A method for monitoring mangrove harvesting at the Mngazana estuary, South Africa

Abstract

The Mngazana estuary supports the third largest area of mangroves, and probably the largest stand of Rhizophora mucronata Lamk., in South Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of harvesting in the Mngazana mangrove forest, using available aerial photographs and ground surveys. At 19 sites where harvesting was evident the number of juveniles, adults and stumps were counted in three replicate 25m² quadrats.