Published Paper Details:

Mangroves are halophytic species and help stabilise the coasts and river lines, protecting them from tides, waves, and heavy wind. It also functions as a breeding and feeding ground for several aquatic species. India represents the world's 5% mangrove forest cover. The River Tirur originates from the Athavanad village and flows into the Arabian Sea through the coastal town of Ponnani. The main threat to mangrove forests is anthropogenic activities compared to natural phenomena. The majority of these ecosystems are converted into farmlands, resorts, aquaculture, and other building activities. A transect measuring 8Km (4Km from urban and 4 Km from the suburban area) was selected to study the mangrove diversity and existing threats to the mangrove forests of the river Tirur. A 100m line transect was laid in each of the 1 Km for studying vegetation. A total of 8 species were identified and 286 individuals recorded. In the urban area, we could locate two species, namely Sonniratia caseolans (n=1) and Avicennia officinalis (n=23). In the rural area, we identified 6 species, of which the species Sonniratia caseolans (189) and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (36) were observed in high numbers. The least recorded species were Bruguiera sexangula (n=5) and Kandella candel (n=6). The study revealed the highest density of Sonniratia caseolans and Avicennia officinalis. The local residents reported that, over a period of time, the mangrove forest patches have undergone a considerable decrease. Residents are aware of the important functions of the mangrove ecosystem, and the identified services are prevention from soil erosion, supporting bird diversity, providing fodder for cattle, and protection from heavy wind. The identified threats to the mangrove forest were river beautification activities, encroachment along the riverside, and the Koottayi regulator cum bridge.