In Mauritius, the mangroves provide habitats mostly for insects, small rodents and birds. Also, most of the ocean fishes breed in the mangrove sediment and develop in there during the juvenile stages.
Crabs also thrive in mangals and adventure out of their holes during low tides. This is another source of food and income to people living on the coast.
Mangroves also help to protect the shore against strong surges, waves and tsunamis.