Species diversity and distribution of mangroves in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

AbstractDespite extensive studies on mangrove ecosystems of Andaman and Nicobar Islands since the 1870s, knowledge of exact species composition is far from complete, and there is a lack of comprehensive locality data. The present study was designed to review the existing literature and to provide an updated checklist of the true mangrove species of the Islands. Preliminary surveys were carried out in seven regions (four from the Andaman group and three from the Nicobar group), and the specific survey sites for detailed study (n=51) were selected based on representativeness, importance, and accessibility. During 2009–2013, all the selected sites were visited, and mangrove species occurrence was recorded. At present, 25 true mangrove species distributed among 10 families and 14 genera were identified