Abstract
Mangroves are highly productive ecosystems occurs intertidal regions only. Mangroves and associated flora occurring in two major estuaries of Godavari river (India) were studied using transect with 4x4 m2 quadrats and the quadrat samples were analyzed. Seasonal data were collected on environmental, hydrographical and chemical observations from three different stations of the two estuaries. Low values in Secchi depth, salinity and pH were reported during the monsoon season, while higher values were reported in pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons. In the present study three mangrove species and nine associated species were reported. Transect studies in these two estuaries showed that mangrove and halophytes occurred up to 40 meters from water front region. In some places mangrove vegetation was in the form of long strips only. In Vainateyam estuary, the species with the highest density was Suaeda monoica whereas the species with lowest density was Avicennia officinalis. In Vashista estuary, maximum density was reported for Suaeda maritima and minimum density for Avicennia officinalis. The maximum height in these two stations varied from 5 to 8 meters only. Percentage frequencies of DBH (Density at Breast Height) classes were estimated. In the present study only two diameter classes were reported. This is indicative of the small and bushy mangrove vegetation in the region studied. Human interference, urban settlements and aqua industry play a critical impact on the survival of these tropical ecosystems. If management and conservation programmes are not undertaken, these ecosystems may be depleted.
Highlights
Mangrove ecosystems of Gautami Godavari estuary (India) received much attention on mangrove flora and estuarine algae (Rao, 1959; Sidhu, 1963; Raju, 1968; Blasco, 1988; Narasimha Rao, 1989, 1995; Krishna Rao and Narasimha Rao, 1994; Narasimha Rao and Umamaheswara Rao, 1991; Bhaskara Rao, 1992; Narasimha Rao et al, 2000; Venkaiah and Prayaga Murty, 2007; Narasimha Rao and Dora, 2009)
Two stations were selected in Vainateyam estuary and one station at Vashista estuary, Environmental; hydrographical and chemical features such as air, water temperatures, salinity, and pH, D.O and water transparency were collected at three study sites from February 2009 to January 2010
Mangroves are typical ecosystems regularly influenced by high tide and low tides of the sea
Summary
Mangrove ecosystems of Gautami Godavari estuary (India) received much attention on mangrove flora and estuarine algae (Rao, 1959; Sidhu, 1963; Raju, 1968; Blasco, 1988; Narasimha Rao, 1989, 1995; Krishna Rao and Narasimha Rao, 1994; Narasimha Rao and Umamaheswara Rao, 1991; Bhaskara Rao, 1992; Narasimha Rao et al, 2000; Venkaiah and Prayaga Murty, 2007; Narasimha Rao and Dora, 2009). Lot of work has been done in the mangroves of Gautami major and minor estuaries of River Godavari. No report was available in literature regarding the presence of mangroves in Vashista and Vainateyam estuaries of Godavari River.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
