| 1 | The mangroves of India The mangrove or tidal forests of India are confined to sea coast and occur in places sheltered against strong waves and winds. The more important of these exist in the deltas of the major river systems. There are sharp changes in vegetation within short distances. The mangrove vegetation is fundamentally of a transitory nature. Conditions of growth change with the progress of siltation and elevation of the land from sea level. Due to this the various types are in a constant state of flux. Among the silvicultural characters, the highly specialised adaptations like stilt roots, knee roots, ribbon roots, pneumatophores, vivipary and xerophyllous foliage need special mention. The tidal species, as a rule, start fruiting at an early age and seed is dispersed by tidal action. They are usually light demanders, but vary in coppicing power. Natural regeneration is usually adequate on sites still suitable for the growth of mangroves. It is sometimes hampered by biotic factors. In some localities reliance is placed on coppice. Artificial regeneration is normally not resorted to, though the various species could be propagated by direct sowings. Due to an absence of weeds and climbers, early tending is generally not necessary. Thinnings are prescribed only in the better quality crops of the Sundarbans. The Heritiera forests of the Sunderbans are managed on the selection-cum-improvement felling system, Ceriops-roxburghiana on what might be termed, the selective coppice system, Avicennia forests of the Godavari, Krishna and Penner deltas on clearfelling system and the Excaecario-Lumnitzera crops in the same localities under simple coppice system. Over considerable areas in the Sunderbans, unregulated felling only are considered practicable due to the poor quality of the crop. The chief causes of damage to the mangroves are wind, rise of ground level or change of watercourse, erosion, grazing animals, insects, climbers and parasites, and human activities. Among the more useful produce of the mangroves may be mentioned small timber and planking, wood for packing cases and matches, fuel wood, thatching materials, and tan bark Source: Mathauda, G.S. Proceedings of the Mangrove Symposium. 1957; 66-87. 0016. | ||
| 2 | Mangrove forests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands The Andaman and Nicobars have nearly 450 and 13.8 square miles of mangrove forests. They develop in areas covered by brackish water at high tide, such as the mud flats along tidal streams. These forests are of the gregarious type, i.e. they are largely composed of single species or a new allied ones. Some of these occur in Malaya and the Philippines where considerable work has been done on their utilization. With a view to the possibility of utilizing them for similar purposes data have been collected from these countries. The principal products derived are fire-woods, charcoal, tan barks, dye barks and the various products of the Nipa palm including thatching material and alcohol. Tests confirm that they are excellent fuelwood. Their distribution in the Andaman and Nicobar and their characteristics are described. A key to the genera of mangrove-swamp plants in these islands has been drawn up for rapid identification in the field. The difficulties of extraction and how to overcome them by improved mechanical means are also described Source: Sahni, K.C. Proceedings of the Mangrove Symposium. 1957; 114-123. 0019. | ||
| 3 | Sundarbans the world famous mangrove forest of the district 24 Parganas in West Bengal (India) The charm and fascination of the Sundarbans are too well-known to re-emphasise. During the last 2 centuries, the Sundarbans allure hundreds and thousands of naturalists, botanists, zoologists, foresters, explorers and hunters. A good number of workers worked on it. During the time of Indian independence, about 2/3rd of the forests were alloted to the share of Bangla Desh. In this paper, a concise account of the topography, physiognomy, distribution as well as usefulness, detailed keys of the reported families and species have been provided. Forest types, phytosuccession, frequency, habitat etc. have been given. Altogether, Ca46 species (about 25 true mangroves and 21 obligate/mangrove associates have been dealt. Eco-floristic pattern and management have also been discussed Source: Naskar, K.R.; Bakshi, D.N.G. J. Econ. Tax. Bot.. 3; 1982; 883-918. 0162. | ||
| 4 | Halophytes and their unique adaptation on the Sundarbans' mangrove swamps in India Halophytes of Sundarbans along with its geographical, climatic, floral morphological anatomical and physiological peculiarities, like unique adaptations in these mangrove swamps are discussed. Emphasis is also given to the classification of the forests and the stages of the different ecosystems along with diagram and vivid descriptions. The new land formative stages and their possible utilizations are also discussed. The detail listing of the mangroves along with their habits and habitats, frequency and economic uses are also listed alphabetically under each halophytic species. All these factors may help in the scientific land management systems and also assessment of the coastal saline tracts of our country Source: Naskar, K.R. J. Indian Soc. Coast. Agric. Res.. 1(2); 1983; 91-105. 0184. | ||
