Density and Distribution of Mangrove Stands Between Ras – Al Turfa and Bab-Al Mandab using Remote Sensing System

Mona S. Alwhibi

Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, P.O.Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.

Corresponding Author E-mail: MALWHIBI@KSU.EDU.SA

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2425

ABSTRACT: Using remote sensing system i.e. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), dense distribution of mangrove forest was found on Red sea coast between Ras – Al turfa in north and Bab – Al mandab in south. Avicennia marina was the only species found on the coast however satellite images revealed the presence of Rhizophora mucronata at the Farasan Archipelago and Kamaran Island. Comparison between GIS (Geographic Information System) analysis of the satellite images of the area for the years 2010 and 2014 showed gradual decrease of mangrove stands along the coast. During 2010, the total area covered by the mangrove forests was around 2442 hectares while in 2014 it was declined to 2141 hectares, of which 97 hectares of the mangroves stands were declined at the Saudi coast of Red sea while 204 hectares of mangrove stands were wiped out at the coastline touching Yemen. Field studies of the area showed that in the lapse of fifteen years, approximately 301 hectares of mangrove stands destroyed because of urbanization, industrialization, cattle grazing, particularly by camels and lack of awareness among locals.

KEYWORDS: Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus; Landsat Thematic Mapper; Mangrove stands; Red sea coast

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