Digital Tobago : Wildlife - Mangrove Introduction

Seen as nothing more than Mosquito hatcheries and wastelands Mangrove forests have suffered at the hand of man for centuries, What has taken nature millions of years to build, we have all but destroyed in a couple of hundred years. Perhaps it’s time to revise our perspective about this valuable natural resource.

Tobago’s Mangrove woodlands originated between 23 and 66 million years ago from propagules dispersed from Mangroves in the Indo-Malayan region and borne by ocean currents the propagules of these early species dispersed westward towards India and East Africa, and east across the Americas and throughout the Caribbean through an open sea way where Panama lies today.

The Mangrove woodlands are made up of taxonomically diverse, salt-tolerant tree and other plant species which through special adaptation allows them to survive in the harsh saline conditions where other plant life cannot survive. These complex ecosystems are found between latitudes 32 degrees north and 38 degrees south along tropical coasts around the world, and are made up of approximately 54 - 75 species in 16 - 24 families but are limited to around 4 species throughout the Caribbean and south America. Tobago’s mangrove’s are made up of predominantly Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), while White Mangrove (Lauguncularia racemosa) is also common. Black Mangrove (Avicenna germinans) and button Mangrove are also present.

Kilgywn Mangrove lies on the Atlantic coast from the end of Crown Point airfield through to Friendship estate and is a small but vital wetland habitat that has been used and abused for centuries. From cotton planters who cut the Mangrove into working sections, (a late 19th Century Peter Yeovil engine still stands amongst the twisted undergrowth, and cotton still grows in some area’s) right through to the extension of the airfield to accommodate international arrivals, Kilgwyn Mangrove has reached that critical stage where it’s demise, and that of it’s varied inhabitants, is almost imminant. Residential and industrial development continue to eat away at important woodlands surround the Mangrove, while rising sea levels eat directly at the coastal side of the forest. Internally, hunting and Crab catching activities demand a heavy toll on both Flora and Fauna alike.

The seed of the Red Mangrove sits atop a long narrow sturdy stem that is weighted at the end and designed to plant itself firmly in the damp soil below the tree, or survive long ocean voyages due to it’s buoyant nature.

There is a growing population of Herons in the Mangrove, forced here as a last retreat. As development continues unabated in Tobago and the wider region. These magnificent birds, and many other species of resident and migratory birds, are running out of suitable roosting, nesting and feeding grounds, their very existence the price for urban and tourism development.

There will be following articles posted that delve a little deeper into various aspects of The Kilgwyn Mangrove, not only looking at the threats to it’s imminent demise, but also looking at opportunities that saving this magnificent natural habitat present, and the diverse life that it supports.

This small and unique forest ecosystem is dying, literally being eaten alive, and any chances of long term sustain ability are negligible. While Kilgwyn Mangrove’s future appears bleak, there is always hope that such a spectacular array of natures diversity can be appreciated for it’s true value. And while life in the Mangrove continues to struggle against the odds, more and more, governments, organisations and regular folk grow in their understanding of the importance of these complex habitats. The Mangrove now represents only a wilted shadow of it’s former self and unless positive action can be taken, and taken comparatively quickly, it’s existence will become confined to the journals of history. The vast majority of it’s inhabitants, both resident and migratory, will perish. The loss would prove incalculable.

Leasehold land has been cleared through a hole left specifically in the perimeter fence, both contractor and leaseholder showing complete disregard for the Mangrove and it’s inhabitants, their only concern being the almighty dollar. The long term consequences of this action will prove devastating to the several hundred Heron that are currently roosting and nesting less that 100 feet from this spot.