| 5 | A brief review on some less familiar plants of the Sundarbans Alongwith the world famous mangrove species of the Sundarbans Delta a number of herbaceous or shrubby weed species are also dominated or spreaded throughout the area, which could not attract much interest to the botanists or the naturalists for their dwarfness as well as less importance, in comparison to these unique and characteristics halophytic-mangrove species. In this present dissertation, a brief review of all such 80 species is made so far for exemplifying their importance and integrity in the chain of ecological succession to this peculiar or rather interesting salt-water or/and brackish-water, estuarine, environments Source: Naskar, K.; Bakshi, D.N.G. J. Econ. Tax. Bot.. 4(3); 1983; 699-711. 0185. | ||
| 6 | Vegetation dynamics of mangrove of Indian - Economic importance In Indian Sundarbans, the overall matrix of forest is a show of Exoecaria - Ceriops decandra association. However, the local factors often imparts a dynamic and metastable state of vegetation within a broad frame work. The tidal factor, chemical and geomorphological factors are the particular regulators in controlling the distribution of mangroves in Sundarbans. Hence, the estuarine swamps are classified depending on the average salinity of different zones and so also the dominance of particular species in a particular area. Some of the interesting mangrove adaptations in Sundarbans are viviparous germination proptype pneumatophoric roots, salt excretary mechanism through salt glands and root ultra filtration waxy leaf surface, exhibited by Exoecaria, Xylocarpus granarum and Kandelia candel. The economic importance of Sundarbans mangroves have also been summarized Source: Chowdhury, M.K.; Sanyal, P. Marine Plants: All India Symposium on Marine Plants, their Biology, Chemistry and Utilization, Dona Paula, Goa, October 30 - November 1, 1983. Krishnamurthy, V. ; Untawale, A.G. Eds. 1985; 325-334. 0271. | ||
| 7 | Prospects and problems of a mangrove ecosystem in western Sunderbans (India) The soil structure is fine clay. The substrate is both inundated and anaerobic. Edaphic and hydrological peculiarities control the nature of vegetation. The average type is a dense evergreen formation of moderate height with two strata of woody plants - the upper of Bruguiera, Excoecaria, Sonneratia, Xylocarpus, etc., and the lower of Aegiceras, Ceriops, etc,. Each of these may exist in a pure and monospecific formation. Phoenix paludosa, associated with E. agallocha, forms abundant forests where Royal Bengal Tigers usually dwell. Whereas a few Heritiera plants prevail, it yields place to Excoecaria and thence to Ceriops with the incidence of high salinity. Succession of various mangroves varies in different sites, with Avicennia plants dominating the pioneer community in sandy coasts and Bruguiera thickets developing in between Avicennia zones. However, Rhizophora instead of Avicennia forms the pioneer community on estuaries and river-beds. Though the mangroves exemplify climatic or edaphic climax, the Sunderbans type is essentially serial. The existence of the Sunderbans mangroves is being threatened. Occurrence of tropical cyclones, tilting of the Ganga delta, lack of storage of fresh water, shortage of enriching alluvium, impossibility of leaching excessive salts, anthropomorphic effects and land use have all contributed to degeneration of the mangrove ecosystem. There is a growing demand to conserve this ecosystem for aesthetic and recreational purposes Source: Chanda, S.; Datta, S.C. Trans. Bose Res. Inst.. 49(3); 1986; 47-57. 0400. | ||
| 8 | Mangroves as component of coastal ecosystems of the Andamans The mangrove ecosystems in different islands of the Andaman and Nicobar group have been described with respect to location, species distribution, productivity and role in food web for resident and transient fauna. The significance of mangroves in aquaculture in the islands using different species of fishes and prawns and a need for preservation of the ecosystems is emphasized Source: Rajagopalan, M.S. Proceedings of the Symposium on Management of Coastal Ecosystems and Oceanic Resources of the Andamans. Singh, N.T. ; Gangwar, B.; Rao, G.C.; Soundararajan, R. eds. 1987; 1-7. 0415. | ||
| 9 | Socio-economic aspect of Bhitarkanika wild life sanctuary in the state of Orissa Bhitarkanika wild life Sanctuary lies in the deltaic region of north-eastern coastal plain of Cuttack district spreading over an area of 141.44 sq. km. of which Ca 50 per cent is forest cover. It is located between 20 degrees 4'-20 degrees 8'N. latitude and 86 degrees 45' - 87 degrees 5'E. longitude. The estuaries at the mouth of the river Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamara and a large number of ramifying creeks, channels, distributaries as well as 35 km of long stretch of seashore provide a peculiar ecological niche for the growth and development of mangrove elements and their associates. As a matter of fact, this littoral and swamp forest is one of the conspicuous vegetational types characteristic for the State of Orissa and is the second largest mangal formation of Indian subcontinent. Because of its unique flora and fauna and occurrence of endangered/vulnerable taxa this terrain has been declared as a wild life sanctuary by the Government of orissa. With a view to restore the ecological equilibrium and to conserve