British Indian Ocean Territory Ecosystem Action Plan: Mangrove Forest

Mangrove habitat is comprised of a single species in the Chagos Archipelago, Lumnitzera racemosa [1]; though developing fruits of Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. have been recorded [2] but have not established. Mangrove Forest is limited to two islands, Moresby Island in Peros Banhos (3 ha. of mangrove) and Eagle Island on the western Great Chagos Bank (9.2 ha. of mangrove) [3]. In total, Mangrove covers less than 1% of the terrestrial landmass of the archipelago. It provides important platforms for nesting red-footed booby [4] and nationally important habitat for Odonata [5]. Both mangrove systems are land-locked above the high-tide level. The mangrove forest on Eagle Island is in a degraded condition and requires active management to prevent further demise, the mangrove forest on Moresby is healthier but also requires management intervention to conserve the habitat.