Humans are fascinated with the oceans and their respective coastlines. It is no surprise that records dating back over 2000 year show study of mangroves. The majority of this early study probably focuses on the use of these extraordinary trees and shrubs. Observations by early explorers and settlers not only focus on the trees themselves, but of the associated species of wildlife that inhabit these productive communities.
The very earliest recorded reference to mangrove vegetation was made in 325 B.C. by a Greek explorer named Nearchus as he traveled throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Many other early explorers were certainly familiar with the mangroves, but avoided them because of the mangrovesí historically unwholesome reputation. Mangrove forests were known as tropical swamps, mosquito and fever ridden, that harbored unpleasant animals such as crocodiles. They were also extremely difficult to traverse on foot. In 1723 the French explorer Dampier summed up the mangles of......
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