Mangroves in arid regions: Ecology, threats, and opportunities

Mangroves are one of the few woody ecosystems that grow in hot-arid climates. They can survive extreme conditions low precipitation, high solar radiation, wide temperature fluctuations and hypersalinity. These unique mangroves have distinct geomorphology, hydrology, forest structure, tree physiology, soil biogeochemistry. In this review, supported by field data from Australia Mexico, we explore characteristics arid climates world. mostly tide-dominated with freshwater flows restricted to groundwater sporadic tropical storms. form dense forests stunted growth dominated mainly trees genus Avicennia co-occur salt marshes intertidal. Their soils nutrient carbon concentrations, δ15 N δ13C values compared subhumid humid mangroves. relatively human pressure due sparse settlements. Key threats these mangroves, which often persist at edge their physiological tolerances, include drought, reductions inputs, altered sea-level increases loading. Restoration should focus on restoring hydrology. zones under-represented global maps assessment programs, as they may not be consistent countries’ definition “forests”. Improved representation understanding ecology could help sustain valuable ecosystem services.