Status, structure and environmental variations in semi-arid mangroves of India

Abstract

The semi-arid mangroves of the Gulf of Kachchh, the largest ecosystems on the west coast of India, are poorly studied in terms of vegetation structure and environmental parameters in spite of their conservation significance. Therefore, it is necessary to document the structural features of these mangroves in view of ongoing coastal industrial development. Mangrove forest structure in 10 locations on the northern and southern coasts of the Gulf of Kachchh were assessed using the line intercept transect method. Descriptions included density of young and mature age classes, tree heights, diameters at breast height (DBH) and aboveground biomass, along with seven significant environmental variables. Mature tree densities ranged from 350 to 1567 ind. ha⁻¹, while average height and girth at breast height ranged from 1.0 to 6.8 m and 3.0 to 137.0 cm, respectively. The majority of trees (55.6%) were in ≤ 1.8 m height class followed by a 1.9 to 2.4 m class (25.1%). DBH was most often in class 2 cm or lower than that. Among the canopy index classes, more trees were recorded in class ≤ 2 cm. The regeneration density was greater than the recruitment class. This study indicates that the poor structural attributes of Avicennia marina Vierth. var. acutissima Stapf and Mold dominated mangroves are largely due to aridity induced by scarce and erratic rainfall and high soil and water salinities. The results should be valuable in conserving and sustainably managing these mangroves in the face of developmental activities.

Keywords

Mangroves / Vegetation structure / Abiotic factors / Biodiversity / Forest management / Aboveground biomass / Conservation

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