Ecology of the mangroves of south Florida: a community profile

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5137473

Odum, W E; McIvor, C C; Smith, III, T J

A detailed description is given of the community structure and ecosystem processes of the mangrove forests of south Florida. This description is based upon a compilation of data and hypotheses from published and unpublished sources. Information covered ranges from details of mangrove distribution, primary production, and diseases to asepcts of reproduction, biomass partitioning, and adaptations to stress. Mangrove ecosystems are considered in terms of zonation, succession, litter fall and decomposition, carbon export, and energy flow. Most of the components of mangrove communities are cataloged and discussed; these include mircoorganisms, plants other than mangroves, invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Finally, two sections summarize the value of mangrove ecosystems to man and present ways to manage this type of habitat. It is concluded that mangrove forests, which cover between 430,000 and 500,000 acres (174,000 to 202,000 ha) in Florida, are a resource of great value and should be protected and preserved wherever possible.

• Research Organization: Virginia Univ., Charlottesville (USA). Dept. of Environmental Sciences
• OSTI ID: 5137473
• Report Number(s): FWS/OBS-81/24; ON: DE82904664
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510100 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COASTAL REGIONS
COMMUNITIES
DISTRIBUTION
ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
ECOLOGY
ENERGY BUDGETS
FEDERAL REGION IV
FLORIDA
MANAGEMENT
MANGROVES
MINERAL CYCLING
NORTH AMERICA
PLANT DISEASES
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
RECOMMENDATIONS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
TREES
USA