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Phytosociological analysis of Mangroves at Kannur District, Kerala

2011; National Environmental Science Academy; Volume: 2; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

0976-4534

K. Vidyasagaran, M.V. Ranjan, M. Maneeshkumar, T.P. Praseeda,

Soil and Land Suitability Analysis

Investigation on floristic diversity of mangroves of Kannur indicated that the study area constituted 12 species under nine genera belonging to seven families. Rhizophoraceae represented maximum genera of four species. Phytosocio1ogica1 analysis revealed that Acanthus illicifolius registered highest density and relative density followed by Avicennia of ficinalis. Whereas relative frequency was highest recorded for Avicennia of ficinalsi followed by Acanthus illicifolius. Maximum relative basal area was represented by Aviennia marina followed by Avicennia of ficinalis. Structural analysis of the mangroves of Kannur unveiled the domination of Avicennia of ficinalis which, registered highest Importance value index (IVI) and relative importance value index (RIVI) among the 12 mangroves species distributed all over. Though this species constituted relatively lesser density and frequency, it registered highest IVI and RIVI due to its relatively higher basal area. The lowest IVI and RIVI was registered for Luminitzera racemosa. Diversity indices for six mangrove sites and for whole Kannur district indicated that mangroves at Pappinisseri constituted highest Shannon Weiner index and equitability (H’ 9.706, 3.75). Highest Simpson's index was reported for Madakkara (0.847) and Kavayi registered lowest value for Shannon Weiner index and H max (H’ 5.72,2.585).