Status Of Mangroves Research Articles

Sustainability assessment for coexistence of afforested mangroves and aquafarms upon existing and predicted scenarios: a case study in Southern Tamil Nadu coast

Coastal stretches abode different features and activities. Among them, mangrove ecosystem is prominent. Mangrove colonies flourishing along the coast stand as the barrier against natural calamities and support the coastal communities by providing livelihood opportunities. Economic benefits from aquaculture trigger its rapid development near the coast in the recent decades. This paper evaluates the present status of mangroves and aquafarms in the coast and harbingers the effects of aquafarm growth in close vicinity of mangroves. The prediction study indicates the increasing pattern of afforested mangroves and the aquafarms in the next decades and elucidates the negative impacts of aquaculture expansion over the flourishing mangroves. Development should be in a sustained way so that the resources will not be affected. Coastal Regulation Zone should be imposed strictly in the sensitive areas like mangroves in order to achieve balance between the conservation of resources and strategic development. Remote sensing and GIS technique were used to assess temporal changes of the features.

Analysis on the vacancy of mangrove ecosystem protection in China

As an important ecosystem type in the coastal zone, mangroves have important ecological functions, such as maintaining coastal biodiversity, preventing wind and consolidating the coast, promoting silt and building land. It is of great significance to understand the protected status of mangroves in the context of climate change and rapid urbanization. Based on the mangrove classification data from remote sensing interpretation, through vacancy analysis, the in-situ protection status of mangroves in China is analyzed. The results show that the total area of mangroves distributed in China is 264 km2 (excluding the statistical data of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), of which 61.4% are protected in natural reserves. In terms of the main provinces where mangroves are distributed, the mangrove area distributed in Hainan Province is small but the protection proportion is high, while the mangrove area distributed in Guangxi and Guangdong Province is large but the proportion of protected areas is relatively low. Among the three mangrove types, Rhizophora apiculate-Xylocarpus granatum and Rhizophora stylosa-Bruguiera gymnorrhiza had high proportions (>90%) covered by reserves, but relatively small areas. In contrast, Kandelia candel-Aegiceras corniculatum-Avicennia marina had relatively low reserve coverage (52.6%), but a large area. The study puts forward the key areas of mangrove distribution outside the nature reserve, and suggests that they should be protected by delimiting ecological protection red lines.

Recovery status of mangroves along western coast of Aceh until 7 years after the 2004 Tsunami

The recovery status of mangroves at west coast of Aceh until 7 years post the Indian Ocean tsunami (IOT) was examined. The field researches were conducted during January 2005 to December 2011 in more than 20 km (1) to record flora species that were resistant to the paroxysm of tsunami swells, and (2) to record and observe the appearance of several existing and new plant species caused by tsunami. The main result shows that (1) mangrove beaches may not recover at all to their original state because the topography has changed greatly and the hydrological and sediment condition differ from their previous conditions, (2) most of mangrove trees dead due to change in habitat environments, (3) some mangrove species in land subsidence coasts were found migrating landward through seed recruitment, naturally, (4) several species of mangroves appear to flourish in the natural stands with mother trees survived against tsunami, (5) new species, for example, Typha angustifolia greatly colonize along the intertidal areas, and (6) Acrostichum aureum (mangrove fern) population occupies an bare lands left by mangrove vegetation communities or abandoned brackish pond. Because mangroves provide bio-shields or natural belts, more lives can possibly be survived during the natural hazard, including tsunamis. Unluckily, due to high market of brackish pond products, severe damage to mangroves was not managed. Therefore, degraded mangroves must be restored and preserved very well in the future.

