Biodiversity of Mangroves

Contents: Preface. I. Tropical forests of Sundarbans mangroves (flora, fauna, man-animal interaction and conservation): Introduction. 1. Flora and fauna in the abode of man-eater's in tropical mangrove forests of Sundarbans. 2. Socio-cultural scenario (human settlement, agriculture, culture and religion and tiger cult). 3. Man-eating tigers - a socio-cultural issue. 4. Sundarbans estuary world's unique and a very complex habitat. 5. Physiographical parameters of Sundarbans delta. 6. Mangroves - what they are. 7. Vertebrate fauna of Sundarbans. 8. Aquatic avifaunal world of Sundarbans. 9. Role of honey bee. 10. Ichthyofaunal (fish) diversity. 11. Special roles of molluscs. 12. Special roles of crustacea. 13. Benthic biota. 14. Faunal-floral adaptations. 15. Sundarbans biosphere reserve (aims and objectives). 16. Sundarbans estuary is a vast wetland. 17. Conservation strategy. II. Flora and fauna of Andaman and Nicobar mangroves (resources, conservation strategy, problems, remedy): Introduction. 1. Bay islands are learner's living museum. 2. Biogeographical realms. 3. Rain forests of the islands. 4. Physiography of the coastal bonanza. 5. Coastal animals. 6. Wildlife parks and sanctuaries. 7. Biosphere reserve in Great Nicobar. 8. Grand effort to save the tribals. 9. Management strategy. 10. Development activities vis-a-vis conservation problems. 11. Checklist of fauna resources. 12. Study in marine ecosystem. Bibliography. Index.

"This book, Biodiversity of Mangroves is a maiden endeavour of this, or by any other author, to unveil the hidden and rich treasure of biotal, physiographic, tribal, marine, coastal and other resources bringing under one umbrella - "The Mangroves". It also highlights tiger - man interaction and rendenvous of innumerable invertebrate and vertebrate fauna, endemic and rare biota of two premier mangrove sites situated at northern and southern apexes of The Bay of Bengal. The author does not merely layout checklists of plants and animals, birds and fishes, he also brings forth-facts on site-specific species, species association, endemism, biogeographic and other qualities. The most attractive and realistic aspect of 'Tiger cult' and man-tiger interaction of Sundarbans have been brought to light.

For the bay islands, indepth facts on several vanishing tribals, rare and endemic biota, problem and issues of tropical rain forest and conservation strategy have been identified. Sundarban's mangrove history remains a sterile subject Sans Tiger-Man interaction and without revelation of tiger's behavioural pattern; similarly, without the vanishing tribals struggle for existence and stress stricken biotal's survival history the bay islands remain in dark. In this field the author takes the pride to bring forth very many hidden qualities of these two mangrove forests to light so far not considered by any to discuss under one umbrella.

The presentation has been made mostly from the author's own experience and involvement in scientific work, and his findings in both the areas which have also been recorded in books and various research papers since 1970.

The readers are sure to have a realistic conception of the resources, problems and conservation strategy at a glance which is a unique presentation of the author." (jacket)