Picturesque red mangrove forest along the Qara-ni-Qio River (00017931)
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Description: The red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) in the Qara-ni-Qio River are up to 30 meters tall trees and shrubs that adapt perfectly to the salty coasts and brackish river mouths. They serve as crucial nurseries for reef fish and invertebrates, providing ideal hiding spots. Mangroves are vital ecosystems that store and release nutrients to the sea. Unfortunately, they are highly endangered, with an estimated 50 percent of the global mangrove forests already destroyed.
Location: Viti Levu, Beqa Lagoon, Qara-ni-Qio River, Fiji
Date of Capture: 28.09.2005