SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND ASSESSMENT OF MANGROVE ECO–SYSTEM IN ODISHA COAST–A GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Dr. Sridhar Samal

Volume : V, Issue : XII, December - 2016

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND ASSESSMENT OF MANGROVE ECO–SYSTEM IN ODISHA COAST–A GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Dr. Sridhar Samal

Abstract :

Mangroves are specialized forest eco–system which is salt tolerant and grow mainly in tropical and sub–tropical ` inter–tidal regions. Mangroves are immensely important bio–climatic eco–system in a typical geographic situation in the coastal region of Odisha. ?e resilient Mangroves serve the protective functions to a great extent as it protects the hinterland against cyclonic storms and other natural catastrophes acting as an effective shelterbelt. It is evident from the past unprecedented super–cyclone of October 1999, where the Mangroves haul withstood the onslaught of cyclonic wind and saved the life and property of millions. ?e complex food chain of the mangrove eco–system supports a large variety of fauna and flora. Mangrove wetland performs a host of protective as well as productive functions and considered as land builders. ?e characteristic of mangroves attributed to the type of vegetation having still root, pneumatophores, vivipary germination and salt creating glands. ?e species most commonly found in mangrove system play dominant role in building landmass, arresting soil erosion and controlling flood and cyclone damages. Mangrove ecosystem of coastal Odisha must be conserved in the interest of economic upliftment of local people and development of the area in a sustainable manner.