MANGROVES

MANGROVES

TOPIC: Environment

Context- As per WWF, around 300-400 million people world-over depend on wetlands for their livelihoods or protection against floods and other storms. Yet, it is estimated that the world has lost 87% of its wetlands since 1900s because of development activities which have also pushed many species to the brink of extinction.

Concept-

About Manroves:

• A Mangrove is a small tree or shrub that grows along coastlines, taking root in salty sediments, often underwater.
• Mangroves are flowering trees, belonging to the families Rhizophoraceae, Acanthaceae, Lythraceae, Combretaceae, and Arecaceae.
• Mangroves are found only along sheltered coastlines within the tropical or subtropical latitudes because they cannot withstand freezing temperatures.
• Features of Mangroves:
  • They can survive under extreme hostile environments such as high salt and low oxygen conditions. Hence the mangrove root system absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere.
  • Mangroves have special roots for this purpose called breathing roots or pneumatophores.
  • With their roots submerged in water, mangrove trees thrive in hot, muddy, salty conditions that would quickly kill most plants.
  • Succulent leaves: Mangroves, like desert plants, store fresh water in thick succulent leaves. A waxy coating on the leaves seals in water and minimises evaporation.
  • Viviparous: Their seeds germinate while still attached to the parent tree. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a propagule.
• Global Mangrove Cover:
  • The total mangrove cover in the world is one 1,50,000sqkms.
  • Asia has the largest number of mangroves worldwide.
  • South Asia comprises 6.8% of the world’s mangrove cover.
  • India’s contribution is 45.8% total mangrove cover in South Asia.
• Mangroves in India:

• • According to the India State of Forest Report, 2019, the mangrove cover in India is 4,975 sq km, which is 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area.
  • West Bengal has the highest percentage of area under total Mangrove cover followed by Gujarat and Andaman Nicobar Islands.
  • Sundarbans in West Bengal are the largest mangrove forest regions in the world. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • The forest is home to the Royal Bengal tiger, Gangetic dolphins and Estuarine crocodiles.
  • The second largest mangrove forest in India is Bhitarkanika in Odisha created by the two river deltas of River Brahmani and Baitarani. It is one of the most significant Ramsar wetlands in India.