Global Mangrove Cover


Mangroves are mostly distributed over 123 countries in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. 
 
  • Total mangrove cover in the world is around 150,000 sq. km.
  • Asia has the largest mangrove cover (particularly South East Asia) followed by South America, North Central America and West and Central Africa.
  • South Asia comprises 6.8% of the world’s mangrove cover. India’s contribution is 45.8% in South Asia.
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Mangrove cover in India
  • According to State of Forest Report 2017. Mangroves are spread over an area of 4921 sq. km. which is nearly 3.3% of world’s mangrove vegetation.
  • There has been an increase of 181 sq. km. in the mangrove cover as compared to 2015 assessment. Plantation and regeneration is the main reason for this.
  • Mangrove cover is classified into 3 categories:
  • Very Dense Mangroves (30.1%)
  • Moderately Dense Mangroves (30.07%)
  • Open Mangroves (39.83%)
  • Sunderban in West Bengal accounts for almost half of total area under mangroves in India.
  • Area wise mangrove cover distribution is as follows: West Bengal > Gujarat > Andaman & Nicobar > Andhra Pradesh > Maharashtra > Odisha.

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