Monitoring Changes in Coastal Mangrove Extents Using Multi-Temporal Satellite Data in Selected Communes, Hai Phong City, Vietnam

Mangrove forests are important and known as one of the most productive ecosystems in the tropics. They reduce the impacts of extreme events, provide important breeding grounds for aquatic species and build the resilience of ecosystem-dependent coastal communities. On the contrary, they are also known as one of the most threatened and vulnerable ecosystems worldwide, which have experienced a dramatic decline due to extensive coastal development during the last half-century. Remote sensing techniques have demonstrated a high potential to detect, identify, map, and monitor mangrove conditions and its changes, which is reflected by a large number of scientific papers published on this topic. The aim of this study was to investigate the multi-decadal changes of mangrove forests selected communes in Hai Phong city, North Vietnam, based on using Landsat and Sentinel 2 data from 2000 to 2018. The study used these continuous steps: 1) data pre-processing; 2) image classification using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index; 3) accuracy assessments; and 4) multi-temporal change detection and spatial analysis of mangrove forests. The classification maps in comparison with the ground reference data showed the satisfactory agreement with the overall accuracy was higher than 80.0%. From 2000 to 2018, the areas of mangrove forests in the study regions increased by 584.2 ha in Dai Hop and Bang La communes (Region 1) and by 124.2 ha in Tan Thanh, Ngoc Xuyen and Ngoc Hai communes (Region 2), mainly due to the boom of mangrove planting projects and good mangrove management at the local community level.

Spatial Habitat Suitability Models of Mangroves with Kandelia obovata

Mangrove forests provide important estuarine ecosystem services but are threatened by rising sea levels and anthropogenic impacts. Understanding the habitat characteristics required for mangrove growth is significant for mangrove restoration and integrated management. This study aims to build spatial habitat suitability index (HSI) models for Kandelia obovata mangrove trees. Biological and habitat-related environmental data were collected in the Wazwei and Guandu wetlands in northern Taiwan. We adopted inundation frequency, soil sorting coefficient, and water salinity as the key environmental factors to build HSI models. The dependent variable of these environmental factors was the mangrove biomass per unit area. Significant differences were found for the mangrove biomass on different substrata and shore elevations. The tidal creek had the lowest elevation, and mangrove areas were found at the highest elevations. The oxidization level of the substrate under mangrove forests was high, indicating that the root system of mangroves could carry oxygen into the soil and result in oxidation. Human activities were found to lead to the reduced growth conditions of mangroves. The validation of the HSI model, considering the inundation frequency and soil sorting coefficient, proved to be reliable, with an accuracy ranging from 78% to 90%. A better simulation was found after revising the model by incorporating the factor of water salinity. The model forecast of the mangrove responses to the sea-level rise indicated an increase in the inundation frequency and thus an induced shift and shrinkage of the mangrove area. The increased HSI values of the bare mudflat area demonstrate an option for the potential restoration of mangrove trees. Given the findings of this study, we concluded that mangroves could spread from estuaries to upstream areas due to rising sea levels and might be limited by humanmade impacts. Restoring degraded floodplains is suggested for mangrove habitat rehabilitation.

Mangrove status, its ecosystem, and climate change in Myanmar: A study in Ayeyarwaddy Delta Coastal Zone

Myanmar is a country belonging mangrove and its ecosystem, a unique vegetative species with a high ecosystem services: much higher carbon sequestration than terrestrial forests and climate change induced disaster defence power to community and biodiversity. The degree of its ecosystem services depends on their biological and physical system status. Alternatively, it is one of the most fragile ecosystems and vulnerable to disturbances including climate change. 80 % of the Ayeyarwaddy mangroves was seriously damage by the cyclone Nargis (2008). The study was conducted in Ayeyarwaddy Delta Coastal Zone by adopting transect survey, climate data analysis and reviewing scientific papers and policy documents with two main objectives: understanding climate change, awareness raising on ecosystem and local livelihood status, and enhancing mangrove ecosystem conservation and protection in terms of technology and policy. To recover the mangrove back it took for eight years minimum. Mangrove tree species number is decreasing from 45 to 30 in 37 years. Salinity variation is driving habitat of aquatic fauna species and local livelihoods. Myanmar climate change policy, National Environmental Policy, and Forest Policy become powerful tools to achieve the Nation’s sustainable development goal in the context of addressing climate change and the ecosystem protection through institution and technology enhancement. Ecosystem conservation is suggested to minimize not only to minimize climate change impacts but also to improve sustainability of the local community and the ecosystem.

