Promoting the Recovery of a True Mangrove- Avicennia Marina in Ecogeographic Area of Puthuvypeen

Abstract

A study was conducted in a disturbed mangrove forest that had been gazetted as a site under governmental area. This study provides information regarding the status of disturbed mangroves and can be used as baseline data to support decision making in managing mangrove forests. The study were to determine the tree species exploited in mangrove forest. This recovery study was carried out in the upcoming industrial area of Puthuvypeen. Puthuvypeen ecogeographic area is clearly categorized as a mangrove forest that has a uniform single-layered canopy with trees reaching up to an average 15-25cm GBH and 25-30m in height. Generally there are mixed- mangrove forests of Avicennia marina and Avicennia officinalis . This ecogeographic area of Puthuvypeen may now also be known as “ vanishing mangroves. ” Even under severe degradation, Avicennia marina species still shows its adaptation capacity under stressful condition with re-sprouting from in and around the destroyed trees. In general, the species composition of Puthuvypeen geographic area is rich and the regeneration status is good for the recovery of the species.