Mangroves Of Indian Sundarban Ecological Biochemical And Molecular Aspects

Mangrove Ecosystem: An Overview Mangroves: Definition and Types ‘Mangrove’ has been variously defined in literature. The Oxford dictionary mentioned the words ‘mangrove’ since 1613, indicating tropical trees or shrubs found in coastal swamps with tangled roots that grow above the ground. Later, the term ‘mangrove’ was referred to the individual plant or tidal forest or both, as ‘Mangrove plants’ and ‘Mangrove ecosystem’ (MacNae 1968). Chapman (1984) used the term ‘mangrove’ for inter tidal plants, and considered plant communities of inter tidal forest as mangrove ecosystem called ‘mangal’. The term ‘mangal’ was also commonly used in French and in Portuguese to refer to both forest communities and to individual plants. Several workers have opined that plants growing in between the highest and the lowest tidal limits may be considered ‘mangrove’ (Aubreville, 1964; MacNae, 1968; Blasco, 1977; Tomlinson, 1986; Naskar & Guha Bakshi, 1987). The tidal limits of various habitats, however, can vary. Mangrove plants comprise a heterogeneous group of independently derived lineages that are defined ecologically by their occurrence in tidal zones along shorelines and in estuaries and physiologically by their ability to withstand high salt concentrations and low soil aeration. Based on their abundance, distribution, and habitat specificity, Tomlinson (1986) distinguished major and minor mangrove elements as well as mangrove associates. He recommended that mangrove species were basically of two types, viz., (1) Major element of mangals or true mangroves – with complete fidelity to the mangrove environment, and (2) Minor element of mangals – not conspicuous in mangrove habitats, rather might prefer the peripheral habitats of mangrove regions. The term ‘Mangrove associate’ was coined for the flora representing nonarborescent, herbaceous, sub-woody and climber species, found growing mostly in regions bordering the tidal periphery of mangrove habitats. Tomlinson (1986) used fairly rigid criteria to distinguish true mangroves from mangrove associates. In his criteria, true mangroves possess all or most of the following features: (i) occurring only in mangrove environment and not extending into terrestrial communities; (ii) morphological specialization (aerial roots, vivipary); (iii) physiological mechanism for salt exclusion and/or salt excretion; (iv) taxonomic isolation from terrestrial relatives.

This book, Biodiversity of Mangroves is a maiden endeavour of this, or by any other author, to unveil the hidden and rich treasure of biotal, physiographic, tribal, marine, coastal and other resources bringing under one umbrella- The Mangroves . It also highlights Tiger-Man interaction and rendenvous of innumerable invertebrate and vertebrate fauna, endemic and rare biota ot two premier mangrove sites situated at northern and southern apexes of The Bay of Bengal. The author does not merely layout checklists of plants and animals, birds and fishes, he also brings forth-facts on site-specific species, species association, endemism, biogeographic and other qualities. The most attractive and realistic aspect of Tiger Cult; and Man-Tiger interaction of Sundarbans have been brought to light. For the Bay Islands, indepth facts on several vanishing tribals, rare and endemic biota, problem and issues of Tropical Rain Forest and conservation strategy have been identified. Sundarban s mangrove history remains a sterile subject Sans Tiger-Man interaction and without revelation of Tiger s behavi-oural pattern; Similarly, without the vanishing tribals struggle for existence and stress stricken biotal s survival history the bay Islands remain in dark. In this field the author takes the pride to bring forth very many hidden qualities of these two mangrove forests to light so far not considered by any to discuss under one umbrella. The presentation has been made mostly from the author s own experience and involvement in scientific work, and his findings in both the areas which have also been recorded in books and various research papers since 1970. The readers are sure to have a realistic conception of the resources, problems and conservation strategy at a glance which is a unique presentation of the author. Contents Part I: Tropical Forests of Sundarbans Mangroves (Flora, Fauna, Man-Animal Interaction and Conservation); Chapter 1: Introduction; Flora and fauna in the abode of man-eater s in tropical mangrove forests of sundarbans, Socio-cultural scenario ((Human settlement, agriculture, culture and religion and tiger cult), Man-eating tigers-a socio-cultural issue, Sundarbans estuary world s unique and a very complex habitat, Physiographical parameters of sundarbans delta, Mangroves-what they are, Vertebrate fauna of sundarbans, Aquatic avifaunal world of sundarbans, Role of honey bee, Ichthyofaunal (Fish) diversity, Special roles of molluscs, Special roles of crustacea, Benthic biota, Faunal-floral adaptations, Sundarbans biosphere reserve (Aims and objectives), Sundarbans estuary is a vast wetland, Conservation strategy; Part II: Flora and Fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Mangroves (Resources, Conservation Strategy, Problems, Remedy); Chapter 2: Introduction; Bay islands are learner s living museum, Biogeographical realms, Rain forests of the islands, Physiography of the coastal bonanza, Coastal animals, Wildlife parks and sanctuaries, Biosphere reserve in great nicobar, Grand effort to save the tribals, Management strategy, Development activities vis-avis conservation problems, Checklist of fauna resources, Study in marine ecosystem.