Mangrove area and vegetation condition resulting from the planting of mangroves in the Wallacea Region, Bone Bay, South Sulawesi

Ecologically, the mangrove forest is a feeding and nursery ground for around 60% of fish that live in coastal fisheries; and economically, the mangrove forest is an important fishery area. The study aims to analyze the area and condition of vegetation from mangrove planting in the Wallacea Region, Bone Bay, South Sulawesi, namely in Sinjai District from 1999 to 2018, and from 2009 to 2018. The mangrove area was obtained from the processing of Landsat 7 satellite images ETM + in 1999 and 2009, as well as Landsat 8 OLI in 2018. The field survey was conducted on December 2018 to check changes in the area of mangrove distribution, and measure tree density and closure of mangrove canopies. There were three classifications of the mangrove distribution in mangrove plantation area, namely: (1) increasing mangrove areas with an additional of 25 to 145 Ha, (2) decreasing mangrove area with reduction 12 to 80 Ha; and (3) constant mangrove areas with an area of 74 to 249 ha. The condition of mangroves in District Sinjai Utara was relatively good and very dense, with a density of 0.29 trees per m2 and a canopy closure of 73.5%. Whereas in District East Sinjai, mangrove conditions are included in the good category with 0.42 trees per m2 and 79.8% canopy closure. Five species were found namely Avicennia alba, Avicennia Officinalis, Nypa fruticans, Rhizophora mucronata, and Rhizophora stylosa mangrove species. Mangrove density ranges between 450 and 7000 trees /Ha. The lowest density was found at Station 11 with the category of rarely, while the highest density was found at Station 9 with the category of very dense.

Economic valuation of the mangrove ecosystem in Purwodadi Sub-district, Purworejo Regency, Central Java

Deforestation of mangroves caused by land conversion into ponds occurs on the southern coast of Purwodadi Sub-district, Purworejo Regency, Central Java. In fact, the mangrove ecosystem has an important role related to global climate change that is happening at this time. Mangroves have the ability to absorb more carbon than other types of forests. Since 2011, there was a mangrove rehabilitation program conducted in three villages in Purwodadi Sub-district, which was initiated by the Purworejo Regency Marine and Fisheries Service. Over time, the conditions of mangroves in each village varied. This study aims to calculate the economic value of mangrove ecosystems in the three villages of Purwodadi Sub-district, namely Gedangan, Jatikontal, and Jatimalang Villages. The method used is TEV (Total Economic Value) which consists of an analysis of direct use value using the market price approach, indirect use value using the replacement cost approach, the option value using the benefits transfer, and the existence value using the WTP method (Willingness to Pay). The results of the study show that the total economic value of mangroves in Gedangan Village is IDR 7,816,788,994.00 in Jatikontal Village in the amount of IDR 10,524,895,152.00, and in Jatimalang Village in the amount of IDR 3,645,653,186.00.

ANALYSIS OF TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MANGROVE PHYSIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE PARAMETERS QUANTITATIVE INVERSION BASED ON TIME SERIES SENTINEL-2 – TAKING SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE AS AN EXAMPLE

