Ecology of Seedlings of Mangroves Species on Estuarine East Coast of India

摘要

Mangroves are most productive ecosystems of the world. These ecosystems are subjected to various anthropogenic and climatic disturbances leading to ecological degradation both in quality and quantity. The human population living around the mangrove areas depends on these natural resources for sustaining their livelihood. Bhitarkanika mangroves in Orissa located on east coast of India occupy an area of 2021 sq. km are highly diverse but witnessing decrease in vegetation cover. The influence of tidal waves coupled with anthropogenic pressure does have impact on regeneration potential of these mangrove species of Bhitarkanika. The present study was done to assess the regeneration and seedling establishment in Bhitarkanika sanctuary by collecting data on seedling recruitment for 2 years. The seedling establishment is highest in rainy season (followed by Winter and Summer seasons) due to favorable factors of low salinity and high level of nutrients. Among the species Excocaria agallocha produced maximum number of seedling across all three seasons followed by Hertiera forties, Sonneratia apetala and Avecenia officinalis. The correlation between number of seedlings and rainfall was highly significant. Old tree species in all stands are extremely limited that may be due to natural events like cyclonic storms.