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Distribution, devastating effect, and drivers of the exotic mangrove Nypa fruticans Van Wurmb (Arecaceae) on the mangroves of West and Central Africa

J-Hude Moudingo,G. Ajonina,D. Dibong,M. Tomedi

Published 2020 in Unknown venue

ABSTRACT

Abstract The exotic mangrove, Nypa fruticans Van Wurmb (Arecaceae) is a native plant from the Indo-Pacific mangrove block that invades wetlands and that threatens native resources of the mangrove found in the West and Central part of Africa. There is a lack of awareness on plant invasion and the appropriate biosecurity approach with no initial risk assessment before plant introduction. However, localized efforts to eradicate invasive species, such as the Nypa palm, have proven to be difficult and futile; despite the immeasurable efforts made in Nigeria’s mangrove more than a century ago. Moreover, in recent times, data on the Nypa in West and Central Africa are isolated, and even if they exist, they are unpublished. We used a combination of observational (qualitative and quantitative) approaches, including naive and scientific. In addition, desk research and interpretative document analysis were the main research methods that guided the identification, selection, and rigorous examination of Nypa palm spread and distribution, its effects, and its invasion process. From a historical perspective, we found that Nypa have been widely distributed or reintroduced with free-floating viable seeds across the marine coast of West and Central Africa. Today, over 10 Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem Countries (GCLMEC) harbor Nypa palm at varying scales. Most controlled efforts to check the Nypa invasion in Nigeria mangrove ecosystems have yielded incidental results. Furthermore, dispersal mechanisms caused an increase in invasiveness and invadability. Possible impacting factors and effects of the Nypa palm that have led to mangrove degradation have been delineated. Our findings suggested that Nypa palm was an opportunistic species and that, with little or no disturbance, it spreads and become naturalized. Therefore we are suggesting that regional a Restoration Programme of Mangrove Estuaries or Exotic Mangrove Palm Programme be considered for GCLMEC.

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