Mangrove forests along the coastline of Kerala, southern India: Current status and future prospects

Abstract Mangrove forests are considered as some of the world’s most productive ecosystems. However, these unique ecosystems are under pressure due to natural as well as anthropogenic threats globally. Kerala state, situated on the west coast of India, has lost 95% of the mangroves during the last three decades. The floristic diversity of mangroves in Kerala was represented by 18 species of true mangroves of which, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia alba, and Ceriops tagal were found to be rare in the State. This review examines the current status of mangrove vegetation along the Kerala coast, factors responsible for the decline of mangroves, various conservation measures adopted and the future prospects. It was found that scientific information on the mangrove area of many districts in this southern state of India is still lacking. In this context, GIS and remote sensing would be an effective tool for the identification and mapping of various mangrove patches in Kerala. Furthermore, the conservation and restoration programs of mangroves in the state have been accelerated after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunamis. Since mangroves are separate and unique ecosystems in the marine environment, exclusive mangrove forest conservation laws need to be framed, legislated and enforced. Along with this, site-specific and community-based mangrove rejuvenation and restoration programs have to be employed for the long-term management and conservation of this fast dwindling ecosystem.