Diversity Status of Mangrove Species in Estuarine Regions of Goa, Central West Coast, India

The present study is based on standardized field work extending over a five-year period using well established diagnostic identification keys. The paper documents the diversity of true mangroves in seven major and three minor estuaries of Goa, which house 15 species belonging to ten genera under seven families. Mangrove associates were also studied along with quantitative analysis, hydrological parameters and sediment analysis of estuaries in relation to mangrove flora. The present study reports that mangrove cover in Goa has increased to 2617 hectares from 2000 hectares.