Functional composition outweighs taxonomic and functional diversity in maintaining ecosystem properties and processes of mangrove forests

A study on the Sundarbans mangrove forests reveals that functional composition (FC) of leaf area plays a more significant role in maintaining ecosystem properties and processes (MEPP) than species richness or functional diversity. This finding suggests that regionally dominant species with high leaf area and nitrogen content, along with functionally diverse species, are crucial for sustaining mangrove ecosystems as climate change mitigation solutions. Researchers analyzed data from 93 plots across the Sundarbans Reserved Forests in Bangladesh, examining forest inventory, plant traits, and environmental factors. They found that FC positively influenced total biomass, productivity, sediment organic carbon, and nutrient contents, while also mediating the negative impact of sediment salinity on MEPP. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing specific species in conservation efforts to support mangrove ecosystem services.

Rahman, M. M., Zimmer, M., Donato, D., Ahmed, I., Xu, M., & Wu, J. (2024). Functional composition outweighs taxonomic and functional diversity in maintaining ecosystem properties and processes of mangrove forests. Global Change Biology, 30(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17152