How does a mangrove ecosystem work?

The fallen leaves from mangrove trees are made into pieces, also eaten, by crabs, molluscs and polychaets which live in the burrows of the mangrove-soil. These burrowers help to keep the soil aerated also, by moving the soil constantly to dig burrows.

The microbes present in the soil transform the pieces of leaves into rich, nutrient, organic soil, which is the great manure for the mangrove plants.

The burrowing invertebrates also serve as delicacies for the fishes and birds – which are our food too.

Birds’ excreta serve as good manure to the mangrove plants.

[Note: Except us, all the other living organisms are helping each other, in turn the whole ecosystem. We, after enjoying everything from mangroves, destroy them thoughtlessly and mercilessly. What a sad-shameful thing to realize!]