A review of the floral composition and distribution of mangroves in Sri Lanka

A review of the floral composition and distribution of mangroves in Sri Lanka

Background

The article reviews literature on the numbers and distributions of Sri Lankan mangrove species and highlights the causes of overestimation. It also attempts to provide an accurate count based on standardized fieldwork over a 4-year period along the coast between Palatupana and Puttalam, Sri Lanka. The authors name some examples of mischaracterized or misidentified species from previous studies and address the importance of clearly defining the terms for mangroves.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The study indicates that there are at present 20 identified ‘mangrove species’ (major and minor components) and at least 18 ‘mangrove associates’ in their study area. Incorrect identification has implications for interpretation of species composition in the framework of biogeography, remote sensing and biological conservation and management.

 

 

Reference: 

JAYATISSA LP, DAHDOUH-GUEBAS ., Koedam N. A review of the floral composition and distribution of mangroves in Sri Lanka. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 2002;138:29–43. doi:10.1046/j.1095-8339.2002.00002.x.

Affiliation: 

  • Department of Botany, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka
  • Laboratory of General Botany and Nature Management, Mangrove Management Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium