Horizontal distribution of mangrove species is a common phenomenon in mangrove ecosystems. In Kenya, where nine species of mangroves occur, the seaward zone is normally occupied by Sonneratia alba Sm. and occasionally by Rhizophora mucronata Lam. The present study was conducted in a low lying site previously dominated by S. alba. Our study aimed at testing the suitability of replanting Rhizophora propagules in low elevation site to control soil erosion and stabilize sediments. The experiment was established up in March 2005 with three treatments and a control group. Rhizophora propagules were planted directly into the sediment or inside bamboo encasements of various diameters. Field measurements included percentage mortality, shoot height increment (cm), diameter at second internode (mm), and leaf number. The results showed that the directly planted saplings had a significantly high percent survival (p = 0.01) as well as better growth performance (p<0.01) than the encased ones. However, the saplings did not differ significantly in both survival and growth performance between the bamboo treatments. The significance of these results in the management of eroding shorelines is discussed.

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