mangrove conservation in singapore: moribund trees

CONTENTS

Fauna index

Mangrove conservation in Singapore

Peter K L Ng and N Sivasothi (editors)

The phenomenon of moribund trees

A phenomenon in mangroves that has been increasingly evident in the past decade is the appearance of small stands of dead or dying (moribund) trees.

Mangrove
Conservation
in Singapore
Coastal Cleanup
Oil spills
Moribund trees
Endangered Epiphytes
Replanting
Education

Tree deaths occur
in patches

The trunks have been attacked by wood-boring insects, and are usually covered with fungus as well.

The canopy is open to the sun and algae covers the exposed ground.

The canopy is opened
up to sunlight

As the dying roots degenerate, soil is released and the seaward patches become severely eroded. You will notice this from the boardwalk at Sungei Buloh.

Although a certain amount of tree death is natural, this phenomenon has become widespread enough to require intervention, possibly by replanting propagules in the afflicted areas.

The possibilities suggested so far include lightning strike, but a satisfactory explanation is as yet unavailable.

close-up of termite and fungal attack on tree trunk

Termite and fungal
infestation

What is mangrove?
Introduction

The Ecosystem
Abiotic
Biotic

Value
Intro
Products
Indirect uses
Potential uses

About Mangroves
in Singapore
History
Mangroves to visit
Conservation

From "A Guide to Mangroves of Singapore", Peter K. L. Ng and N. Sivasothi (editors)
Volume 1: The Ecosystem and Plant Diversity and Volume 2: Animal Diversity
Authors: Kelvin K. P. Lim, Dennis H. Murphy, T. Morgany, N. Sivasothi, Peter K. L. Ng,
B. C. Soong, Hugh T. W. Tan, K. S. Tan & T. K. Tan
BP Guide to Nature Series published by the Singapore Science Centre, sponsored by British Petroleum
© 2001 Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, The National University of Singapore & The Singapore Science Centre