Mangrove species propagules represent a particular survival and dispersal strategy. Unfortunately, some reports have stated that Rhizophora mangle propagules are frequently attacked by Coleoptera and Lepidoptera before and after their dispersion period. The beetle species Coccotrypes rhizophorae is an obligate parasite that can cause mortality in propagules and seedlings of R. mangle, and may modify the structure of its populations. Because of the importance on this mangrove species, survival and increasing human impacts in the area, this study evaluated the presence of propagules with C. rhizophorae boring evidence in the Tumilco mangrove, in Veracruz State, Mexico. For this, three sampling areas were established: 1) mangrove core of R. mangle, 2) most impacted edge of an unpaved road with R. mangle and A. germinans, and 3) edge with Typha latifolia and R. mangle; in each area, three 25x25 m random plots were analyzed. The number of bored propagules per site was recorded every 15 days over a sampling period of one year (n= 567) from January to December 2012. We also observed the damaged part of the propagule (basal, central, apical) and the number of live and dead bored propagules per season, and compared results for different seasons in the area: rainy, cold northerly fronts or “norte” and dry. Insects were identified by an expert. Our results showed that a higher number of bored propagules was observed during the dry season, mainly in zones 2 and 3. Survival of bored propagules was higher when the perforation occurred in the basal part of the plant, and during the dry and norte seasons. Study zone 2 in particular presented a higher number of live propagules when the damage occurred in the basal part of the propagule. In all three zones, mortality was higher when the damage was apical. Zones 1 and 3 presented higher propagule survival during the dry season, while survival in zone 2 was higher during the rainy and norte seasons. The number of propagules decreased with rising flooding levels. The results showed that C. rhizophorae has a wide distribution in the Tumilco mangrove, but the mortality of R. mangle propagules is influenced by the part of the propagule that suffers damage, as well as by the season of the year and the characteristics of the area in which the infestation occurs. Futher studies are required to evaluate the impact of propagule mortality on the population structure of R. mangle.

Mangrove forests have declined worldwide and understanding the key drivers of regeneration at different perturbation levels can help manage and preserve these critical ecosystems. For example, the Ramsar site # 1602, located at the Tampamachoco lagoon, Veracruz, México, consists of a dense forest of medium-sized trees composed of three mangrove species. Due to several human activities, including the construction of a power plant around the 1990s, an area of approximately 2.3 km² has suffered differential levels of perturbation: complete mortality, partial tree loss (divided into two sections: main and isolated patch), and apparently undisturbed sites. The number and size of trees, from seedlings to adults, were measured using transects and quadrats. With a matrix of the abundance of trees by size categories and species, an ordination (nMDS) showed three distinct groups corresponding to the degree of perturbation. Projection matrices based on the size structure of Avicennia germinans showed transition probabilities that varied according to perturbation levels. Lambda showed growing populations except on the zone that showed partial tree loss; a relatively high abundance of seedlings is not enough to ensure stable mangrove dynamics or start regeneration; and the survival of young trees and adult trees showed high sensitivity.

The objective of this documentary research work is to contribute to better knowledge of the mangrove species that are located in our country, as well as to provide readers with written and illustrated information on these species. The species described are Avicennia bicolor Standl., Avicennia germinans (L.) L., Conocarpus erectus L., Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertner, Rhizophora harrisonii Leechm., and Rhizophora mangle L. The mangroves present in Mexico comprise three families, four genera, and six species. They have a distribution in the 17 coastal states of the country, the largest number of species in the state of Chiapas. The data obtained that are included in the information are identity, distribution, taxonomy, diagnosis, distribution, uses, and protection. In the case of Avicennia bicolor Standl. and Rhizophora Harrisonii Leechm., the information is more scarce, since their distribution is limited to the state of Chiapas.