Abstract
Mangroves are defined as tropical and sub-tropical forests with a diverse floristic composition bordering the sea on muddy or peaty low lands periodically submerged or influenced by the tides. Maharashtra is one of the coastal states of India, with many rivers emerging from Sahyadri ranges and meeting the Arabian Sea. The coast line available for Maharashtra state is 720 km. Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad, Thane and Mumbai are the five coastal districts of the state of Maharashtra. All the districts together have more than 55 small, medium and large estuaries. It is found that estuaries like Vijaydurg shows maximum mangrove area of and estuaries like Kelye shows minimum area. It also reveals that the species like E. agallocha, A. ilicifolius, R. mucronata, A. officinalis and A. marina show maximum percentage of occurrence as compared to the species like X. granatum, C. iripa, B. cylindrica, S. caseolaris, H.fomes and T. gallica. The studies on mangrove biodiversity in five districts show the major variations. The study found 20 typical mangroves, 10 halophytic species, 13 border line mangroves and 15 mangrove associates from all these districts. Among these the uncommon and threatened greet pied Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) have been found at some sites. Some of the common crab species are Uca roseus, Uca lactea annulipes and Uca vocans. The species like Scylla serrata and Portunus pelagius are edible. In the present study 13 sp. of Molluscs, 25 species of edible fish, 9 species of Reptilia, 45 sp. of birds and 10 species of Mammalia are found. It is found that out of twenty-four species analyzed, some species are analyzed as Critically Endangered (CR), some are found Endangered (EN). From this study it is found that all sites being under human pressure the natural zonation pattern is not seen. The existing zonation pattern is a result of natural distribution and human disturbances.
Highlights
Mangroves are typical group of plants which are adopted for survival in sheltered brackish water habitats along coasts of tropical and sub-tropical regions
The components of mangrove diversity are an indication of the set of environmental conditions of the area
Indian mangroves have been described by Blasco (1975)
Summary
Mangroves are typical group of plants which are adopted for survival in sheltered brackish water habitats along coasts of tropical and sub-tropical regions. Mangroves are known as primary producers, shoreline protectors, nursery grounds and habitat for variety of animals, bridging components and unique biological resources. They provide erosion control and shoreline stabilization; they are involved in complex detritus food webs. The Tsunami occurred on 26th Dec. 2004 along the East west of south India created a massive destruction in these areas and killed over thousands of people. It is found that Tsunami has created greater destruction where there are no mangroves. It is found that the areas with thick mangrove forests have received least impact of Tsunami. It is the need of time that the present mangrove ecosystem is to be protected first and rehabilitation of destructed mangrove areas is to be undertaken
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