Abstract. The physiological structure parameter of vegetation is an important index to measure the ecological health status of mangroves, and it is of great value to measure the ecological health status. Taking Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve of Guangxi as the study area, The Chlorophyll-A/B(CAB),Leaf Area Index (LAI),Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) and Fraction of absorbed photo synthetically active radiation (FAPAR) were calculated by using Sentinel-2 image data to calculate the chlorophyll content of mangrove vegetation in the study area. The BP neural network algorithm is used to verify the accuracy difference between the inversion results and the corresponding products of MODIS, and the dynamic changes of physiological structure parameters of vegetation in mangroves are further studied. Results showed that: (1)The correlation coefficients between LAI, CAB, FAPAR, FVC and MODIS products were higher than 0.71 in 95% confidence interval in mangrove years, it is proved that Sentinel-2A/B multispectral image inversion of mangrove physiological structure parameters has high accuracy and quality. (2)The physiological structure parameters of mangroves fluctuated during the year. In February, the lowest values of LAI, CAB, FAPAR and FVC were 0.30, 0.08, 0.08 and 0.13, respectively. The highest values were 0.69 in October, 0.29 in December, 0.27 in August, 0.40 in April, 0.24 and 0.24 in September, and 0.27 and 0.33 in LAI in November, respectively, with the highest LAI in October, 0.29 in December, 0.27 in August, 0.40 in April, 0.24 and 0.24 in September, and 0.27 and 0.33 in November. The results provide the basis for the monitoring of mangrove vegetation change and provide a reference for ecological assessment and protection.

Spatial distribution of mangroves in tidal lake ecosystem

Siombak Lake is a tidal lake whose waters are affected by Belawan tidal in the Malacca Strait. The characteristics of the waters are dynamic, especially its salinity. The existence of salinity causes the lake and the surrounding area growth by mangrove. This study aims to map the distribution and condition of mangrove forests in Siombak Lake. This research was carried out in Siombak Lake, Medan City, North Sumatra Province in August 2019. The data were collected of mangrove vegetation and density at the study site. The results of research on Siombak Lake found 14 species of mangrove. There are 2 species of mangrove that is rarely found before, that is found at the research location, namely the powder-puff tree and looking glass tree. Nipa palm and mangrove apple are mangrove species that have the highest distribution and density in the Siombak Lake ecosystem. The condition of mangroves at the Siombak Lakeside is in damage to good condition, while in the Siombak Lake ecosystem can be said in good condition.

Analysis degradation of mangrove vegetation in Tangerang District, Banten Province

AbstrakOne of the main coastal ecosystems of Tangerang Regency is the mangrove ecosystem is the mangrove ecosystem has numerous functions. However, this does not guarantee that it would not experience degradation and damage. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the level of mangrove ecosystem degradation in Tangerang Regency. The method used in this study is purposive sampling, whilst the measurement was performed through transect and non-transect methods with a reference to Indonesian National Standard Number 7717 year 2011. Data analysis in this study refers to calculations based on the Decree of the State Minister of Environment Number 201 year 2004 and Fauzi and Anna’s study in 2005. Results of this study indicated that the level of mangrove density of all village sites/stations in the category of rarely-damaged due to the fact that density values in all villages are below the range of 1,000 trees/ha. Meanwhile, the percentage value of mangrove cover is under the category of rarely-damaged to tightly-good. Even so, observation areas in Tangerang Regency are dominated by mangrove conditions in a rarely-damaged category. According to the analysis of the calculation of degradation level indicated mangrove ecosystem in Tangerang give trend in degradation categories.

Species composition and forest conditions of true mangroves in Kapa at Kadan Island, Myeik Archipelago, Myanmar

The survey was conducted in the mangrove forest around the Kapa Village in Kadan Island, Myeik Coastal area, in April 2018. Transect lines in shoreline, seaward and landward, and plot based on Point Center Quarter Method (PCQM) P-DATA PRO were used. A total of 18 species of true mangroves were record. Among than 1 species in Near Threaten(NT), 1 species in Critically Endangered(CR), 2 species in Endangered(EN) considered under the IUCN red list. Rhizophora apiculata and R.mucronata are the dominant species in the area. Aegialitis rotumdifolia, Avicennia marina, Excoecaria aglocha, Heritiera littoralis, Sonneratia graffithii, Xylocarpus mucronata and Nypa fruticans are the least species in the area. Among the three study sites of Kapa, Landward zone is the most distributed of species and shoreline zone is the least distributed. The complexity index was found 2.5 to 67.3.The total forest density 0.17 to 0.39m2 and mean height 3.2 to 4.7m. The mean important value of Rhizophora apiculata was heights; the Nypa frucan was least. The environmental parameters such as salinity and temperature of seawater, and temperature and pH of soils of each study site were presented.

