5. Conclusions
Comparison between reforested and natural areas is a starting
point to reach forest restoration success, but it is impaired by
different stand ages. Calculations of biomass production can be
used to compare tree development in restored mangroves, but each
forest has their own features, and the use of specific allometric
equations need to be performed for long term assessment. Tree
development and biodiversity return together can give a more accurate
approach of forest management efficacy. Despite low tree
richness, restoration using R. mangle can be justified to accelerate
the recovery of functional groups, ecosystem services and high
biomass production. However, depending on conditions such as
high propagule predation and area size, mangrove self-recovery
can be a legitimate low cost alternative for mangrove restoration
with higher tree diversity. Crab assemblages need to be considered
in Neotropical restoration plans and their reestablishment can be a
good indicator of forest functionality. Crab assemblage reached
after several years a similar composition in assisted, naturally
recovered and undisturbed areas, showing the high resilience of
this important functional group.