The use of demographic studies in mangrove silviculture

Considered the best managed mangrove system worldwide, the current silviculture plan for the Mantang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Malaysia, is based on a 30-yr rotation with thinnings at 15 and 20 yr. Forest demography was recently studied to help enhance silviculture management in light of declining wood yields. High density of Rhizophora apiculata in a 5-yr old stand and marked declines in an 8-yr old stand suggest the need for a lower initial stocking density. Artificial regeneration at 1.2 m intervals is recommended if natural regeneration is below 50%. Thinnings should be conducted earlier to avoid wastage from natural thinning, and a rotation period of 25 yr is advocated.