Geospatial assessment of mangrove distribution across the Niger Delta

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystem is a most valuable ecosystem that renders various types of services. The Nigerian mangrove ecosystem is one of the largest in the world and most exploited yet it is still one of the most understudied mangrove ecosystems. Relative to other mangrove ecosystems, the Nigerian mangrove ecosystem has a low data quotient. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the distribution of mangrove ecosystem across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in other to determine the nature of the distribution. Methodology: Geographical Information Systems, field surveys and statistical techniques were used to show the nature of the distribution of mangrove forest in the area. Results: The results show that there is similarity and no significant variation in the distribution of mangroves across the Niger Delta implying that most of the mangrove species are common to all areas in the Niger Delta. Also, the originality of the mangrove sustenance is threatened by the invasive Palm specie- Nypa fruticans. Conclusion: This study has shown mangrove distribution across the Niger Delta and has analysed the variation in the distribution to show that the distribution in similar. It has shown that the original red mangrove the Rhizophora family is threatened by its invasive neighbour the palm specie- Nypa fruticans which acts to alter the mangrove ecosystem by modifying the ecosystem as it increases thereby compromising the original ecosystem services of the mangrove ecosystem and compromising original mangrove integrity as an internal enemy. NDVI analysis has shown a <1 indicating low vegetation index which is readily attributed to anthropogenic vegetation depletion thus putting the mangrove sustainability at threat externally.