Dispersal and coastal geomorphology limit potential for mangrove range expansion under climate change

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Date

2022

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley

Abstract

Latitudinal range limits for mangroves on high-energy, wave-dominated coasts are controlled by geomorphological features and estuarine dynamics. Mangroves reach a southern global range limit along the South African coastline, but the distribution is patchy, with stands occurring in only 16% of the estuaries in the region. Yet, the persistence of forests planted >50 years ago beyond the natural distribution limit suggests that additional estuaries could support mangroves. Understanding regional drivers is necessary to inform global-scale estimates for how this important ecosystem is predicted to respond to climate change.

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Keywords

Climate change, Biodiversity, Conservation, South Africa, Avicennia marina

Citation

Raw, J. L. et al. (2022). Dispersal and coastal geomorphology limit potential for mangrove range expansion under climate change. Journal of Ecology, 111(1)139-155. 10.1111/1365-2745.14020