Impact of Climate Change on Indian Mangrove Ecosystem

Abstract

Mangroves are important coastal habitats which are highly loaded with immense nutrient and always share it with adjoining coastal habitats. Interestingly this system supports considerable number of endemic and endangered species throughout the tropical coast. India has more than 7500 km coastal line which supports 4,87,100 ha of mangroves and harbours 3985 species of flora and fauna. During late 80s, India lost considerable areas of its mangrove cover due to several anthropogenic pressures. The ongoing climate change turned out to be a potential threat to the remaining Indian mangroves and other coastal ecosystem. Ironically there is no sound study till date about the impacts of ongoing climate change on Indian mangroves. The loss of mangroves will spread its impact on the adjoining system in a significant way.