Relationship between herbivory and leaf traits in mangroves on Iriomote Island, southern Japan

Mangrove ecosystems on Iriomote Island, Japan, exhibit a distinct pattern where leaf herbivory rates decline from seaward to landward species, driven primarily by the concentration of condensed tannins and the tannins:nitrogen ratio. This study reveals that these chemical traits are key determinants of grazing pathways in mangroves, contrasting with other leaf traits like physical or physiological properties. Seasonal variations, leaf phenotype (sun or shade), and leaf age had minimal impact on herbivory rates overall, though exceptions were noted in seaward and rhizophoraceous species where summer herbivory was higher. The research highlights the critical role of condensed tannins in shaping nutrient cycling dynamics in mangrove forests, offering insights into their high productivity.

Hirano, Y., Marui, M., Tachikake, S., Kato, T., & Imai, N. (2023). Relationship between herbivory and leaf traits in mangroves on Iriomote Island, southern Japan. Journal of Forest Research, 29(3), 204–213. https://doi.org/10.1080/13416979.2023.2279003