Spatial pattern and satellite radiometric indices of Avicennia marina populations in different habitat types of South Sinai, Egypt

Urban mangroves, i.e., forests in and around cities, are increasingly threatened, particularly in relation to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. A field study on the spatial pattern of Avicennia marina populations and satellite radiometric indices data analysis was carried out in different habitat types of Nabq Protected Area, Egypt. This study aims to assess A. marina populations and their spatial distribution pattern based on synchronized remote sensing image analysis and Ripley’s k-function. The intertidal and shoreline habitats exhibited higher densities and healthier mangrove stands compared to the salt flats and sand mound habitats. The spatial pattern of A. marina tends to be aggregated for the populations established in almost all the study habitat types. Individuals in the sand mound and salt flat populations are more widely distributed than those in the shoreline and intertidal populations. Two levels of aggregation are recognized: at fine scale (3.5 m). The seedlings and juveniles showed positive associations with the large-size individuals. The integration of remote sensing multiple indices and analyzing the spatial and temporal patterns is an important tool for assessing and monitoring the overall health of mangrove forests for conservation and sustainable use.