Abstract

The mangrove ecosystem is an important source of resources and services that meet human needs. Despite their relevance, mangroves in southern Zambezia remain poorly known, especially regarding its distribution and conservation status. We assessed mangroves' composition, diversity, and conservation status in Macuse, in southern Zambezia, Mozambique. For the floristic survey, five sampling points were randomized, and linear transects 300 m long were allocated to each. In each transect, plots of 20 x 20 m were established. The plants were identified, quantified, and grouped into categories of cutting levels: intact (without cutting), partial cutting (25% of branches cut), deep cutting (75% of branches cut), complete cutting (stump), and death due to natural causes. We recorded 14,116 individuals belonging to eight species, namely: Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Ceriops tagal, Heritiera littoralis, Lumnitzera racemosa, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum, with C. tagal being the most abundant species. The rarefaction curve reached an asymptote, indicating a low probability of recording new species even with increased sampling effort. We recorded 69% of the individuals intact, 2.8% with partial cuts, 2.2% with deep cuts, 9.3% with the trunk completely cut, and 16.7% dead due to natural causes. C. tagal was the specie most pressured by natural and human causes. These results provide a good level of conservation of the studied mangrove; however, there is a need to strengthen actions aimed at greater conservation, thus reducing human pressure on mangroves.

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