Current Scenario of Mangrove Floristics of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The mangroves of Andaman and Nicobar constitute 12.39% of the total area of mangrove of the country. They are recognized as the best mangroves in the country as regards density and growth. About 99% of mangrove lies in Andaman Island and only 1% fall in Nicobar Island. They serve as a unique habitat for various fishes, crustaceans, aquatic organisms, birds, crocodiles, monkeys, etc. These rich and most productive ecosystem forms a basis for the food chain in the sea and coastal waters. They provide fuelwood, charcoal, timber, and wood chips and also helps to stabilize the shoreline and filter the land runoffs and green walls for soil erosion, thus key in stabilizing the loose soil from high wind velocity, tidal surges, and cyclonic storms. But in recent years the mangrove cover of the Islands has reduced from 686 km2 to 616 km2 showing a 10.20% decline. The major reason behind is the undervaluing of the ecosystem, as well as climate change implications.