Literature review: The contribution of mangrove ecosystem condition to mosquito population

Previous studies indicated that coastal areas are vulnerable for mosquito-borne diseases. Socio-economic limitations and tidal flooding result in sanitation problems for coastal settlements. Mangrove ecosystems grow on tropical and subtropical coastal areas which can be mosquito breeding and resting places. This study aimed to explore the evidence of the contribution of mangrove ecosystem conditions to mosquito population through a literature review. Articles collection was done by using Scopus, SpringerLink and EBSCO databases. The inclusion criteria in selecting articles to be reviewed are publications in 2010-2020 and containing the words "mangrove" and "mosquito" in the tittle. The exclusion criteria were article in press status, review form (non-original research), retracted status, and the unrelated topics. It was obtained 6 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evidence of the association between the dynamics of the mangrove ecosystem and mosquito density is inconsistent. Following future study is needed to confirm and clarify the results of this review, using methodologies and confounding controls that are appropriate both epidemiologically, spatially, and experimentally.

Condition of Mangrove Ecosystems in Sungai Apit Siak Distric Based on Standard Damage Criteria and Quality Indicators Mangrove Environment

Mangroves are one of the ecosystems in coastal areas that have an important role, but nowadays many are experiencing threats. The purpose of this study was to determine the condition of mangrove ecosystems in Kecamatan Sungai Apit seen from standard criteria for mangrove damage and the indicators of mangrove environmental quality (species association, tree cover, seedling cover and number of seedlings species). This research was conducted in April 2018 in Kecamatan Sungai Apit, Siak Distric. The method used in this research was survey method. Types and density of mangroves were observed at three stations (Desa Lalang, Desa Bunsur and Desa Sungai Rawa) using line transects and plots. The results showed that the condition of the mangrove ecosystem in the coastal area of Kecamatan Sungai Apit based on the standard criteria of damage (Minister of Environment No. 201 of 2004), seen from the group of trees classified as damaged to good with rare to dense criteria, but when combined with a group of sapling, the conditions mangroves in Kecamatan Sungai Apit were classified as good with very dense criteria. Mangrove conditions based on indicators of mangrove environmental quality in the three stations included in the category of high environmental conditions with successively Qe values (mangrove environmental conditions) were 67.96% (Desa’Lalang), 64.37% (Desa Bunsur) and 84.68% (Desa Sungai Rawa).

The Shift of Mangrove Ecosystem Coverage Based on its Health Condition in the Coastal Area of Semarang and Demak Central Java Indonesia

The condition of mangrove ecosystem is fluctuated due to the various such as the environmental support, replanting, maintenance, natural distrubance and anthropogenic effects. This research aimed do understand the change of mangrove coverage between 2011 and 2016 in Semarang and Demak and analyze the change of mangrove proportions based on the damage level. The research was conducted in October 2017 through literature study to obtain information of the condition os mangrove ecosystem in Semarang city and Demak Regency in 2011 and 2016. Data analysis was conducted with Chi-square test to understand the change of coverage proportion based on the degradation level. The result show that the mangrove coverage of Demak Regency was increased from 3.950 ha in 2011 - 4.595 ha in 2016 while the coverage in Semarang City was static with 325 ha. Increased mangrove coverage was occured in Demak and Semarang both for the good and poor condition of mangrove. Contrarily, the coverage of mangrove with moderate condition was reduced. Statistically, the proportions of mangrove conditions were significantly different. Mangrove coverage in Demak and Semarang should be improved to recover the mangrove ecosystem which has been destructed.

