2. What are Mangroves ?
• Mangroves are a group of small trees and shrubs. They grow in
coastal saltwater zones in tropical and subtropical latitudes around
the globe.
• They are the only trees in the world that can tolerate saline
water, excreting the excess salt through their leaves.
• A collection of many mangrove trees together form a mangrove
forest or habitat.
Vilanculos Coastal Sanctuary, Mozambique Pichavaram, Tamil Nadu
3. Where is mangrove habitat found ?
• Mangroves cover only around 0.15% of World’s total geographical
area.
• You can find mangrove forests on every continent except Europe
and Antarctica.
• All over the world, most mangroves are found in Asia
4. Climate
• The total annual rainfall in a Mangrove Forest varies from 1000 to
1500 mm
• The climate in this area of the world varies from day to day, with
the yearly average being 22 °C (72 °F).
• Mangrove Forests are present in the world mainly from 25 degrees
north latitude to 25 degrees south latitude
• Mangrove forests are usually hot and humid, due to the fact that
they are so close to the equator.
5. Wildlife
• Mangrove systems support a range of wildlife species
including crocodiles, birds, tigers, deer, monkeys and honey
bees. Many animals find shelter either in the roots or branches of
mangroves. Mangroves serve as rookeries, or nesting areas, for
coastal birds such as brown pelicans and roseate spoonbills.
Brown Pelicans Roseate Spoonbills
6. Human Life
• Over 100 million people around the world live within 10 kilometers
of large mangrove forests, benefiting from a variety of goods and
services such as fisheries and forest products, clean water and
protection against erosion and extreme weather events.
• For example – Sundarbans in India and Bangladesh have around 4
million people living in them. Most of the people there are Honey
collectors, wood collectors, fishermen and poachers.
• These jobs are very dangerous as these workers are the most
vulnerable to attacks by tigers, snakes, crocodiles, and other forest
predators.
7. Why should we conserve Mangrove Forests ?
1. They are a natural coastal defence
2. They are carbon sinks
3. They provide livelihoods
4. They encourage ecotourism
5. They are rich in biodiversity
8. Facts
1. Mangroves are the only species of trees in the world that
can tolerate direct contact with saltwater. They deal toxic
saline water by excreting it through their waxy leaves.
2. Mangroves can live for up to 100 years !
3. 80% of fish in the world that is caught is in some way
dependent on mangrove forests
4. More than a quarter of all mangrove ecosystems have been
lost in the last 40 years.
5. Most mangroves live on muddy soils, but they also can
grow on sand, peat, and even coral rock !
