Physicochemical Properties of Water, Soil, and Morphological Characteristics of Mangrove Forests in the Island of Kamaran, Al Hodaidah, Yemen

Abstract

Mangrove forest in Yemen is considered one of the most important components of wetlands and as an ecosystem affecting the ecological balance and biodiversity .The target of this study is to analyze the mangrove assemblages on the island of Kamaran, Featuring two species of mangrove trees black mangroves (“Crimea”, Avicennia marina) and red mangroves (“Algendl”, Rhizophora mucronata). This latter is the most widespread on the island. Both species grow indense forests, the study also aims to identify the most important factors contributing to growth and spreading of mangroves. This study is based on field visits, sampling, and physicochemical analysis. The results show that the trees are distinguished in terms of density, propagation, and improvement of soil properties. Avicennia marina has a large ability to grow in soil with varying proportions of sand and clay. Both mangrove species tolerate high salinity values. These results can be used to clarify the difference between mangroves that grow on the islands in areas protected and those that grow on the coasts. They can also contribute to the development of actions aiming to maintain the sustainability of these trees, so they can keep playing their vital role in the ecological balance.