The Physiochemical Condition of Mangrove Ecosystems in The Coastal District of Sulamo, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Various rehabilitation and restoration of mangrove forests have been done, but there have not been any significant results. The main reason for the various failures in this activity is that the effort is not based on scientific data such as the suitability of the physicochemical conditions of mangrove habitats along the beach coast of Sulamo District. The purpose of this research is to analyze the condition of salinity, the thickness of mud, and the beach slope of the selected mangrove locations Oeteta, Pariti, Beringin, and Pitai beaches. The salinity conditions show variations, ranging from 19 ppm to 42.33 ppm. The thickness of the mud shows the highest value at 79.11 cm and the slope of mangrove coastal 1–4%. This research shows that the condition of the mangrove ecosystem in the coastal district of Sulamo is still suitable for mangrove growth. This research provides a basic overview of mangrove ecosystem conditions located on the beach coast of the Sulamo district as the basis for planning rehabilitation programs and mangrove restorations in the research area.

Keragaman Kondisi Salinitas Pada Lingkungan Tempat Tumbuh Mangrove di Teluk Kupang,NTT

Mangrove forest ecosystems are habitat of various types of microorganisms, but now, problems of mangrove forests experience are in quality and wealth. Efforts to rehabilitate activities mangrove forests againts had been carried out but the results shown had not been maximized, so it is need the correct strategies to achieve the success for rehabilitation activities. The studied was conducted in Teluk Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, covered coastal areas of Kupang's mangrove forests and coastal mangrove forests in Kupang district. The method used in this studied was a systematic sampling method that was systematically distributed across all the mangrove forest areas. The method used for salinity measurement was method of transmission and Transect Line Plots. Measurements was made in straight line and the size of the plot is 10 m x 10 m, the distanced between lines was 50 meters so that total lane is 547 with the number of plots of observation 1641 plots. The value of measurement results was made into the spread of salinity used the interpolation method. The condition of the crossed of mangrove forest located on coastal panoramas of Kupang city shows a salinity value of 10,26 - 26.33%, while salinity conditions was on the coast of Kupang ten district 10-42.33 ‰. The salinity condition was formulation of the environmental conditions mangrove forest on coast of the island as well as attempts to support management of mangrove forest activities. The distribution of different mangrove forest conditions along the coastal zone of North Sumatra shows an environmental condition that supports mangrove growth even though in some places the salinity values are high. Results of this study of salinity conditions is a study of the environment of mangrove growth so that it can provide an overview for the government in conducting various activities to rehabilitate mangrove forests.

Inventarisasi Ekosistem Mangrove di Pesisir Randutatah, Kecamatan Paiton, Jawa Timur

Mangrove ecosystem is a region that acts as a transition between land and sea. This ecosystem has ecological, socio-economic and physical functions. The decline in the quality and quantity of mangrove forests has resulted in very alarming impacts, such as increased abrasion, reduced fishing catches, seawater intrusion, and others. This study aims to analyze the biodiversity of mangrove ecosystem in the Randutatah coal. The results showed that mangrove ecosystems were dominated by Rhizophora stylosa species with the highest INP values in tillers and tree categories. Observations of fauna in the area found 2 types of mammals, 34 species of birds, 7 species of herpetofauna, and 9 species of insects. the wealth of bird species in this region is high. Phytoplankton composition is dominated by Bacillariophyceae class, zooplankton is dominated by crustacean class, and nekton is dominated by Mugilidae class. Mangrove conditions in Randutatah can increase biodiversity in these locations, as well as the condition of the waters around the mangrove ecosystem that become fertile so that it can be used by the community to catch fish or crabs that have an impact on the growth of the economic value of the community.

