Diversity and Distribution of Mangroves in Kumbalam Island of Kerala, India

The present investigation was carried on the diversity and distribution of mangroves in Kumbalam Island of Ernakulam district to study the present status of mangrove vegetation.In the present investigation, the diversity and distribution of mangrove vegetation were studied since 2010.In order to study the distribution pattern of mangrove species, Quadrat analysis was adopted in the study site.From the study, 7 species of true mangroves, 2 species of semi-mangroves and 8 species of mangrove associates were identified.In kumbalam, the major obstacle for the conservation of mangrove vegetation is the population pressure and most of the mangrove vegetation areas belonged to the private properties.The present study revealed that mangroves in Kumbalam Island are under threat.At present, all these species are at serious risk as no systematic attempt has been made to conserve them.Therefore, by emphasizing the need for urgent and determined to conserve Kumbalam mangrove ecosystem in situ.