Mangrove forest

What are the mangrove forests?

The mangrove forests are comprised of small shrubs as well as tall trees with 10 m height which have ability to survive in salty conditions called as halophytes.

Distributions

·         They are distributed among tropical and sub-tropical conditions, South Asia, Africa, America and Australia.

·         Shorelines, lagoons and estuaries are covered with mangroves.

·         Range of the temperature is in-between 32-38°C.

·         It gets average annual rainfall of 1500-3000mm. 

Adaptations

1)      Leaves have excreted glans to remove excess salt.

2)      It has specialized roots for removing excess salt before spreading into other parts.

3)      Their knee roots exist above water and anaerobic soils to capture oxygen from the air. 

4)      Their dense roots system is speeded into deep soil to increase stability.

5)      Leaves have waxy surface to prevent water loss by evaporation.

6)      Some of mangroves produce seed with floats. Most of mangroves are viviparous which are able to produce germinated seeds     

7)      They restrict their stomata opening during the day time in order to minimize evaporation.

Importance

1)      They support to carry out natural carbon sequestration with capturing carbon dioxide for their photosynthesis.

2)      It supplies shelter, breeding place and foods for animals.

3)      Migrated birds are facilitated by supplying foods and breeding places.

4)      It supplies nutrients for marine water ecosystem. Falling leaves and branches of mangroves are decomposed by bacteria in the water body and release nutrients. These nutrients are used by organisms in the water body.

5)      Young ones of some marine fishes live in its dense roots system.

6)      It acts as a filter and remove pollutants form the water flow.

7)      Soil erosion from the coastal shoreline is prevented by their dense root systems. 

Fauna of the mangrove ecosystem

Coral reef 

Snakes

Birds- White breasted water hen

Pelican

Bivalve

Crabs

Monkeys

Sea turtles

     Treats

1)      Mangroves are cut down for firewood by local people.

2)      Mangroves are cleared for constructions like resort and hotels.

3)      Pollutants which are disposed by nearby community are collected in the mangroves aid in the water flow.

4)      Unlimited boat rides for foreign as well as local tourists is disturbed for the equilibrium of the Eco system.

5)      Leakages of boats cause for water pollution. They retain on the roots of the mangroves which disturbed to the air exchanging.

6)      Visitors try to feed wild animals with foods which are packed in a non- digestible Martials.

7)      Over exploitation causes extinction of some species from the Eco system. 

Protection of the mangrove forests

1)      Exploitation of fishes and shrimps are prohibited in their breeding season.

2)      Number of boat rides per day is restricted and set a fine for excess every ride.

3)      Construction in the mangrove forest is prohibited.

4)      It is not allowed visitors to bring polythene bag to the mangrove forests.

5)      People who are disposed their waste into coastal area is fined.

6)      Cutting mangroves for firewood is prohibited.

7)      Feeding animals in the mangrove forest is prohibited by putting board in the forests and guarding officers.

8)      It is not allowed boats which are not properly maintained to rides.

9)      Awareness programs are carried out for general public to encourage protect the mangrove     forests.