A Practical Index to Estimate Mangrove Conservation Status: The Forests from La Paz Bay, Mexico as a Case Study

Ávila-Flores Ávila-Flores,Cruz-Chávez Cruz-Chávez,Hinojosa-Arango Hinojosa-Arango,Arizpe-Covarrubias Arizpe-Covarrubias,Juárez-Mancilla Juárez-Mancilla,López-Vivas López-Vivas

doi:10.3390/su12030858

Abstract

Mangrove cover has declined significantly in recent years in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. Under this scenario, it is necessary to elaborate and implement tools that allow us to make estimations on their conservation status and improve their protection and support decision-making. This study developed an index using qualitative and quantitative data. The criterions used in the index were: (1) Remnant Vegetation Index, (2) Delphi Method Survey, and (3) Rapid Assessment Questionnaire. In turn, the weights of the criterions were defined using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Once the values of each criterion were obtained, the index was applied to 17 mangrove communities located in La Paz Bay, Mexico. Finally, according to their score, they were classified based on the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems. The results show that five communities were ranked in the category Minor Concern, eight in Little Threatened, one in Vulnerable, one in Endangered, and two were classified as Deficiency of Data. These results are slightly different from other studies in the region and validate this index as a proper method. Therefore, it could be applied to other sites, especially in areas with little information and/or scarce monetary resources.

Highlights

We believe that the Mangrove Conservation Status Index (MCSI) could help in the aforementioned scenario, which is so common in various countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia
It combines mangrove cover with scientific experts’ opinions (Delphi method survey), and perceived conservation status obtained during field visits to classify mangroves in accordance with the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems
The MCSI integrates reliable quantitative indicators and qualitative indicators to provide a more accurate conservation status for the mangrove communities; it is limited by the availability of data for some areas of interest

Summary

Introduction

Mangroves are one of the most threatened coastal ecosystems due to changes in environmental factors and impacts induced by human activities [7]. They are vulnerable to degradation as a result of deforestation, aquaculture, agriculture, tourism, urbanization, and pollution from different sources [8]. Other factors, such as sediment dynamics, exotic species, and alteration of the hydrodynamics, result in severe mangrove deterioration and habitat loss [9]

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Conclusion