A Window to the World of Mangroves

Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. Environmental characteristics of mangrove habitats. 3. Ecological significance. 4. Taxonomical details. 5. Geographical distribution of mangroves. 6. Origin and evolution of mangroves. 7. Physiology. 8. Reproductive strategy. 9. Biodiversity of mangrove habitats. 10. Socio-economic relevance. 11. Mangroves and global warming. 12. Threats to mangroves. 13. Mangroves and eco-tourism. 14. Mangrove conservation. 15. Photo gallery-mangrove species diversity. 16. Photo gallery-mangroves associates. 17. Photo gallery-mangrove faunal diversity. Annexures. References. Subject index. 

The book is intended to be a window to the world of mangroves because they form one of the least understood groups of plants. Mangroves also form a unique habitat which has an impressive biodiversity. The mangrove ecosystems are organically linked with marine ecosystems on one hand and terrestrial ecosystems on the other. This book is an attempt to create understanding about mangrove trees and the ecosystem that they form and characteristically represent. It deals with the distribution, evolution, physiology, reproductive strategy and socio-economic relevance of mangroves and also outlines the threats that they face. Presented in a simple question-answer format, the book provides answers to various questions about mangroves which often cross our minds. (jacket)