Kalba Mangrove reserve, Protected mangrove forest in Kalba, United Arab Emirates.
Kalba Mangrove Reserve is a protected forest on the eastern coast of Sharjah containing salt-tolerant trees that grow to about 8 meters high with tangled root systems that anchor them in the muddy seabed. The wetland spreads along the waterfront for several kilometers, creating a natural maze of water channels and dense vegetation.
This area was protected to preserve one of the oldest mangrove forests in the region, with individual trees reaching several centuries in age. The conservation status was established to ensure these natural habitats would survive for future generations.
This protected area holds meaning for local communities as a place that demonstrates the importance of coastal ecosystems. Visitors can see how the mangroves support life and connect people to the natural rhythms of the Arabian Gulf coast.
A visitor center provides access to the reserve and displays information about the habitats and wildlife found here. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and arrive early in the day to avoid heat and large crowds.
The reserve is home to a rare kingfisher with a distinctive white collar that hunts among the roots for fish and small prey. At the same time it serves as a rehabilitation center where sea turtles receive care before returning to the Arabian Gulf.
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