Mangroves are very present in the coastal wetland areas of Martinique. They represent about 84%. You will mainly find them in the bay (the bay of Fort-de-France, for example) as well as the coves that dot the coast of La Caravelle to Pointe Vatable.
At Habitation Vatable located in Les Trois-Îlets, you have the opportunity to learn and discover a lot about mangroves, their roles, and their presence in the area.
What is the Mangrove House in Martinique?
A mangrove is a unique ecosystem that exists in both terrestrial (mainly tree-based) and marine environments, primarily in sheltered coastal areas of subtropical and tropical regions. While its plant life is relatively limited, its fauna is incredibly diverse. Mangroves extract essential nutrients from the land, crucial for their growth, and, in return, contribute organic matter to the sea.
The fauna in mangroves is highly diversified, hosting microorganisms, mollusks such as oysters, grey clams, and mussels, along with various crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, which thrive in the muddy soils. Additionally, fish and a wide range of terrestrial animals find this environment conducive to their development. Even airborne animals appreciate the mangrove for its abundant food source (flies and mosquitoes) and nesting convenience.
Mangroves are vital ecosystems, supporting diverse wildlife and playing a significant role in maintaining coastal environments. You can explore and learn more about them at the Mangrove House in Les Trois-Îlets, gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and ecological importance of these coastal areas. There are three types of vegetation in this ecosystem, here they are. First, the shrub mangrove! Further away from the coast, the red mangroves do not exceed the symbolic height of two meters, and depending on the soil salinity, you can find dense populations of black mangroves (scientifically known as Avicennia germinans), white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa), and buttonwood mangroves (Conocarpus erectus).
The second type, the coastal mangrove, mainly consists of our red mangrove friends (Rhyzophora mangle), which can reach up to 8 meters in height. Impressive, isn't it?
Finally, the high mangrove and peripheral populations vary in height, ranging from 10 to 20 meters. The white mangrove serves as the perfect transition between marshes and swamp forests. It also allows the growth of the Golden Fern. Conversely, the gray mangrove, which is quite rare, is often found on sandy beaches or rocky soils, which are better-drained areas.
Due to deforestation, coastal overexploitation, overpopulation in these areas, as well as anthropogenic pollution, the mangrove is in danger. The species that live there are also threatened, so it is important to learn more about how it functions in order to better protect it!
Some additional information about the Mangrove House in Martinique
The Mangrove House is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. For more information, you can contact them at 0596 38 28 76.
The place also hosts exhibitions from time to time!
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