Preface
Mangrove forests are one of our most important and widespread coastal ecosystems. In Australia,
mangrove forests occupy approximately 11,600 square kilometres of coastal foreshore and
estuary areas, of which 4,600 square kilometres are in Queensland. These forests are vital
to the biological productivity of Australia’s coastal waters.
In recent years mangrove
environments all around the world have come under increasing pressure from coastal development.
Fortunately, Australia is one of the few countries with large areas of mangrove forests which
have not yet been overexploited.
This guide describes the structure and function of mangrove
communities, their value and the need for conservation of this often underestimated resource.
The Field Guide to the Mangroves of Queensland is intended for people who wish to identify the
plants they encounter in their coastal environment.
Twenty-two of the most commonly occurring
mangrove forest plants - both true mangroves and mangrove plant associates - are illustrated
here.
A comprehensive listing of mangrove species occurring in Queensland mangrove forests
can be found in the section on The Mangrove Plants of Queensland. Detailed information about mangrove ecosystems and about plant
species not illustrated here can be found in books listed at the end of the Guide.
With knowledge of, and experience in, mangrove forest ecosystems we hope you will gain a
greater understanding of the significance of our mangrove forests.
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