| 1 | Fauna of mangroves and its management The fauna of mangroves and their management to restrict the uncontrolled degradation in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India is described. The fauna has been divided into three categories i.e. aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial. The aquatic and semi-aquatic marine organisms are called benthos and they are further sub-divided into micro-benthos, meio-benthos, and macro-benthos. 53 species of meio-benthos have been reported so far. The list of macro-benthos includes 8 species of Polychaetes, 100 species of molluscs, 59 species of crustaceans, 6 species of echinoderms and 2 species of sipunculids. Terrestrial fauna associated with included 97 species of insects, 3 species of amphibians, reptiles, 53 species of birds, a few species of mammals like bats, pigs, civets, spotted deers, etc. The management of mangroves have been designed in three steps i.e. identification of critical habitats to determine the core zone, identification of neighbouring habitats to determine protected area boundary and identification of linked habitats to determine buffer zone boundaries. A Marine National Park at Wandoor, Lohabarrack Crocodile Sanctuary and North Reef Sanctuary have been created to protect coastal wetlands, including mangroves and their linked habitats. The management plan will lead to regulation and sustainable use of such renewable resources in the long run Source: Saxena, A. Conservation of mangrove forest genetic resources: A training manual. Deshmukh, S.V. ; Balaji, V. eds. 1994; 295-299. 0851. | ||
| 2 | Bhitarkanika - A biological paradox The information on the biological diversity of Bhitarkanika, Kendrapara, Orissa, India has been described. The physiography, vegetation and faunal distribution of the mangrove forest were discussed. The need to establish this area as a Biosphere Reserve is highlighted Source: Behura, B.K. Bhitarkanika: The wonderland of Orissa. Behura, B.K. ed. 1999; 44-68. 1064. | ||
| 3 | Bhitarkanika - An unique Mangrove eco-system The mangrove eco-system is both complex and dynamic. Bhitarkanika (notified as a sanctuary on 22nd April, 1975) is an unique mangrove eco-system, which supports a variety of common and endangered wildlife. It is the second largest patch of mangrove forest in India and is rich in floral composition. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best reptilian refuges in the world. It harbours the largest population of the endangered Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the largest Indian Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator), the largest poisonous snake of the world, the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) and the large non-poisonous python (Python molurus). The avi-fauna includes a variety of aquatic birds including the migratory water fowls, a host of raptors and a number of colourful resident birds. The Gahiramatha beach within the sanctuary is the largest Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) rookery in the world, where on an average 3 lakh (range 1.5 to 6.9 lakh) female turtles visit the beach for mass egg laying every year Source: Dani, C.S.; Kar, S.K. Bhitarkanika: The wonderland of Orissa. Behura, B.K. ed. 1999; 30-43. 1070. | ||
| 4 | Bhitarkanika: Myth and reality.This part deals with planktons,molluscs,crustaceans,polychaetes,fishes and reptiles. The world famous wildlife sanctuary Bhitarkanika, Kendrapara, Orissa, India was studied. The mangrove ecosystem, its importance; floral diversity including morphological and anatomical adaptations in mangrove plants, physiological adaptations, silvicultural features; faunal diversity and some special features of Bhitarkanika has been described. Besides this special conservation efforts like salt water crocodile conservation and management project and sea-turtle conservation and management project, legal provisions and some management issues and possible solutions has been suggested Source: Chadha, S.; Kar, C.S. 1999; 388; pp. 1193. | ||
| 5 | Fauna of conservation areas: A general account of the mangrove fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India (Part: Vertebrates) 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. 1351.
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