Forest and Wildlife

Most of the region of Mangrove plants are found in Sundarban delta. Sundari tree in these is quite popular.

It provides shelter for 84 species of flora, including 26 mangrove species, 453 species of fauna, 120 species of fish, 290 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 35 reptiles and eight amphibian species. More than 12 million people - 4.5 million in India and 7.5 million in Bangladesh - live in this estuarine ecosystem. Sundarban is the natural abode of many animal groups and many species are known to feed, breed and take shelter in this ecosystem. It is home to many rare and globally threatened wildlife species such as the estuarine crocodile, water monitor lizard, Gangetic dolphin and olive ridley turtle.

Mangroves in Chorao Island provide valuable ecosystem services, including protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and playing a role in carbon sequestration. Chorao Island also serves as a learning center for understanding the importance of mangrove ecosystems and their conservation. While protected, mangroves in Chorao Island, like other mangrove forests, face threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a Geographical area of 8249 sq. km, out of which an area of 7171 sq. km (87%) is notified as forest under Indian Forest Act, 1927 and this rich Eco-system support a variety of Flora and Fauna with in itself. Out of the total area 7171 sq km notified as forest 70% is totally protected in the form of Tribal Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, National Park and Sanctuaries and further in the form of mangrove conservation working circle and protection working circle even within the area covered by Working Plans.

That is why it is often called the "Lungs of the Earth." It is estimated that the Amazon rainforest produces more than 20 per cent of earth's oxygen.

Trees in tropical deciduous forests shed their leaves for a portion of the year, typically during the dry season, which can last for six to eight months. They are found in areas with a significant rainfall, typically between 70-200 cm per year. These forests are often referred to as monsoon forests due to their association with the monsoon season. They support a rich variety of plant and animal species.

Red Sanders is under severe pressure from illegal logging and harvesting. It is in demand in both domestic and international markets. Its rich hue and therapeutic properties are responsible for its high demand across Asia, particularly China, for use in cosmetics, medicinal products and high-end furniture/woodcraft. While the red dye obtained from the wood is used as a colouring agent in textiles and medicines.

It is under 'endangered list' in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. It is listed in Appendix-II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES). Listed under Schedule IV of The Wildlife Protection Act.

It's characterized by a mosaic of vegetation including tall grasslands, savannas, and deciduous forests. While deciduous forests with species like sal (Shorea robusta) are present, the dominant vegetation is tall, often marshy grasslands.

Mangrove is a type of tree species that grow in intertidal salty environments near the mouths of the delta of rivers along the coasts because they can tolerate frequent flooding and are able to obtain fresh water from rivers and also the nutrients required from salt water.

Features of Mangroves

• They are salt-tolerant plant species with roots dangling down into the water.
• Since they grow in very high salinity waters, they are adapted to the condition and are salt tolerant.
• They can secrete salt from their leaves to balance the salt intake.
• They have developed roots bearing pneumatophore (or aerial roots).
• These forests are also become quite resistant to high temperatures.
• They exhibit a viviparous mode of reproduction.