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<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><P STYLE="margin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Mangroves. Status: Critical Habitat within Abu Dhabi emirate.</SPAN></SPAN></P><P STYLE="margin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Location: Within Abu Dhabi emirate, the distribution of this habitat type from east to west is from near Khalifa Port, with higher densities of this habitat around the islands to the east and west of Abu Dhabi Island. Mangrove habitats are also found along the coast heading westward, with a gradual decline in density. This habitat is also found in intertidal areas on islands such as Abu Al Abyadh, Marawah, Bu Tinah and Sir Bani Yas.</SPAN></SPAN></P><P STYLE="margin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Description: This habitat consists of inter-tidal areas dominated by the Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina), and includes both natural and planted mangrove sites. It is a critical habitat for many bird, and fish species, acting as a nursery for the juvenile fish, as well as providing other ecosystem services such as coastal protection and aesthetic value. The mangrove root systems stabilise the underlying sediment, which is rich in nutrients from decaying leaves and wood, and home to sponges, worms, crustaceans, molluscs and algae. The habitat is home to small crabs; fish species; and bird species operating on the periphery of the mangroves including the migratory Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). Mangroves are considered a “Blue Carbon” habitat type because it is a coastal and marine habitat that is able to sequester and store carbon.</SPAN></SPAN></P><DIV><DIV><P STYLE="margin:0 0 667 0;"><SPAN /></P></DIV></DIV></DIV> |