Red mangrove (forest)

Red mangroves are distributed throughout the tropics. These trees are capable of whitstanding extreme fluctuations in salinity through specialized salt-expelling leaves. The complex prop-root system of mangroves act as a safe haven for many juvenile reef fish, and are nursery grounds for important commercial species such as for example barracuda.

Above the surface the dense foliage and complex branch system make important habitats for many bat, reptile and parrot species to mention some.