizontally on the mangrove floor, which simulates the position of a stranding propagule. In Mida Creek (Kenya) the snail Terebralia palustris was observed predating mangrove propagules. This study shows that crabs may affect the regeneration potential of mangroves, and snails might also be a factor in predation. A need to actively search for ways to protect reafforestation plots from predators of mangrove tree juveniles is necessary.

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