Ecologists agree that mangroves are critical in fighting climate change and protecting biodiversity, but little is known about what lives within the dense coastal forests. The Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia is one of the largest mangroves in the world, and the environmental organization Fauna & Flora recently completed the first comprehensive biodiversity study of a mangrove forest. Their research shows the importance of protecting mangroves, as they absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and are home to hundreds of animal species. Many endangered species were located in the Cambodian mangrove, including long-tailed macaques, large-spotted civets, fishing cats, hairy-nose otters, and more. Mangroves are an undervalued resource when it comes to limiting the impact of climate change on nature, and Fauna & Flora hopes that their study will encourage people to protect these forests around the world.
Image via Expedia
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