Characterization of mangrove forests in the estuary of the Jaboatão River in the state of Pernambuco

The mangrove is a tropical coastal ecosystem that colonizes sedimentary deposits formed by muddy, clayey or sandy vessels, occupying the intertidal region up to the upper limit of the equinoctial high tides. It has a discontinuous distribution along the Brazilian coast, from Amap to Santa Catarina, and can present a continuum of distinct features depending on the profile of the coastline and the frequency and amplitude of the tides. In Jaboat o dos Guararapes/PE, there is around 5.7km of mangrove vegetation, but these areas are heavily impacted by urban sprawl, especially so-called irregular occupations. The aim of this study is therefore to carry out a preliminary analysis of the structure of the mangrove forest on the right bank of the Jaboat o River, in the area known as Ponta Cabo, located on the border between the municipalities of Jaboat o dos Guararapes-PE and Cabo de Santo Agostinho-PE, as well as to identify the main indicators of environmental impacts in the mangrove area. For structural characterization, the multiple plot methodology was adopted, with three plots being demarcated at a single site in the mangrove.