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These mangroves are the rainforests by the sea and are comprised of
taxonomically diverse, salt-tolerant tree and other plant species which
thrive in inter-tidal zones of sheltered tropical shores, and
estuaries. The shallow inter-tidal reaches that characterize these
mangrove wetlands offer refuge and nursery grounds for juvenile fish,
crabs, shrimps, and mollusks and are also prime nesting and migratory
sites for hundreds of bird species.
They have been useful in treating effluents, as the plants absorb excess nitrates and phosphates thereby preventing contamination of near shore waters. This protective buffer zone has also minimized damage of property and losses of life from cyclones and storms. In regions where these coastal fringe forests have been cleared, tremendous problems of erosion and siltation have arisen, and sometimes terrible losses to human life and property have occurred due to destructive storms. When the tsunami struck Tamil Nadu, areas in Pichavaram and Muthupet with dense mangroves suffered fewer human casualties and less damage to property compared to areas without mangroves.
They have been useful in treating effluents, as the plants absorb excess nitrates and phosphates thereby preventing contamination of near shore waters. This protective buffer zone has also minimized damage of property and losses of life from cyclones and storms. In regions where these coastal fringe forests have been cleared, tremendous problems of erosion and siltation have arisen, and sometimes terrible losses to human life and property have occurred due to destructive storms. When the tsunami struck Tamil Nadu, areas in Pichavaram and Muthupet with dense mangroves suffered fewer human casualties and less damage to property compared to areas without mangroves.
See Biodiversity
See Causes for concern
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