Mangroves collectively refer to plant communities occurring in the inter-tidal areas along the
coasts of tropical and sub-tropical countries between 25˚N and 25˚S with the ability to grow in
saline water. They often form dense vegetation along the estuaries. Nearly 40% of the world's
mangrove cover is in South East Asia and South Asia. Species diversity in these regions is
higher compared to other areas of the planet where mangroves occur. Mangroves are
taxonomically unrelated groups of trees and shrubs belonging to diverse genera and families
possessing similar physiological characters and structural adaptations, enabling them to grow
in saline anaerobic environments. They are extremely important coastal resources, supporting
livelihoods to the coastal communities. Mangroves serve as a bioshield protecting the coastal
areas such as habitations, agricultural lands, livestock and other livelihood assets from tidal
water inundation. Mangrove wetlands act as a spawning and nursery ground and also a
habitat for fishes, shellfishes, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Mangrove habitats also
host a variety of larger faunal species like tigers, monkeys, jackals, fishing cats, otters and
reptiles like saltwater crocodiles, alligators and snakes. Coastal mangroves perform regulatory
ecosystem functions such as reducing coastal erosion, controlling floods, nutrient recycling
and retarding runoff. Apart from these vital ecosystem services, mangroves are potential sites
for ecotourism. The ecological importance of these ecosystems in maintaining marine life,
their higher productivity and their role in supplying organic matter to the marine ecosystems
have been reported across India and in other mangrove growing regions.