Mangrove Forests in Andaman and Nicobar

Mangroves are salt-tolerant forest ecosystems found principally in tropical and sub-tropical inter-tidal regions of the planet. For their growth a muddy substratum of various depths and steadiness is essential. They are copiously found in sheltered places like estuaries and creeks. The eco-system is highly delicate, subjected to extended duration of intrusion as well as ceaseless physiological and morphological stresses, aeration, salinity effect and ambush of wave action. Mangrove forests in Andaman and Nicobar are an important part of the mangroves spread all over India. Navigate the following account to gain more information on them.

Mangrove Forest's Status of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

India holds mangrove forests in 4827 sq.km area of its land as per the most recent estimate of the Forest Survey of India. Out of this total area, 966 sq.km area of mangrove vegetation occur in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Thus, one fifth of the total mangroves of India occur in these islands. In Andaman district, mangroves cover 929 sq.kms. area, and 37 sq.kms is occupied by Nicobar district. According to area these twin islands rank third in India after W. Bengal and Gujarat, but where growth and density are concerned, mangroves of these islands are possibly the best in the country.

Distribution of Mangrove Forests in Andaman and Nicobar

The mangrove forests of these islands constitute 9.4% of the land area or 10.85% of the total forest area. Mangroves occurring in these twin islands are frequently fringing the creeks, backwater and muddy shores. Along the creeks the breadth ranges from 0.5 km. to 1 km. At places, this salt tolerant vegetation is found on rock shores that are subjected to regular deposits of mud and tidal action. Luxuriant mangroves can be seen in Shoal Bay (South Andaman), Yerrata Jetty in Rangat (Middle Andamans) and in Austrin Creek (Mayabunder).

Significant Mangrove Species of Andaman and Nicobar

Out of approximately 60 species of mangrove forests that occur throughout the globe, Asia houses the richest region of mangrove species multiplicity with 44 species reported to occur on its land. Andaman and Nicobar bag a considerable part of this ratio. As per information available there are 5 shrubs, 1 climber, 27 tree species and 2 species of ferns and palms each belonging to 17 genera that are reported to crop up in the mangrove ecosystem of these islands. Vital mangrove species found in these islands include Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, S. alba, B. parviflora, Avicennia officinalis, Ceriops tagal, Nypa fruticans, Heritiera littoralis, Xylocarpus granatum, R. apiculata, Sonneratia caseolaris, Exoecaria agallocha, A. marina, Aegiceras corniculatum, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea and the like.

Mangroves are all but evergreen with chunky leathery leaves that are designed to diminish transpiration. Mangrove forests demonstrate noteworthy capacity for their salt water tolerance. Some mangroves have a preference for a daily tidal wash whereas others thrive well in shallow areas. Laudable steps have been taken to conserve this precious vegetation. Mangrove forests in Andaman and Nicobar establish their status and importance amongst the mangrove vegetation in India and also on the entire planet.