Features of Mangroves of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Mangroves constitute salt tolerant forest ecosystem which grow mostly in tropical, sub tropical and inter-tidal regions. The vegetation includes trees and shrubs which thrive in brackish waters and muddy and shallow salt water usually along estuaries and quite shorelines. These are evergreen having thick leathery leaves which minimize transpiration. Root system of the plants is adapted to the peculiar conditions and is equipped with pneumatophores, knee roots and stilt roots. Viviparous germination is another significant feature of the mangroves. Distribution of Mangroves of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Mangroves of Andaman and Nicobar Islands mostly occur along the muddy shores, backwaters and fringing the creeks. The width of mangrove vegetation along the creeks ranges from 0.5 to 1 kilometre. Mangroves are salt tolerant community which are also found on rock shores and thrive on tidal action and regular deposits of mud. Shoal Bay in South Andaman, Austrin Creek in Mayabunder and Yerrata Jetty in Rangat of Middle Andamans are known for luxuriant mangroves. Prominent Mangroves of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Mangrove ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands constitutes about 27 tree species, 2 species of palms and ferns each belonging to 17 genera, 5 shrubs and 1 climber. Significant species found here include Nypa fruticans, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, Aegiceras corniculatum, Xylocarpus granatum, Exoecaria agallocha, Sonneratia caseolaris, Heritiera littoralis, Ceriops tagal, Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora mucronata and many more. Aegialitis rotundifolia, Bruguiera cylindrical, Kandelia candel and Aegiceras corniculatum are among the rare species found in the islands. Avicennia marina is also known as white mangrove owing to its smooth white bark. |