Sunda Shelf mangroves

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Sunda Shelf mangroves
Mangroves
Geography
Area37,529 km2 (14,490 sq mi)
Countries
Conservation
Protected13.16%[1]

The Sunda Shelf mangroves ecoregion, in the mangrove biome, are on the coasts of the islands of Borneo and eastern Sumatra in Malaysia and Indonesia. They are home to the proboscis monkey.

As well as being an important habitat for terrestrial and marine wildlife, mangroves preserve the shape of the coastline.

Flora

There are more plant species here than in most mangrove forests in the world, with five different types of mangrove dominating parts of the region as follows: Avicennia and Sonneratia species on the coast where water is saltiest and the tidal wash strongest; Rhizophoras and Bruguieras in the swampy areas just behind them; and Nypa fruticans palms in the freshwater streams further inland still.[2]

About 28 species of mangroves trees grow in the ecoregion, including

Fauna

Mammals of the mangroves include the proboscis monkey (

Nasalis larvatus), which is endemic to the Bornean mangroves and adjacent lowlands, and is absent from Sumatra.[2]

The mangroves are home to many birds, including the white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), and species of herons, cormorants, plovers, sandpipers, kingfishers, terns, sunbirds, munias, and tailor birds.[2]

Threats and preservation

Mangroves are vulnerable ecosystems as trees are cut for timber, firewood and to clear land for agriculture and urban development such as shrimp farming. This

Gunung Palung National Parks in Indonesia, and on Sumatra Berbak and Sembilang National Parks.[3]

Protected areas include:[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Sunda Shelf mangroves. DOPA Explorer. Accessed 19 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d Wikramanayake, Eric. Sunda Shelf Mangroves. One Earth. Accessed 19 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Sunda Shelf mangroves". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved October 3, 2010.