Red mangrove

In Palm Beach County, S. terebrans burrows into grounded roots and
trunks of R. mangle causing collapse. This is contrary to previous studies
suggesting this species burrows only into free-hanging roots. Nutrients and C.
virginica cover may affect S. terebrans abundance and distribution. Surveys
show burrowing significantly varies among sites, but not between free-hanging
and grounded roots. Nutrients vary by site, but neither N nor P was correlated
with burrowing. Nutrient treated roots showed no colonization pattern associated
with N or P. Lignin varied among sites, but didn’t affect burrowing. Finally, C.
virginica limited colonization in the portion of R. mangle tissue it covered. The
location of C. virginica on the seaward/landward side was not predictive of
burrowing. R. mangle height and leaves were not negatively affected by cover
treatment or burrowing. Results highlight the need for additional research to
determine the influence of environmental factors on this species interaction.

The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was a period of massive range contraction for
numerous taxa, including the water-dispersed mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle L.
Following the LGM, R. mangle expanded poleward via propagule transport by ocean
currents. In this study, we use microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of
nine R. mangle populations and compare potential expansion pathways that resulted in
the colonization of the Florida peninsula and Caribbean islands. Results show
comparatively greater genetic connectivity between the Caribbean mainland and Florida,
a similar pattern between West Africa and Caribbean islands, and substantial admixture
on the island of San Salvador, the Bahamas. We conclude that Florida and Caribbean
island R. mangle populations were likely recolonized via different expansion pathways.
Estimates of recent migration rates are low and populations are structured into three
regions (Caribbean mainland, Caribbean islands, Florida). These findings provide insight
for future management and conservation initiatives.

Rotational Impoundment Management (RIM) is a commonly used method of mosquito control in Florida involving seasonal flooding during mosquito breeding season and allowances for natural tidal variations during summer flooding. My study looks at the effects of this impoundment strategy on the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle L., recruitment. Primary productivity of mangroves in these impoundments has been found to be similar to that of natural areas, although nutrient levels have been found to differ greatly. R. mangle is a completely viviparous species, and as such, maternal conditions have a strong effect on propagules. My study compares the initial establishment and growth of R. mangle propagules collected from and planted in both impounded and non-impounded sites.