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Overview
The mangrove ecosystems of the Savanne district are distinct from those on the more sheltered east coast, as the southern coastline of Mauritius is generally more rocky and exposed to high-energy wave action. In this region, mangroves are primarily restricted to protected estuaries and river mouths where brackish conditions allow them to take root. The District of Savanne hosts unique "south-southwest" mangrove patches that are essential for the ecological health of the southern lagoon. These forests are dominated by Rhizophora mucronata, known for its arching prop roots, while the rarer Bruguiera gymnorrhiza is occasionally found in the most sheltered inland spots.
Ecological Buffer: These stands provide a critical filter for the district's river systems, trapping sediments from the southern highlands before they reach the coral reefs.
Socio-Economic Link: Local communities in Savanne have a high "awareness score" regarding the value of mangroves, frequently utilizing them for traditional fishing and as a source for medicinal plant parts.
Coastal Protection: In areas like Souillac and Saint Martin, the mangroves serve as a natural defense against the powerful southern swells, preventing shoreline erosion.
Statistics Savanne
Statistics Savanne
Souillac ~412.5 m²
Saint Martin ~26436 m²
Total ~26849 m² (or ~ 2.68 ha)
Dominance: Rhizophora mucronata
DS-Souillac
DS-Souillac
Souillac is a coastal village situated at the mouth of the Savanne River, where the estuarine conditions support resilient but fragmented mangrove belts.
Coverage: Mangrove growth is concentrated along the banks of the Savanne River estuary, forming narrow green fringes that transition into coastal wetlands.
Resource Abundance: The area is a well-known site for the collection of wild oysters and mud crabs, which thrive among the intricate root networks.
Atmosphere: The site offers a rugged and picturesque view where the lush greenery of the mangroves meets the dramatic basaltic cliffs of the south.
S-Saint Martin
S-Saint Martin
Located on the southwestern edge of the district near Bel Ombre, Saint Martin contains some of the most ecologically significant mangrove patches in Savanne.
Coverage: This area is part of a 1.2 km² ecological corridor that is highly integrated with the local coastal road and residential lifestyle.
High Dependency: Surveys indicate that inhabitants of Saint Martin have a high dependency on these mangroves for food security and income generation.
Functional Structure: The stands feature mature Rhizophora trees with dense canopies that act as a primary nursery for juvenile fish in the southern lagoon.
4504 - 4506: Souillac
4507 - 4508: Jacotet Bay
4509 - 4511: Saint Martin
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