Mangoves

Mangroves are adapted to hypoxic (low oxygen) and saline environments, living in lagoons and estuarine environments in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. In Sri Lanka, they can be found in Rekawa, Mannar, Puttalam, Kalpityiya, Trincomalee, Negambo, and around the river mouths of Kaluganga, Bentara river, Madu Ganga, Nilwala river, and Walawe. There are about 80 species of mangroves in the world and 28 of them can be observed in Sri Lanka, including kirala (Sonneratia alba), mal kadol (Bruguiera gymnorhiza), manda (Avicennia marina), and gin pol (Nypa fruticans). Mangrove ecosystems provide critical habitat for wildlife, including many birds, fishes, prawns, crabs, reptiles, and amphibians. Additionally, mangroves prevent erosion in riverbanks and offer coastal protection from sea waves, tsunamis, and extreme high tides.