Mangrooves

Mangroves are highly specialized ecosystem, which are characterized by salt resistant plants growing in the inter tidal areas along sheltered seacoasts and estuaries in the tropical and subtropical regions. India has approximately 31,5000 ha of mangrove out of which about 65000 ha are along the west coast. Gujarat and Kerala coasts have the most degraded mangroves, while Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka have occasional luxuriant pockets. They form extensive and highly productive forests characterized by the accumulation of clayish mud and fine silt deposits. Various biotic communities associated with mangroves form a complex food web in these areas. They provide wide services to the livelihood of coastal people and are of immense ecological and economic significance thereby forming a significant component of any bioregion.
Distribution of Mangroves in Goa
Goa is drained by seven major rivers of which the Mandovi and Zuari with the Cumbarjua Canal form the largest estuarine complex.
Along the entire course of Goan rivers, there exists an intricate network of creeks and backwaters. A luxuriant growth of mangroves (some of which are degraded) and associated swamps can be observed along most of the water bodies within the estuarine reaches. The most prominent and extensive backwaters with mangroves are located along the East of the capital city of Panaji.
The total area covered by the estuaries in Goa including the major Mandovi Zuari estuarine complex is approximately 12,000 ha of which the mangrove forest occupy 2000 ha. About 900 ha of mangroves are found along the Zuari estuary, 700 ha along the Mandovi estuary and 200 ha along the Cumbarjua canal.
Mangrove Diversity in Goa
More than 59 species of mangroves have been recorded all over the world, out of which, 45 species are found in India. 12 of these species find their home in the saline waters of Goa.
Flora Associated with mangrove
The Flora associated with the mangroves, are: * Derris heterophylla