the rich heritage of life forms. However, prior to this declaration, Bhitarkanika had experienced a high degree of biotic interferences which caused a havoc to both flora and fauna and many life forms were under threat of extinction, indiscriminate cutting of trees mostly for fuel and other household uses and killing of wild animals for pleasure and earning money had diminished the diversity and richness of the various life forms. However, these have been checked considerably and at present appropriate measure has been taken to maintain a sizable population of "Gharials" an endangered species and the mangrove elements and their associates. However, out of thirty-eight, five taxa marked asterisks in the enumeration. Majority of them have undergone nomenclatural changes in confirmity with the rules of international code of Botanical nomenclature. However these have been ommitted in this compendium for shake of simplicity and to avoid confusion among the non-scientific populace. Local names, wherever available have also been appended after the botanical names within parentheses Source: Choudhury, B.P. Orissa Rev.. 43(9); 1987; 45-47. 0442. | ||
| 10 | Economic potentialities of the tidal mangrove forests of Sundarbans in India Halophytic plants from the tidal mangrove forests can provide a number of raw materials for the large scale industries and also for the domestic and cottage industries on which the rural people can engage for their livelyhood. Besides all these, fishing and fisheries in these mangrove ecosystem have much potentialities as supplying the high value fish protein to the local markets as well as in the international markets. Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) of this Sundarbans tidal fisheries has attracted the world markets in the recent time for its good quality and sizes of the flesh Source: Naskar, K.R. J. Indian Soc. Coast. Agric. Res.. 6(2); 1988; 149-158. 0469. | ||
| 11 | Fauna of conservation areas: A general account of the mangrove fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India (Plants and Invertebrates) The mangrove fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India was studied in detail during 1978-83. Both marine and terrestrial fauna of mangroves of the Bay Islands have been described. An account of mangrove borers and galls, faunal zonations in the mangroves and results of quantitative studies of some mangrove inhabiting crabs of South Andaman Islands are also described Source: Das, A.K.; Roy, M.K.D. 1989; 173; pp. 0494. | ||
| 12 | Bhitarkanika: mangrove swamps Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, in the district of Cuttack is a grand repository of mangrove elements. Like other mangrove forests of India, it was subjected to high degree of biotic interference which caused a considerable amount of devastation of the mangrove vegetation as well as wild animals present therein. Consequently, many were on the threat of extinction. However, in 1975 this region was declared as a sanctuary by the Government of Orissa. Thereafter, it has been enjoying adequate protection and hence the mangroves as well as their associates are in luxuriant forms. In the present paper general information pertinent to this sanctuary, its vegetational analysis, sociability of the mangrove species, their socio-economic importance, identification of vulnerable and rare taxa, further strategies for their conservation have been highlighted. An appendix, enumerating the typical mangrove species and some of their associates has been provided. Nomenclature of the taxa has been made up-to-date in persuance with the provisions of the Berlin Code. Those, not cited by Haines (1921 - 1925) and Mooney (1950) in their respective treatise have been marked with asterisks in the enumeration Source: Choudhury, B.P. J. Environ. Sci.. 3(1); 1990; 1-16. 0536. | ||
| 13 | Present needs to the silvicultural practices in the tidal mangrove forests of the Sundarbans in West Bengal, India Due to heavy influx of human population, the northwestern portion of the Sundarbans delta is completely reclaimed for agriculture, aquaculture and inhabitation; even now human population is encroaching south-wards to engulf the present reserve forests, where natural regeneration is not too rapid to combat that acute problem. In spite of the sign of natural regeneration in some limited areas, the present day silviculturists have started thinking of maintaining and conserving the existing forest situations by planning some non-mangroves along this tract of the mangrove delta of the Sundarbans. In that area only a few economically important non mangrove species can successfully be introduced, as the mangrove ecosystem has certain ecological successional stages and represent the edaphic climax. In fact plenty of non-mangrove species in this mangrove reclaimed area will not fulfil the needs of the existing ecoclimatic factors of the mangrove ecosystem. Several of the non mangrove species can survive in those areas where no frequent tidal action has existed so far, but the introduced or artificial vegetation cannot give rise to any new vegetation by natural regeneration. Moreover by the artificial changes of ecological condition, the other beneficial activities from these natural resources may disappear, which is not congenial for that unique ecosystem. The mangrove ecological succession follow some definite and distinct course, i.e., from the seaward fringe forests to land forms, and on the other hand from the saline brackishwater environment to non-saline freshwater and mesophytic environments. These ecological features of the mangrove ecosystems are discussed here along with the botanical features of the mangrove flora of the Sundarbans tidal delta forests. Their importance in that mangrove ecosystem and the most effective silvicultural features are discussed in brief Source: Bakshi, D.N.G.; Naskar, K.R. Vol. 4. Recent Researches in Ecology, Environment and Pollution. Ray, M. ; Mandal, S. Eds. [nd]; 105-118. 1096. | ||
