Mangrove Species Identification on Uzi Island, Zanzibar Archipelago

This study assesses the population of mangrove species at three locations on Uzi Island off the coast of Unguja at their most highly populated regions: Nyeke, Dikokuu, and Chokaani. Collection of tree samples occurred for identification of mangrove species. Observations and fieldwork were used to obtain information regarding the species that populate the island and the makeup of those communities. Nine total species were found to live within the boundaries of Uzi Island. These species were identified as Xylocarpus moluccensis, Pemphis acidula, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum, Avicennia marina, and Lumnitzera racemosa. Results showed that Bruguiera gymnorrhiza has the highest abundance, relative density, and frequency of all of the species in the area. Two species: Xylocarpus moluccensis and Xylocarpus granatum, each with only a single tree present in the surveyed regions each have the lowest abundance, density, and frequencies