Additional information on mangrove distribution in Kenya: Some observations and remarks

Abstract

The distribution of mangroves in the tropics is linked with the presence of estuaries and creeks. There is a consensus that river discharges into the oceans cause the brackish water micro-environment; which is the key factor for development of mangroves and that in sheltered conditions they form luxuriant forests. In Kenya a similar pattern exists, but with some specific differences. For example there no mangrove trees in the estuary of River Sabaki despite the fact that it is a permanent river. In addition, the bulk of the mangrove forest cover occurs in creeks and estuaries of seasonal rivers. There also mangrove trees growing at places without any river inputs, such as: in front of rocky cliffs where there is heavy wave action; in the sheltered inlets of the sea whose ambient water salinities are oceanic i.e. 35%; in a sheltered site behind the high rocky cliffs at Bamburi where some mangroves are thriving successfully. These niches occupied by some of the mangroves in Kenya appear to be exceptional at first sight. As these exceptions are most interesting we set forth to study the microenvironment of the lone mangrove of Kanamai; the estuarine system at Gazi mangrove swamp; the Mida creek mangrove ecosystem with an aim of explaining the distribution patterns of the mangroves in Kenya.