Reintroduction of red mangrove Rhizophora mucronata in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Reintroduction of once existing red mangrove, Rhizophora mucronata trials were carried out in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Propagules were procured from Pakistan and cultured in a greenhouse before they were planted alongside existing Avicennia marina forest in two sites of Abu Dhabi emirate, Abu Al Abyad and Ras Ghanada Islands. This study documents the present condition of the plants after 11 years of plantation. Long term survival rate was as high as 81% in Abu Al Abyad while Ras Ghanada experienced a very low survival rate at 10%, primarily due to external factors. In contrast, Ras Ghanada plants showed higher growth with the mean height stands at 2.06 m (SD ± 0.31m), while in Abu Al Abyad it is 1.53 m (SD ± 0.36 m). In Abu Al Abyad, more than one third (36.4%) of surviving plants showed reproductive phenology, whereas in Ras Ghanada it was only 10.3%, despite of greater height classes. Many Rhizophora were also noticed with well-developed stilt roots. This study showed that Rhizophora mucronata can be planted in Abu Dhabi, despite the Emirate's harsh climatic conditions.