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Assignment
Topic: - Mangrove vegetations







Submitted to, Submitted by,
Mrs, Jibi Teacher Swathi S Nair
Natural Science
Date: - 11-09-2014 Reg No: 13350037








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INDEX










SI.NO

CONTENTS

Date

Page No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Introduction
Major Mangrove species of Kerala
Mangrove Forests Of Kerala
Features Of Mangrove Plans
Importance Of Mangroves
Economic Importance Of Mangroves
Biological and Ecological Roles
Need For Protection Of Mangroves
Conclusion
Reference
3
4
4
5-7
8
8
8
9
9
10
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Introduction
Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees or shrubs, growing between mean sea level and
the high tide mark of tropical and subtropical coastlines, and also along the banks
of estuaries and salt marshes. They form distinct intertidal communities and also
serve as an interface zone between land Sea. Mangrove ecosystem also called
mangrove forestes or mangals is thickly vegetated saline orbrakish water
swamp forests, seen mostly fringing tropical and subtropical coastlines. They are
self regulating and self sustaining tropical and sub tropical estuarine communities,
formed of tickets of salt tolerant (halophytic) woody trees and shrubs these
plans are among the few emergent land plans which can tolerate the high
salinities of open sea.
Mangroves are found in the shallow intertidal mud-flats or sant-flats of
sheltered coasts along the banks of river estuaries, rakish water, salt lakes, and
tidal creeks and over extensive areas, forming mangrove forests. Just as rocky
shores, mangrove swamps are strongly influenced by tides.
Mangroves show luxuriant growth in sheltered tidal areas where the
alluvial substratum is subjected to periodic-flooding by tidal waters. Salty soil,
water login with saline water, cloudy weather with high humidity, equable
temperature (10 degree c) absence of frost etc.. are the factors essential for
their proper growth.








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Major Mangrove Species Of Kerala
1. Sonneratia cascolaris
2. Kandelia candel
3. Bruguiera sps
4. Excoecaria agelloche
5. Aegiceras sps
6. Ardisia littoralis
7. Caesalpinia crista
8. Dotichandron spathecea
9. Phoenix humilis
10. Flagellaria indica
11. Viscum orientale
12. Heritiera littoralis
Mangrove Forests of Kerala
1. Trivandrum -veli
2. Kollam - Ashraamam
3. Alleppy -Alleppy
4. Kottayam - kumarakam
5. Ernakulum - mangalavanam, Edappally
6. Thrissur- Chettuvai
7. Kannur - Thalassery, kallai
8. Malappuram - Thirur
9. Kozhikode -Kadalundi, Eranjippala, Mahe
10. Kasargod - Chitteri

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Features of Mangrove Plants
Mangrove plants, in general, are characterized by the presence of needle-shaped
and negatively geotropic roots, called Pneumatophores [Aerosphere or
breathing roots], for aerial respiration, stilt root (bract root) &prop roots (pillar
roots) for fixation and anchorage and vivipary for successful dispersal.
Pneumatophores are provided with air cavities and dispersal. Pneumatophores
are provided with air cavities and respiratory openings called Pneumatothodes,
for gas exchange.
The internal structure of mangrove plants is somewhat similar to that of
desert plants, probably due to the lack of fresh water. The stem, in many cases, is
succulent. Temperature forms are mostly herbaceous, and tropical forms are
bushy and dome shaped due to cymose branching. Leaves, in most cases, are
small, thick, entire, succulent and often glossy. Fruit and seeds are generally light.
Fruit wall may have air chambers which enable fruits, seeds and seedlings to float
on water surface.












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1. Mangrove knees


2. Pneumatophores penetrate the sand surrounding a mangrove tree

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3. Mangroves (Cambodia)



4. Edge of the mangle



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IMPORTENCE OF MANGROOVES
Mangrove ecosystems were formerly regarded as unproductive wastelands, and
the breeding centers of mosquitoes, crocodiles and other harmful animals. So
they have been long neglected and much abused. However, it has now become
very clear that they are extremely important components of coastal and estuarine
systems and are economically and ecologically very significant.
(A). Economic importance of mangroves
In many countries, mangroves provide a wide range of products and services to
mankind. Some of their economic roles are the following,
1. Provide high-quality fuel wood to the rural folk of the coastal areas of
tropical countries
2. Supply timber, charcoal, pulpwood, poles, construction materials, etc on a
commercial scale
3. Provide greenmanure for agricultural purposes.
4. Provide honey and wax in large quantities.
(B). Biological and ecological roles
Mangrove forests are biologically and ecologically very significant. Some of such
roles are the following,
1. Mangroves are important land builders which play a vital role to form land
and to extend shores.
2. Extensive prop- roots of mangrove trees reduce tidal currents and cause the
extensive deposition of mud and silt.
3. The complex root structure of mangrove helps the accumulation of organic and
inorganic materials.
4. The shallow waters around mangroves provide highly suitable feeding and
breeding places for many estuarine fishes.
5. Mangrove ecosystems provide an irreplaceable habitat for many species of
plants and animals, and ideal breeding and feeding grounds flora rich fauna,
including vertebrates and invertebrates.
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Need for Protection Of Mangroves
It is high time that detailed studies are made about the ecological significance and
economic utility of mangrove forests and effective conservation measures are
initiated for the preservation and management of the still existing residual
mangrove ecosystem.
1. Preparation of an inventory of the existing mangrove areas.
2. Afforestation of suitable habitats with mangrove species.
3. Controlled and sustainable exploitation of mangroves.
4. Prohibition of reclamation of mangrove swamps.
5. Promote only controlled tourism in mangrove areas.
Conclusion
Studies have revealed that the mangrove ecosystems all over the world are fast
depleting. Mangrove forests are often cleared for agriculture, residential
development, firewood, charcoal, lumber, pulp, extraction of tannins and so on.
Several large cities all over the world were built by destroying extensive mangrove
have disappeared. Heavy destruction of mangrove ecosystems has caused
difficulties in water management, and heavy loss of protection from cyclonic
floods. Catastrophic floods and heavy losses to life and properties are now
common in many of such areas.
It is high time that detailed studies are made about the ecological
significance and economic utility of mangrove forests and effective conservation
measures are initiated for the preservation and management of the still existing
residual mangrove ecosystems. Mangrove ecosystems are highly productive. The
distribution, abundance and primary productivity of mangroves depend upon the
integration of factors, such as frequency tidal flooding, salinity and water logging
of the soil. However, it has now become very clear that they are extremely
important components of coastal and estuarine systems and are economically
and ecologically very significant.
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Reference:-
A.R AjithKumar ramesh & K.K Bhaskaran (2012)
Environmental studies, phyto geography
All rights reserved by publishers
Manjusha Publications Calicut
Web resources:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove