Published Paper Details:

Mangrove ecosystems play an important role in providing ecological and economic benefits to coastal communities. The present study was conducted to assess the species diversity and distribution of mangroves in Dahanu, Maharashtra, India. Field surveys were conducted to identify and map the different mangrove species in the area. A total of 8 species of mangroves were identified, including Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, A. marina var. acutissima, A. officinalis, Sonneratia apetala, Brugiera cylindrical and Ceriops tagal. Among these, Avicennia marina was found to be the most dominant species in the area, followed by Rhizophora mucronata. The study also revealed that the mangroves were distributed unevenly in the study area, with the highest density of mangroves observed in the southern part of the estuary. The results of the study suggest that Dahanu has a diverse range of mangrove species, and conservation efforts should be undertaken to protect and restore these ecosystems