Retrospective study of the mangroves of the Tanbi wetland complex, The Gambia
Maniatis, D. (2005). Retrospective study of the mangroves of the Tanbi wetland complex, The Gambia. MSc Thesis. Vrije Universiteit Brussel: Brussel. 124 pp.
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| Available in | Author |
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Document type: Dissertation
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| Keywords |
Mangroves
Water bodies > Inland waters > Wetlands
Avicennia germinans (L.) L. [WoRMS]; Rhizophora mangle L. [WoRMS]
ASE, Gambia [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal; Brackish water |
| Abstract |
The aim of this retrospective study was to examine, using remote sensing and vegetation dynamics, the past, present and future status of the mangroves of the Tanbi Wetland Complex (TWC). Seventeen training sites and 29 plots were sampled. The two dominant species were found to be Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans and show a distinct zonation pattern. A supervised classification was performed, with a resulting mangrove habitat map of an estimated accuracy above 75%. It was shown that canopy height was inversely related to increasing values in salinity and positively related to d15N. The retrospective study made use of additional aerial photographs, satellite images and historical maps dating up to 1816. The conclusion is that the mangroves of the TWC have been stable for at least 60 years and possibly up to 200 years. No major changes could be observed through time, except for the reclamation of mangroves for the expansion and development of Banjul. There appears to be equilibrium between subsistence uses of the mangroves and itsexistence. An improved methodology for achieving a 'good' accuracy assessment is proposed together with management guidelines and ideas. |
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