Vietnam’s mangroves were replanted after war, but keeping the forest alive takes more than trees. In Can Gio, scientists investigate the muddy ground where crabs bury fallen leaves and dig burrows that help oxygen reach the sediment. These tireless gardeners retain organic matter that the tides would otherwise carry away, helping nourish the forest.
Collecting and measuring crabs reveals the diversity of life beneath the roots, while crab-eating macaques watch for a meal. Beyond the forest floor, Siamese crocodiles are returning under the protection of rangers. From recycled leaves to returning reptiles, Can Gio shows what it takes for a replanted landscape to function as a living ecosystem.
Documentary: The Secret Life of Mangroves - Episode 3: The Rebirth of The Forest
Director: Pierre-François Gaudry
Production: ARTE France, Mona Lisa Production & IRD (2020)
#mangroves #vietnam #cangio #crabs #nutrientcycling #mangroverestoration #macaques #siamesecrocodile #biodiversity #ecology