The Ecology and Conservation of Rare Mangrove Species in Cambodia and Their Contribution to Blue Carbon Storage

Abstract

Cambodia's mangrove forests, though diminished in extent, host a unique assemblage of rare mangrove species, including the critically endangered Bruguiera hainesii, Heritiera littoralis, and Xylocarpus granatum. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the ecology, conservation status, and functional roles of these rare species within Cambodia's blue carbon ecosystems. It posits that rare mangroves, through distinct functional traits such as high wood density, slow-decomposing litter, and unique root architectures, contribute disproportionately to carbon storage and sequestration processes, while also enhancing ecosystem resilience. Despite their potential significance, these species face acute threats from selective logging, habitat conversion, and climate change, exacerbated by their inherent vulnerability. The review argues that effective mangrove conservation and climate mitigation strategies must explicitly integrate the protection of rare species to ensure the permanence and resilience of carbon stocks. It concludes by proposing a framework for biodiversity-informed blue carbon initiatives, linking targeted conservation, trait-based restoration, and refined carbon finance mechanisms, and identifies critical research priorities—including species-specific carbon assessments and distribution mapping—to guide policy and management in Cambodia.

Keywords: Rare mangrove species, blue carbon, Cambodia, Functional traits, Ecosystem resilience, Conservation, Carbon sequestration, Mangrove restoration