Species Composition of Mangrove Forests in Olingan Creek- A Reference for Integrated Coastal Management

Abstract

Mangroves shares specialized attributes for growing with excess saltwater, and for promoting sustainability and dispersal. These attributes enabled mangroves to occupy tidal areas around the world and kept from extinction. This study aimed to conduct an identification of mangrove species in Olingan creek and determine the status of the mangroves in terms of their relative abundance. Data collection was done through actual determination of mangrove community structure by using the transect line plot technique. The diversity index was sought using the Shannon’s Diversity Index. The results showed that there are 14 mangrove species in 9 families found to grow in the area.Nypa fruticans , Rhizophora stylosa and Rhizophora apiculata species were the most dense and most frequent mangrove species in Olingan creek. Terminalia catappa turned out to be the species having the lowest density.Avicennia(officinalis) lanata ranks first in dominancy and importance value followed by Rhizophora stylosa then Calophylluminophyllum. Moreover, Bruguiera sexangula had the lowest dominancy while Sonneratia ovata had the lowest importance value of all the mangrove species. Major problems observed include conversion of mangrove areas into residential and beach development. The mangrove composition in the area is relatively high and therefore needs proper protection, conservation and management.