Mangroves of Cananéia



Mangroves of the Atlantic Rainforest near Cananéia, Brasil.

The mangroves of the Atlantic Rainforest are full of mud, sulfur, and biting black flies, yet it is an extremely important ecological habitats. The flora and fauna found in these areas must adapt to brackish water, oxygen fluctuations, and nutrient limitations. These constant fluctuations also contribute to reproduction challenges as water levels vary throughout the day and the nutrients needed to grow are in small amounts. Viviparity is quite common in flora of the mangroves as is bouyancy of seeds so as to stay above the water level for required oxygen intake.

This photograph is part of Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso near the town of Cananéia, Brasil and is thankfully protected. As unpleasant sounding as mangroves are, they one of the most interesting and fun places for a guided exploration.