Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
© Amazing Aerial Premium/Shutterstoc
Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Natural vegetation is sparse in the United Arab Emirates due to its hot desert climate and lack of rain. These harsh conditions don’t stop the resilient mangroves from growing along the country's coast. These hardy trees and shrubs are halophytes, and can filter as much as 90% of the salt from the seawater they live in. Despite their impressive adaptations to harsh environments, mangroves are threatened globally. Mangrove coverage has been cut in half over the past 40 years, and they are dwindling three to five times faster than overall forest losses. The UN has established special days, scientific funding, Global Geoparks and World Heritage sites to try to reverse these trends. These efforts are vital; mangroves prevent erosion, storm surges and create an ecosystem for fish, crustaceans and a variety of land animals.
Related Images
La Digue, an island in the Seychelles
A European goldfinch perched among rosehips in snow
A Komondor competes in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City
Bath, Somerset, England
Meditation domes at the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, India
Ground pangolin at Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
Ocean Drive in Miami, Florida
Lake Dobson in Mount Field National Park of Tasmania
Bing Today Images
