Red Mangrove

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Mangrove close up © John Shrewsbury

    Mangrove close up © John Shrewsbury

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Red Mangrove © Tim Poole

    Red Mangrove © Tim Poole

Species Data

Common Name Red mangrove
Scientific Name Rhizophora mangle
Spanish Name Manglar rojo
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Least Concern © Dan Wright

Least concern

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Native 

Size Up to 8 m
Plant Class Angiosperm
Habitat Zone Next to the shore, often in water
Seed Dispersal Method Water dispersed (propagules can float on water for long periods of time)
Uses Wood

Species Overview

Mangroves grow in the inter-tidal zone and are an important part of the coastal ecosystem. They provide nursery areas for many different marine species, nesting areas for birds, limit coastal erosion, and reduce the amount of sediment that is washed into the ocean. Mangroves have evolved special aerial roots which allow the trees to ‘breathe’ even when the trunk is submerged. Due to increasing human pressure from coastal development and aquaculture, the global coverage of mangroves has been significantly reduced making the protection of Galapagos mangroves incredibly important.

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