Geographic distribution of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) in coastal Louisiana in 2009

Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans (L.) L.) has historically occurred along the Louisiana coast in saline wetland habitats, but its distribution has been sparse. Mangroves are tropical to semi-tropical species and their distribution is limited by freezing temperatures. Black mangrove distribution and abundance has increased and decreased in the coastal zone of Louisiana according to freeze frequency and duration and concomitant freeze damage and dieback or lack thereof. In 2009, a fixed wing aircraft was used to conduct an aerial cruise census of the entire coastal area of Louisiana to document and map the total distribution of mangroves in the state.