SURVEY OF MANGROVES AND THEIR ASSOCIATES IN KEEZHAKARAI GROUP OF ISLANDS, GULF OF MANNAR BIOSPHERE RESERVE.

Mangroves are among the most productive coastal ecosystems in the world. The Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve is unique to have very rare mangrove species. It consists of 4 group of Islands are Mandapam group Islands, Keezhakarai group of Islands, Vembar group of Islands and Tuticorin group of Islands. The present survey was conducted only in the Keezhakarai group of island. Totally 18 species were recorded in the study period including 4 mangroves and 14 mangrove associated plants. In Mangroves Endemic species Pemphis acidula was most dominant plant for all the stations. Six associates Pongamia pinnata, Suaeda maritima, Suaeda monoica, Thespesia populnea, Ipomoea pes-caprae and Sesuvium portulacastrum were observed as dominant species. The information generated from this study will serve as a baseline to develop adaptive management strategies in anticipation of sea-level rise, set conservation priorities, monitor deforestation and forest degradation, improve terrestrial carbon accounting and quantify the role of mangrove forests in saving lives and property from natural disasters such as tsunamis.