Mangrove Ecosystems
Functions and Threats
Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs found in tropical and subtropical intertidal coastal zones. They form highly productive ecosystems that provide a range of ecological services.
- Mangroves store 3–5 times more carbon per unit area than tropical forests ("blue carbon" sinks)
- They protect coastlines from storm surges, tsunamis, and erosion — studies show mangroves reduce wave energy by 70–90%
- India has ~4,992 km² of mangrove cover (FSI 2021), accounting for 3% of global total
- Mangrove coverage declined globally by 50% over the 20th century; recovery is now underway in some regions
- India's Sundarbans experience 5–6 cyclones annually, of which 2 may be of severe category
- Heritiera fomes (Sundri) and Nypa fruticans are declining due to salinity increase; salt-tolerant Avicennia marina is expanding
● Tracked since March 09, 2026 · last seen April 07, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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