Mangroves in Phang Nga Bay

Phuket is a diverse and natural wonderland. Its west coast is fringed by white sandy beaches while its eastern one is wilder and oriented towards the Phang Nga bay. In fact, the bay is protected by its own geographical situation (see the map for details). The hundreds of small islands are surrounded by shallow waters and the delta of the Phang Nga's river is a mixture between fresh and salty waters. This delta has many interests from a tourist point of view, but also from a botanical one. A trip through the mangroves is a rare experience!

Mangroves are tropical seashore trees that can survive flooding with salt water at high tide and grows on inter tidal mudflats - which is the area where the sea meets the land. It is a unique ecological zone. Natural plants find it impossible to become established on inter tidal mudflats however, mangroves have a unique way of adapting to this harsh environment. The roots have the function of feeding, breathing and anchoring for the trees.

The mangrove tree has a special desalinating method - the sap inside the tree is less salty than the water surrounding it. To excrete salt, one species accumulates the salt in the bark - the bark dies, and is shed. Another species excretes excess salt through their leaves via leaf glands, which is then washed off by the rain. Next time you're close to a mangrove tree, pick a leaf, lick it and taste the salt. Nature is extremely incredible!

Why are these mangroves so important you may ask? One reason is to prevent erosion, another is that it supports and protects an amazing ecosystem teaming with life. The mangrove forests are the breeding, spawning and nurseries for mollusks, crustaceans and fish on which coastal villages and fisheries depend. Mangrove debris provide an important source of nutrients for the inshore and neighboring estuaries ecosystems. The fauna found living in this amazing ecosystem is both beautiful and funny to observe. Take the Fiddler Crab - the male has one large colourful claw. Then there are the mud skippers. The mudskipper is a fish which has adapted to live out of water for short periods. During high tide, they stay submerged like any normal fish. During low tide, they breathe by carrying a mixture of water and air in enlarged gill chambers. The mudskippers lever themselves forward on the mud using their pectoral fins. The tail can be stiffened to lash themselves forward on mud and water. The crab-eating Macaques which are monkeys who eat crabs and fruits, live in groups and are fearless of water, can swim and dive under water. They love an audience and show off their dexterity by swinging, clambering up rocks and flying through trees, hanging on to the flimsiest of branches, while you watch with your heart in your mouth, sure than at any moment now, they'll fall, but of course they don't. They are funny and entertaining - and they know it.