Distribution of Mangroves in Kerala

The mangrove vegetation of the Kerala coast in its present condition has been described. A brief historical background has been given in order to understand the reasons for the dwindling of the once existed very rich 700 km² of mangrove forests to the present stage of discontinuous and isolated bits totally constituting a balance of about 17 km². The patches of mangrove vegetation existing on lands under the public and private ownership have been discussed with their approximate extents so as tu decide the possibility for preserving them in their natural home. Acquisition of mangrove pockets of reasonable and manageable extent belonging to the private ownership has been suggested. The necessity for bringing some bigger pockets under the Forest Act for the effective protection from illicit removal and encroachments of land has been stressed. Suggestion has been made for adopting artificial regeneration methods for increasing the area in suitable localities. Necessity for taking up of extension activities for creating awareness among people staying near the mangrove locality has been suggested.