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AssignmentTopic: - 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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INDEXSI.NO CONTENTS Date Page No

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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

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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 cascolaris2. Kandelia candel 3. Bruguiera sps4. Excoecaria agelloche5. Aegiceras sps6. Ardisia littoralis7. Caesalpinia crista8. Dotichandron spathecea9. Phoenix humilis 10.Flagellaria indica11.Viscum orientale12.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 MangrovesIt 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.

ConclusionStudies 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

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Manjusha Publications – Calicut

Web resources:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove