Historical Losses of Mangrove Systems in South America from Human-Induced and Natural Impacts

摘要: Mangrove forests are an intrinsic part of the coastal landscapes tropical and subtropical South America. Although less well studied than their North American, Southeast Asian Australian counterparts, they cover large expanses (approximately 11% global mangrove cover) perhaps represent a greater proportion respective coastline other ecosystem types. The last century has been witness to but ultimately unknowable loss across continent through intensified use zones by humans. Indeed it estimated that more mangroves existing in 1980’s have lost or severely degraded. Additionally, while protection for many parts world increased considerably, management America remains complex lack regular change indicators complicates status assessments at both national international levels. This chapter presents historical contemporary background losses systems with focus on those countries most up-to-date accessible data (i.e., Brazil, Ecuador Guineas). goal was present what is known about drivers degree loss, current future threats, document efforts restoring degraded forests. concludes advice how address important knowledge gaps facilitate effective improve conservation outcomes American systems.