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Coastal Guardians: India's Underrated Mangrove Forests
27 May
Summary
- Bhitarkanika hosts the world's largest saltwater crocodile population.
- Pichavaram mangroves serve as a model for coastal protection.
- Chorao Island is home to over 170 diverse bird species.
India's coastline shelters nearly 5,000 square kilometers of mangrove forests, a significant ecological resource often overshadowed by the Sundarbans. These specialized ecosystems, thriving where land meets saltwater, are crucial for biodiversity and coastal resilience.
Bhitarkanika in Odisha, India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem, is a global haven for 62 mangrove species and the world's largest population of saltwater crocodiles. Nearby Gahirmatha Beach is also a major nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles.
Pichavaram in Tamil Nadu, the country's second-largest mangrove forest, gained recognition for its role in absorbing tsunami waves, proving effective in coastal protection. This forest offers serene boat rides through its intricate waterways.
Chorao Island in Goa, featuring the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is a vital habitat for over 170 bird species, providing a tranquil escape. Other significant mangrove areas include Gujarat's Gulf of Kutch, Andhra Pradesh's Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu's Muthupet lagoon, Kerala's Vembanad Wetlands, and the pristine forests of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
These mangrove forests play a critical environmental role, storing vast amounts of carbon, shielding coastlines from storms, and serving as nurseries for marine life. They support millions of livelihoods through fisheries and eco-tourism, though they face threats from development and rising sea levels. Responsible tourism can aid their conservation.
