Biodiversity of Mangrove Ecosystems

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction: i. Definition of biodiversity. ii. Importance of biodiversity conservation. iii. Coastal mangrove ecosystems. 2. Coastal mangrove environment: i. Types of coastal settings. ii. Ecological characteristics. iii. Adaptations of mangroves to environment. 3. Distribution of mangroves: i. Old and new world mangroves. ii. Coverage of mangroves in 16 countries. iii. Coverage of mangroves in India. iv. Ecological features of Indian mangroves. 4. Floral diversity: i. Mangrove plant species. ii. Species of plants in Saltmarshes. iii. Species of seagrasses. iv. Marine algal species. v. Bacteria. vi. Fungi. vii. Actinomycetes. viii. Lichens. ix. Total floral species in Indian mangrove habitats. 5. Faunal diversity: i. Prawns (Shrimps). ii. Crabs. iii. Insect fauna. iv. Mollusks. v. Wood Borers. vi. Other invertebrates. vii. Fish parasites. viii. Finfishes. ix. Amphibians. x. Reptiles. xi. Birds. xii. Mammals. xiii. Total faunal species in mangrove habitats. xiv. Total biological species in mangrove habitats. 6. Energy flow in mangrove ecosystems. 7. Ecological roles of mangrove ecosystems: i. Screening the Solar UV-B radiation. ii. Reducing the 'Green House Effects'. iii. Minimising the fury of cyclones. iv. Controlling of flood. v. Prevention of coastal erosion. vi. Trapping the sediments. vii. Deepening of the creeks. viii. Trapping and recycling of nutrients. ix. Supporting the fishes and wildlife populations. x. Protecting other ecosystems. 8. Uses of mangroves: i. Timber and firewood. ii. Logs for multiple uses. iii. Wood-chip industry. iv. Foliage as animal feed. v. Decoction of bark for leather industry. vi. Natural Beehives and extraction of honey. vii. Fisheries and livelihood. viii. Pharmaceuticals. ix. Novel values of mangroves. x. Natural products chemistry and bioactivities. 9. Major causes of destruction and degradation: i. Damages caused in the recent past. ii. Causes of degradation of mangroves. iii. Extent of destruction of mangroves. iv. Damages caused and need for conservation. 10. Conservation and management: i. Restoration technology. ii. People's participation. iii. Role of global institutions. iv. Role of NGOs in India. v. Role of National Mangrove Committee of India. vi. Mangrove Research activities in India. vii. Rural development. viii. Legal frameworks. ix. Marine protected areas. x. Wildlife sanctuaries. xi. Educational programmes. xii. Awareness among local people. Conclusion. References. Author index. Subject index.

"In the book biodiversity of mangrove ecosystems, Prof. Kathiresan and Prof. Qasim have covered all the intricacies of the mangrove habitats, their characteristics, global distribution floral diversity in different parts of the world and occurrence of over 877 plant and 3066 animal species in the ecosystems.

This book describes energy flow in mangrove ecosystems, ecological role of mangroves, and their uses, causes of destruction and degradation and conservation strategies adopted in different countries."