Zoe Dunnett

• BSc (Hons) Biology (Ecology and Conservation)
• Determining and comparing levels of herbivory across planted, ecologically restored and pristine mangrove forests in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia

Mangrove forests are unique coastal wetlands that sustain millions of people globally. They contribute to the survival and welfare of those people through protection against coastal erosion, provision of food and materials, and through filtering of water-borne pollutants. Despite this, mangrove suffer significant destruction, with more than 20% of their global cover lost between 1980 and 2000. In particular, Indonesia has lost 40% of mangrove cover in the last three decades. Recently, considerable effort has aimed to restore mangroves, but the success of these schemes are limited. This project aims to determine and compare the level of herbivory across planted, ecologically restored and pristine mangroves in Northern Sulawesi. Leaf damage of 288 leaves was assessed using the LeafByte app, in conjunction with counts of scrapes and chews. The results have the potential to advise future schemes on the best practice for restoration.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Project supervisor: Dr Darren Evans