Overview of mangrove ecosystems in India
Mangroves in India are coastal ecosystems characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs, found predominantly along the eastern and western coastlines and in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. India hosts some of the largest mangrove forests in the world, including the Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, and the Krishna-Godavari delta regions. The total mangrove cover in India is 4,991.68 sq km, which accounts for 0.15% of the country's total area.
Major Mangrove Forests in India.
India hosts several prominent mangrove forests, each with unique ecological characteristics:
Other minor Mangroves are:
Distribution.
India has a significant area covered by mangrove forests. According to the Indian State of Forest Report (2021), the total mangrove cover in India is approximately 4,992 km2, which constitutes about 0.15% of the country's total geographical area. According to the 2023 report, it decreased to 4,991.68 km square, a decrease of 7.43 sq km in 2 years.
Biodiversity.
Mangroves in India support diverse flora and fauna, including many species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also host several species of mangrove trees, such as Rhizophora, Avicennia, and Sonneratia. The Sundarbans region, in particular, is home to endangered species like the Royal Bengal tiger, as well as numerous rare reptiles and birds.
Ecological Importance.
Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection, acting as natural buffers against storms, erosion, and rising sea levels. They also contribute to carbon sequestration, thus helping mitigate climate change. According to the Indian State of Forest Report (2021), mangroves in India store an estimated 4.9 million tons of carbon per year, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.
Threats.
Mangroves in India face various threats, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Urban development, aquaculture, and tourism have led to significant habitat loss and degradation in many areas. The Indian State of Forest Report (2021) also notes that pollution and salinity changes pose a serious risk to the delicate mangrove ecosystems.
Conservation Efforts.
The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to protect and conserve mangroves, such as the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules and Mangrove Action Plans. Various NGOs are also involved in mangrove restoration projects across the country. As per the Indian State of Forest Report (2021), mangrove conservation has seen positive outcomes in terms of area coverage and habitat restoration, with various regions recording an increase in mangrove cover over recent years.