Central African Mangroves

The Central African mangroves region is characterized by mangroves growing on the fertile river mouths and lagoons. They contain tall trees measuring up to 150 feet in height. Mangroves thrive in humid tropical climates where the sea is warm, and therefore they have thrived at the mouth of the Muni River. The region has five main species of mangrove which are, the red mangrove, the black mangrove, the white mangrove, the Rhizophora racemosa and, the Rhizophora harrisonnii. A palm species, Nypa fruticans, was introduced from Asia. Apart from being the source of tributaries and creating build-ups of nutrient rich soils on the river banks, the mangroves are home to a vast collection of wildlife. There are a large number of oysters, crabs, fish and other invertebrates sheltering ad spawning in the ecoregion. There are also some primates and turtles found in the mangroves. There are birds which are permanent inhabitants in the region while others just stay for some time during the migration period.