This book aims to give a holistic overview of the pond ecosystem of Indian Sundarbans. Due to climate change, the Indian Sundarbans faces several challenges. With rising sea levels, islands are disappearing and the increasing salinity in the water and soil has severely threatened the health of mangrove forests and the quality of fresh water, soil and crops. Additionally, there have been serious disturbances to hydrological parameters in the lotic as well lentic ecosystems. This book provides new insights into lentic ecosystem-oriented research in the deltaic ecosystem of GBM-I (Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna, Indian Delta). The major findings from various research works are brought together, and the gaps and future possible ways forward are outlined. The book addresses the SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life below Water), with a focus on the ecosystem services of ponds in the Indian Sundarbans. Despite there being many studies on riverine water, ground water and mangrove ecosystems of the Indian Sundarbans, this book offers new insights into the pond ecosystem of the Indian Sundarbans. The outcomes from this book can be utilized by researchers from the inland fisheries sector, environmental managers, professionals, and those who seek to develop ways for making pond ecosystems sustainable.

Manual of Indian Mangroves The fully illustrated colour book deals with the present status of the mangrove ecosystem of Indian territories in general and the mangrove ecosystem along with the mangroves and mangrove associated plants and mangrove inhabiting faunal assemblages of the Indian Sundarbans, in particular. Mangroves, the unique ecosystem is in very much stressed or threatened condition throughout the globe in general and in Indian territories, as well. Over all distribution of these mangrove plants in the Indian territories and abroad and their present status within India are dealt vividly by short description with key characters of these available Indian mangroves and mangrove associated plants along with its photographs, mentioning of habits and habitat condition, correct identifying key characters, nomenclature, taxonomic status, local and common names, etc. Besides these, the mention of the world distribution of mangroves and the world mangrove species along with their ideal habitat conditions are also dealt. Necessary photographs and description of their diverse aerial root system, canopy structure, flowers, fruits, viviparous germinated hypocotyles and interesting seedling developmental stages are also highlighted; as such, it is the most important handbook and as the field guide book for identifying each and every individual Indian mangrove plant species, along with their status. The overall conservation strategies of these mangroves, need for coastal zone stabilisation or protection of coastal areas by conserving these mangrove ecosystem and the need for maintaining the coastal fisheries potentialities with the mangroves are also dealt critically with the mention of sustainable utilization and relationship of these coastal and estuarine fisheries and mangrove ecosystem, as well. Contents Chapter 1: Introduction; Chapter 2: Indian Mangals, Other dominant Indian mangrove areas and mangrove species: (1) Mangrove of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands of the Bay of Bengal, (2) Mangroves of Bhitarkanika of the Mahanadi delta and other Mangals of the Orissa coast, (3) Mangroves of Coringa, Kankinada Bay, the Krishna and the Godavari estuaries of the Andhra Pradesh coast, (4) Mangroves o the Muthupet, Pichavaram and Chhatram area of the Cauveri delta in the Tamil Nadu coast, (5) Mangroves of the Cochin estuary of the Kerala coast, (6) Mangroves of Coondapur and Malpe Bay of the Karnataka coast, (7) Mangroves of the Mandovi, the Zuary and other estuaries of the Goa, (8) Mangroves of the Ratnagiri and other estuaries of the Maharashtra State, (9) Mangroves the Gulf of Cambay and Kachchha of the Gujarat State, (10) Coral reef Mangroves of Lakshdweep Atols & Minicoy Islands of the Atlantic Ocean; Chapter 3: Indian Sundarbans, Roles Played by these Mangroves in Indian Sundarbans; Chapter 4: Mangrove Zones and Succession, The terms and definitions of Mangroves and the Mangal, Uniqueness of these Sundarbans Mangals, The unique Sundarbans Mangals for its highest biodiversity; Chapter 5: Floral Succession in the Mangal; Chapter 6: Sundarbans: The Marshy Tiger-land of the World, Common and higher groups of fauna of the Sundarbans, Mangal support coastal and estuarine fisheries, Tropic level on the Sundarbans Mangrove ecosystem, Tidal amplitude/fluctuations of the Sundarbanks Mangal; chapter 7: Flora of the Indian Mangals, (1) Rhizophoraceae, (2) Avicenniaceae, (3) Sonneratiaceae, (4) Combretaceae, (5) Arecaceae, (6) Meliaceae, (7) Euphorbiaceae, (8) Myrsinaceae, (9) Aegialitidaceae, (10) Sterculiaceae, (11) Rubiaceae, (12) Acanthaceae, (13) Apocynaceae, (14) Asclepiadaceae, (15) Bignoniaceae, (16) Malvaceae, (17) Tiliaceae, (18) Rutaceae, (19) Poaceae, (20) Verbenaceae, (21) Tamaricaceae, (22) Solanaceae, (23( Sapotaceae, (24) Sapindaceae, (25) Amaryllidaceae, (26) Araceae, (27) Aizoaceae, (28) Barringtoniaceae, (29) Boraginaceae, (30) Fabaceae, (31) Caesalpiniaceae, (32) Chenopodiaceae, (33) Clusiaceae, (34) Convolvulaceae, (35) Cyperaceae, (36) Loranthaceae, (37) Opuntiaceae, (38) Pandanaceae, (39) Pteridaceae, (40) Ruppiaceae; Chapter 8: Possibilities and Conservation Needs, Sundarbanks Mangal: the largest single mangrove chunk of the globe, Sundarbanks mangals acts as the sink for metropolitan pollutants, Protection vs. loss of biodiversity, Major problem in Indian sundarbans, Large scale deforestation of forest land, Large scale nettnig out of shrimp seeds vs. damage of the other fish juveniles, Siltation on river-bed cause frequent flood, Transport facilities is not much developed, Uncontrol population growth, Agriculture not much developed, Enormous pressure on the natural forest and inevitable destruction, Effect of developmental activities without environmental impact assessment, renewal of natural wealth and prospect, Present scenario of the Sundarbans mangals and few comments; Chapter 9: Bibliography of the Mangroves and Mangrove Ecosystem of India, Chapter 10: Index to the Mangroves and Mangrove Ecosystem.

Marine glycobiology is an emerging and exciting area in the field of science and medicine. Glycobiology, the study of the structure and function of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing molecules, is fundamental to all biological systems and represents a developing field of science that has made huge advances in the last half-century. This book revolutionizes the concept of marine glycobiology, focusing on the latest principles and applications of marine glycobiology and their relationships.

Highlights the potential of biosaline agriculture in a changing environment Covers all important topics related to halophyte biology including biochemistry, genetics and genomics Provides information on potential use of halophytes Each topic is explained in detail and examined from various angles More than 100 contributions by international experts

Mangroves are one of the most productive and biologically important blue-carbon ecosystems across the coastal intertidal zone of earth. In the current scenario of serious environmental changes like global warming, climate change, extreme natural disasters, mangrove forests play a vital role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining ecosystem balance. Mangroves are unique ecosystems with rich biological diversity of different taxonomic groups exhibiting great ecological and commercial importance. The book consolidates existing and emerging information on ecology of mangroves, with a special reference to their biodiversity and management. It emphasizes on the role of mangroves in providing various ecological services. The book is a comprehensive compilation covering all aspects of mangrove ecology. It is useful for students and researchers in ecology, plants sciences and environmental sciences.