Does the Wood-borer Sphaeroma terebrans (Crustacea) Shape the Distribution of the Mangrove Rhizophora mucronata?

摘要: Field surveys were conducted to evaluate the occurrence of isopod borer Sphaeroma terebrans (Crustacea) in aerial roots (prop roots) red mangrove Rhizophora mucronata on several different spatial scales (m 100 km) East Africa. In 6 out 17 sites studied Kenya and Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, no signs isopods found. When present frequency infestation was high. Trees muddy substrates lower intertidal, particular at fringing channels or open sea, showed high prevalence intensity infestation, with large part their damaged dead. upper range Rhizophora, sandy areas, infestation. This pattern recurred forests there indication that island differed from mainland forests. indicates sediment characteristics, vertical height tidal zone, direct exposure incoming water are major factors controlling abundance S. terebrans. The may play an important role determining intertidal limits R. mucronata. numerous dead nongrowing roots, as result attack, likely tumble due a lack root support this is most occur along lower, intertidal. Tumbled trees frequently observed but rarely mid Implications for management discussed.