First Record of The Burrowing Goby Trypuchen vagina from Pangpang Bay, Indonesia

The burrowing goby, Trypauchen vagina, is recorded for the first time from the Pangpang Bay of Banyuwangi, Indonesia. Types of fish T. vagina is a type that has not published in Indonesia. This fish was caught using trap net in waters Pangpang Bay, which is an essential area in Banyuwangi, East Java. The description of the morphology and fish habitat conditions shows that the region has a diversity of fish resources that need attention. This goby fish has a local name as fish bedhul picek due to the sense of sight on these fish as if it does not work. Eyes covered by skin and socket head section was not found their eyeballs. The body of the specimens is elongate and reddish-pink in fresh specimens in coloration. There is no barbel on the chin. Cycloid scales are present on the whole body except for the head. Muncar people commonly consume T.vagina. This fish has been food sources in several regions but uncommon at several local markets in Indonesia. The T.vagina inhabit at Pangpang Bay as the bay, which has the high primary productivity of these waters due to sufficient nutrient support. Enrichment of nutrient comes from the run-off land and also the input of the number of fishing activity (embankment). An earlier report said that this fish found in waters Banyu Asin, Palembang, Sumatra, Indonesia. It also confirms that the fish found in this study are also living in a mud substrate that is reasonably smooth with right mangrove conditions around the bay, which close to Alas Purwo National Park.

MANGROVE FOREST IN KUDAT, SABAH MALAYSIA: CHALLENGES OF THE MANGROVE CONSERVATION (Hutan Mangrove di Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia: Tantangan dalam Konservasi Mangrove)

ABSTRACT Kudat is located in the North part of the island of Borneo, with land area of 1,287.2 km2 or 130,787 ha. Out of the overall total area, 25% or 33,307 ha of area are gazetted under Forest Reserve. Most of the Kudat coastline area is patches of mangrove forest. A total of 19,507 hectares of the total mangroves in the Kudat district have been gazetted as permanent forest reserve under class-V Mangrove Forest Reserve. Mangroves play many important functions such as physical protection to the coastline, important breeding ground of marine life and nurseries, source of socio-economy activity to the local people, natural habitat for the living organisms, home to wide range of flora and fauna. Another function is they provide opportunities for the development for eco-tourism. Some locations in Kudat, which are of high potential for tourism development, are Kg. Sikuati, Simpang Mangayau, Sg. Ranggu, Pulau Banggi, Pulau Malawali and Pulau Balembangan. In 2005, about 2,440 ha or 0.8% of the Mangrove forest reserve in Sabah has been lost mainly due to land conversion for people’s settlement. As for Kudat, exploited area recorded are as follow; settlement/urban development (500 ha), aquaculture (15 ha), agriculture and infrastructure (13 ha) - power supply way leave, pipeline, and common tower. Illegal squatters involved about 2 ha and land use conflict of mangrove forest reserve in Kudat were lost to agricultural conversion due to uncoordinated and technical discrepancies of boundaries on the ground. Some challenges in mangrove conservation are, currently there is no management plan prepared for the management of mangroves in Kudat. The management of mangrove area thus far is focusing on protecting the gazetted area under permanent forest reserve under Class V – mangrove forest, gradually by the forest district. Apart from mangroves in PFR, there are also some scattered Stateland mangroves which are not quantified, monitored and protected under any legislation. Considering their locations, roles and functions, steps must be taken to gazette existing mangroves inside estuaries and lagoons as Permanent Forest Reserve (PFR). The apparent of boundaries between state land and Mangrove Forest on the ground are vital to be carried out by the authority. Important effort to better manage the Kudat mangroves is carrying out nourishment and planting activities in existing mangroves. Other challenges are to involve the local communities to conserve mangroves areas, especially thus living nearby the mangrove forest. This paper highlights the status of mangrove, to emphasize the important function of mangrove, and to distinguish the threat and challenge of mangrove conservation in Kudat district.
 Keywords: Mangrove forest, status and function, threat and challenges, conservation, Kudat.