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.
Mangrove cover in India
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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.
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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.
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Mangrove cover is classified into 3 categories:
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Very Dense Mangroves (30.1%)
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Moderately Dense Mangroves (30.07%)
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Open Mangroves (39.83%)
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Sunderban in West Bengal accounts for almost half of total area under mangroves in India.
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Area wise mangrove cover distribution is as follows: West Bengal > Gujarat > Andaman & Nicobar > Andhra Pradesh > Maharashtra > Odisha.