Where are East African Mangroves found?

East African Mangroves can be found along the eastern coasts of Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, and the western coast of Madagascar.  They are mostly located in deltas and rivers, as this is where the salt water and land meet. 

Mangroves protect shorelines from erosion and can be distinguished by the distinct root systems of the trees.  At low tide, mangroves are home to birds, crustacean, and mollusks.  At high tide, it is home to many species of fish.

Historically, the Eastern African Mangroves used to be the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined, or 5,800 sq. miles (15,100 sq. kilometers).  It includes the mangroves found in Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, and Somalia. They occur there because of the seasonal wind patterns and coastal currents.  Rainfall in the mangroves varies from 750 to 1,500 mm each year.