| 14 | Check-list of mangroves and mangrove associated species in the Indian Sundarbans The Indian Sundarbans is bestowed with the highest floral diversity in the form of mangroves, coastal wetland flora, beach flora and marsh and swamp flora. Previous studies on floristic surveys in the Indian Sundarbans have little or very superficial information about the floristic of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. In the present treatise the floristic distribution in the Indian Sundarbans is covered. For the sake of convenience, the Indian Sundarban has been divided into two parts as (1) Area within the Sundarban Tiger Reserve (STR) and (2) Area outside the Sundarban Tiger Reserve. These are further divided into Northern, Central and Southern zones. There are six zones, three in the STR and three outside the STR. On critical survey 105 plants species were identified from the whole of Sundarbans belonging to different groups, viz. (1) true mangroves species; (2) mangrove associated species; (3) back mangrove species; (4) beach flora and (5) parasites, epiphytes and mistletoes. Source: Ghosh, A.; Mukherjee, S.; Sen, N.; Dasgupta, M.; Naskar, K.R. Seshaiyana. 10(2); 2002; 3-5. 1297. | ||
| 15 | Main characteristics of Indian mangroves Of all mangroves, the Indian formations have suffered most through human and animal agency. In the deltas, the density of the human populations exceeds 700 inhabitants per km2 and the density of the cattle population is so high that even a rough approximation is very difficult to make. Man has utilized and exploited the products of mangroves in an uncontrolled way for many years. This uncontrolled utilization has resulted in diversified, physiognomically degraded, floristically simple, and impoverished mangrove formations. The diversity of Indian halophytic vegetation today is surprising with regard to ecology, floral composition, physiognomy, and structure of each vegetation type, all of which vary from one delta to another. The phyto-geographic characteristics of the most important deltas are described in this report Source: Blasco, F.; Caratini, C.; Chanda, S.; Thanikaimoni, G. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Biology and Management of Mangroves. Vol. 1. Walsh, G.E. ; Snedaker, S.C.; Teas, H.J. eds. 1975; 71-87. 1375. | ||
| 16 | Sundarbans mangrove: Ecology and wild life - This part deals with flora only. The mangrove vegetation of Sunderbans and Andaman Island, India has been described. Besides this, the determination of the tiger population by use of pug mark supplement and by various other parameters was taken into account. The breeding biology and bio-ecology of rock bee, avi-fauna, fish, crab and on several other animals was also studied Source: Chaudhuri, A.B.; Chakrabarti, K. 1989; 210; pp. 1417. | ||
| 17 | Ecology and biodiversity of Indian mangroves. The mangroves and the mangrove associates of the Indian Sunderbans were described in relation to their morphometric features, anatomical characteristics and also with their distinct halophytic adaptations. Besides their structural and habitat distinctness, their economic importance, distribution in the different mangrove habitats of the Indian sub-continent and the mangals of both old and new world tropics and sub-tropics were also highlighted based on the pioneer works on the Indian and world mangroves Source: Naskar, K.; Mandal, R. 1999; 754; pp. 1625. | ||
| 18 | Ecology and biodiversity of Indian mangroves. The mangroves and the mangrove associates of the Indian Sunderbans were described in relation to their morphometric features, anatomical characteristics and also with their distinct halophytic adaptations. Besides their structural and habitat distinctness, their economic importance, distribution in the different mangrove habitats of the Indian sub-continent and the mangals of both old and new world tropics and sub-tropics were also highlighted based on the pioneer works on the Indian and world mangroves Source: Naskar, K.; Mandal, R. 1999; 754; pp. 1626. | ||
| 19 | Ecology and biodiversity of Indian mangroves. The mangroves and the mangrove associates of the Indian Sunderbans were described in relation to their morphometric features, anatomical characteristics and also with their distinct halophytic adaptations. Besides their structural and habitat distinctness, their economic importance, distribution in the different mangrove habitats of the Indian sub-continent and the mangals of both old and new world tropics and sub-tropics were also highlighted based on the pioneer works on the Indian and world mangroves Source: Naskar, K.; Mandal, R. 1999; 754; pp. 1629.
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