mangrove forests the saloum river delta area senegal west africa

navigate by keyword : africa area artisanal biodiverse biodiversity birds bivalves buffer chain coast coastal communities complex crustaceans delta ecosystem erosion fauna fish fisherfolk fisheries fishermen fishing floodings food forests fruit grounds habitat hurricanes intertidal magrove mangrove mangroves medicines mud mudflats natural nursery oysters protection river saloum security sediments senegal shellfish shelter soild trees trophic west western wood zone

Mangrove forests in the Saloum river Delta area, Senegal, West Africa Royalty Free Stock Photo

Mangrove forests in the Saloum river Delta area, Senegal, West Africa

The Saloum river delta is located approximately in the center of the Senegalese coast, close to the northern border with The Gambia. Mangroves are amongst the most productive ecosystems in the planet. There are about 80 species of mangrove trees. Magrove forests have a key role as nursery areas for juvenile fish, bivalves and crustaceans. In turn, this aquatic biodiversity forms the basis of a complex trophic chain, including innumerable species of birds, such as egrets. Coastal communities located nearby benefit from mangroves rich diversity, recurring to them for food through fishing and harvesting shellfish, wood, fruit and medicines. Moreover, healthy mangroves constitute a crucial protective barrier sheltering the coast from erosion and hurricanes, as well as acting as buffers against floodings and other natural disasters.