The crabs consume the leaf litter, as well as small marine creatures that live there. On the other hand, mangrove crabs help create the soil which the mangroves need to survive. All the the organisms in the mangrove ecosystem, no matter how big or small, are critical for the health of the island.
There are even people who live on Isla Santay! These people depend on the plants and animals for their well-being.
Mangrove ecosystems are very threatened worldwide. In Ecuador, the biggest danger that mangroves face is deforestation because of shrimp farms. Many mangrove forests on the coast of Ecuador have been cut down and replaced with these farms.
On top of this, there is a lot of pollution that harms mangrove forests and the animals that live in them. Pollution includes both litter and chemicals that come from the city and farms.
To help the mangroves (and other wetlands!), you can try picking up litter and recycling in your area! You can also tell people why wetlands are so cool and important. Spreading appreciation for ecosystems is one of the best ways you can help them!
I have a question for you: why do YOU love wetlands? After your field trip to the SERC, I hope that you can answer this question and tell your friends and family why you think wetlands are super cool!
