Aboveground net primary production and stand dynamics of mangroves along a river on Iriomote Island, southwestern Japan

Mangrove forests along the Nakara River on Iriomote Island, Japan, exhibit distinct species distribution patterns and productivity influenced by typhoon disturbances. While Bruguiera gymnorrhiza dominates overall, Rhizophora stylosa co-dominates downstream, with Kandelia obovata restricted to river edges. The study found that aboveground biomass and productivity vary by species, driven by population dynamics such as growth, recruitment, and mortality. Typhoons significantly impact forest structure and dynamics, suggesting their role in shaping mangrove ecosystems. This research highlights the vulnerability of these ecosystems to extreme weather events.

Enoki, T., Yasuda, K., & Kusumoto, B. (2014). Aboveground net primary production and stand dynamics of mangroves along a river on Iriomote Island, southwestern Japan. Tropics, 23(3), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.3759/tropics.23.91