Mangroves and Associated Faunal Diversity of Kolak Estuary, Vapi, Gujarat

Abstract

Mangrove forests are among the world’s most productive ecosystems that protect coastal population and support coastal fisheries and livelihood. With continuing degradation and destruction of mangroves, there is a critical need to understand them better. Out of the total mangrove area of India (4482 sq. km) Gujarat sustains an area of 911 sq km. Both the banks of Kolak Estuary are predominant with mangrove vegetation and are dominated by mud flats. Mangrove vegetation at Kolak Estuary exhibits flourishing growth with Avicenia marina as the dominant species with maximum height of 17 m, and girth of 1.62 m. Total 8 mangrove and associated species were recorded from the study area. High water zone exhibits higher biomass than that of low water zone, indicating higher production at high water zone than the low water zone. The concentration of chl a, was always higher than Phaeophytin which suggests healthy condition of phytoplankton cells at Kolak mangrove area. Globally threatened bird species were also seen in the study, roosting on big mangrove trees.