21 Direction of Sustainable Development of the South Province Territories I Strolling along the waterways 20 Strolling along the waterways The shrubby swamps Isolated or in narrow cord, sculpted by water The shrubby swamps stretch discontinuously along the more or less stony banks of the waterways. Composed of shrub and herbaceous species supporting waterlogging and temporary, partial or total coverage by water, this maquis is very rich in specific species despite its limited surface area and is difficult to assess. Equipped with highly developed root systems, they resist being carried away during cyclonic floods and often lean downstream. The plant grouping of sinkholes A concave setting, an oasis of serenity This plant group is mainly composed of Melaleuca quinquenervia (niaouli tree) and Sannantha leratii (false heather), often located on the edges of banks or all around the immediate perimeter of a sinkhole, up to the high water level because it adapts to temporary submersions, as well as more clearly aquatic species, such as Lepironia articulata, Eriocaulon spp (opposite) appearing as ephemeral and specific white pompoms emerging or not from the surface of the water. A very original biotope under threat The vegetation of the riparian shrub andmarshy areas has been largely degraded due to fires. The fact that these populations of rare species are already fragmented and reduced increases the risk of extinction of the species or at least the loss of its genetic integrity. This very original biotope deserves to be communicated and monitored for better preservation. Several species are listed as endangered, threatened, vulnerable, etc. such as Retrophyllum minor or Dacrydium guillauminii.
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