Changes in mangroves at their southernmost African distribution limit

Mangroves in South Africa occur at one of the most southerly locations world, which provides a unique opportunity to study their dynamic responses anthropogenic and natural perturbations. The exposed high-energy African coastline restricts mangroves 32 sheltered estuaries 18 (56%) are predominantly open sea. A large area mangrove (47% country total) occurs uMhlathuze Estuary – novel ecosystem formed by creation an artificial mouth. Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Response (DPSIR) framework was applied understand factors change highlight governance management responses. largest (440 ha) lost during construction Durban Bay harbour. (~7 no longer 10 small KwaZulu-Natal as result catchment mouth disturbance. In Eastern Cape, pressures escalating form harvesting for wood, cattle browsing changes condition. Climate related warming increase CO2 positive conditions expand distribution higher latitudes but this will depend on propagule dispersal between availability suitable habitats. Many temporarily closed sea different periods thus limiting recruitment. An intensity freshwater floods scour banks completely remove mangroves. It is important that these understood incorporated into plans so forests can be better protected conserved.