Mangrove Ecosystems

The term ‘mangrove’ covers a diverse range of plants of different taxonomic groups. The 12 species that occur Western Australia represent six families. Mangrove species are grouped together ecologically as they share specialised physiological and ecological adaptations to the challenging intertidal conditions on tropical and subtropical coasts. Mangroves provide a range of important ecosystem services, including coastal stabilisation, primary production and provision of nursery habitat for marine fish.

Mangrove intertidal systems also provide habitat for a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna. This includes guilds of bird and bats species that are largely restricted to mangal and associated littoral habitats. A wide range of marine invertebrate fauna also occurs in the mangrove zone.

Given their ecological importance in coastal settings, mangroves receive special attention in the assessment of proposed ports or other coastal developments. The Environmental Protection Authority has released two Guidance Statements relevant to the protection of mangrove systems in Western Australia.


Terrestrial Flora Mangrove Ecosystems Statutory Framework Publications Links			The term ‘mangrove’ covers a diverse range of plants of different taxonomic groups. The 12 species that occur Western Australia represent six families. Mangrove species are grouped together ecologically as they share specialised physiological and ecological adaptations to the challenging intertidal conditions on tropical and subtropical coasts. Mangroves provide a range of important ecosystem services, including coastal stabilisation, primary production and provision of nursery habitat for marine fish. Mangrove intertidal systems also provide habitat for a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna. This includes guilds of bird and bats species that are largely restricted to mangal and associated littoral habitats. A wide range of marine invertebrate fauna also occurs in the mangrove zone. Given their ecological importance in coastal settings, mangroves receive special attention in the assessment of proposed ports or other coastal developments. The Environmental Protection Authority has released two Guidance Statements relevant to the protection of mangrove systems in Western Australia.