Field Guide to
Mangrove Identification and
Community Structure Analysis
ON THE COVER: Mixed species of mangroves in Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines [PHOTO by
MJH Lebata-Ramos]
ISBN 978-971-9931-02-7
Published by:
Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
Aquaculture Department
Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines
Copyright © 2013
Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
Aquaculture Department
Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines
All rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval
system, without permission in writing from the publisher
Photographs, lay-out and graphics by: MJH Lebata-Ramos, except for those with blue borders
from Primavera et al. (2004)
For comments SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department
and inquiries Tigbauan, Iloilo 5021, Philippines
Tel (63-33) 511 9172
Fax (63-33) 511 8709
Email aqdchief@seafdec.org.ph
AQD website www.seafdec.org.ph
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I. Introduction
Mangroves may refer to the constituent plants of tropical intertidal forest communities or
to the whole community itself. They are common on mudflats and banks of tropical and
subtropical rivers and coastlines, existing at the boundary of land and water and receiving
nutrients from both environments. They possess morphological, physiological, biochemical
and reproductive adaptations that enable them to grow in the unstable and harsh tropic
intertidal environment. Morphological and ecophysiological characteristics and adaptations
of mangroves include aerial roots, viviparous embryos, tidal dispersal of propagules, rapid
rates of canopy production, frequent absence of an understorey, absence of growth rings,
wood with narrow, densely distributed vessels, highly efficient nutrient retention
mechanisms, and the ability to cope with salt and to maintain water and carbon balance.
Mangroves are distributed circumtropically. Their distribution is determined by latitude,
temperature (air temperature >20ºC; water temperature ≥24ºC) and coastal aridity. Rainfall
also influences mangrove distribution, largely by its effect on salinity. Mangroves are almost
exclusively tropical and are confined between 30ºN and 30ºS latitudes. On a global scale,
the essential environmental prerequisites for mangrove development are temperature, mud
substrate, protection, salt water, tidal range, ocean currents, and shallow shores.
The mangrove ecosystem is a valuable economic and ecological resource. Mangroves
are an important source of plant and wood products. Mangroves protect shorelines during
storms and typhoons by absorbing wave energy and reducing water velocity. Their root
system assists in binding sediment particles, thereby facilitating accretion and preventing
coastal erosion. Riverine mangroves reduce water velocity by adding flood storage capacity,
thus mitigating flooding. Mangroves maintain estuarine water quality. Suspended matter,
nutrients and heavy metals are reduced by the mangrove root system. The sediment and
nutrient retention function of mangroves provide waters suitable for seagrass and coral reef
development. Mangroves also function as a nursery habitat. As a habitat for a range of
organisms, both from the terrestrial and aquatic environments, mangroves themselves are
unique systems with very high biodiversity.
Approximately 73 species of plants, belonging to 28 genera and 21 families, are
recognized throughout the world as being mangroves. The most diverse mangrove forests
are found in Southeast Asia. Of these 73 species, 37 are found in the Philippines. This Field
Guide to Mangrove Identification and Community Structure Analysis provides a key and
images of plants and plant parts for identifying Philippine mangrove species. This guide was
designed for field use by researchers, government agencies, NGOs, academicians and
students who are actively involve in mangrove research. Aside from the identification key,
the guide includes a definition of terms used, species codes used when identifying
mangroves in the field, instructions on how to lay-out quadrats and conduct mangrove
community structure analysis and the equations needed for the analysis.
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