Tracking the Expansion of Sonneratia apetala and Its Impact on Local Mangroves Using Time-Series Remote Sensing Data

Xuesong Feng, Yingbin Deng, Weiping Zhong, Zhiyi Xie, Hua Liu, Zhao Li, Yiwen Jia, Xin Li, Renrong Chen, Xiaoyan Peng, Yan Deng, Mingmin Li, Miao Li () and Dianfan Guo ()
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Xuesong Feng: College of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
Yingbin Deng: Guangdong Open Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Laboratory of Guangdong for Utilization of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
Weiping Zhong: Marine Environmental Monitoring Center of Beihai, Bureau of Environmental Protection of Guangxi, Beihai 536000, China
Zhiyi Xie: Guangdong Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Guangzhou 510308, China
Hua Liu: Guangdong Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Guangzhou 510308, China
Zhao Li: Guangdong Open Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Laboratory of Guangdong for Utilization of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
Yiwen Jia: Guangdong Open Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Laboratory of Guangdong for Utilization of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
Xin Li: Guangdong Open Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Laboratory of Guangdong for Utilization of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
Renrong Chen: School of Tourism and Culture, Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, Guangzhou 510520, China
Xiaoyan Peng: Marine Environmental Monitoring Center of Beihai, Bureau of Environmental Protection of Guangxi, Beihai 536000, China
Yan Deng: Marine Environmental Monitoring Center of Beihai, Bureau of Environmental Protection of Guangxi, Beihai 536000, China
Mingmin Li: Marine Environmental Monitoring Center of Beihai, Bureau of Environmental Protection of Guangxi, Beihai 536000, China
Miao Li: College of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
Dianfan Guo: College of Geographical Science, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-18

Abstract: Mangroves play a crucial role in supporting the biodiversity of coastal wetlands, acting as a vital link between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In mainland China, Sonneratia apetala , an invasive mangrove species, has recently become dominant in these environments. While it contributes to the stability of mangrove ecosystems and is widely used in coastal restoration efforts, its rapid growth poses a significant threat to the survival of native mangrove species. However, the spatiotemporal growth dynamics and landscape impacts of Sonneratia apetala remain underexplored in scholarly research. This study employs remote sensing and GIS techniques to analyze the growth patterns of Sonneratia apetala over a 14-year period along the eastern coast of the Leizhou Peninsula in China. The analysis revealed the following key findings: (1) The mangrove area expanded from 274.17 hm 2 to 383.42 hm 2 , with an average annual growth rate of 2.84%. (2) The area of Sonneratia apetala increased from 115.15 hm 2 in 2010 to 254.81 hm 2 in 2023, with an average annual growth rate of 1.29%. The area of local mangrove species declined from 163.02 hm 2 to 125.06 hm 2 (a decrease from 22.11% to 16.96%), with an average annual growth rate of −1.66%. (3) The number of Sonneratia apetala patches increased from 139 to 324, while the area-weighted shape index rose from 3.4 to 7.81. The decline of native mangrove species, driven by the rapid spread of Sonneratia apetala , suggests that this species is encroaching on native mangrove habitats. Through geospatial analysis, this study provides valuable insights into how introduced species can reshape mangrove landscape structures and the broader implications for regional biodiversity. These findings clearly demonstrate that Sonneratia apetala is encroaching upon local mangrove habitats, highlighting the urgent need for strategic management and conservation efforts to mitigate the ecological impacts of the proliferation of this species. Furthermore, this research is important for coastal sustainability management strategies that balance ecological restoration with the preservation of native biodiversity, ensuring long-term ecosystem health and resilience.

Keywords: Sonneratia apetala; spatiotemporal growth pattern; long-term monitoring; landscape index (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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