MANGROVE FLORA AND THEIR PHENOLOGY OF KRISHNA ESTUARINE REGION, ANDHRA PRADESH

The mangrove plants are most important features of the estuarine area of the country. The existence of the mangroves has been increased the production and unique nature of its flora and fauna. The mangroves has been under intensive pressure of exploitation for the last three decades which in addition to direct cleaning, cutting and conversion have placed the mangrove under threats. Fish and Shrimp farming is the most destructive form of resources using the mangrove has been converted, which is leading to ecological damage. Conversion have been raised among the Ecologists, Biologists and other policy makers since 1989; deliberately destruction of mangrove plants and unplanned development of Coastal Aquaculture particularly Shrimp/Fish culture have been put under extreme criticism and sustainability has been question mark. The present study was undertaken to observe the floral distribution and their flowering and fruiting season of Krishna mangroves. There are 23 species of mangrove plants and their phenology are recorded around the study area. These 23 mangrove species consists of 13 families and 18 genera. It is suggested that the management options and the policy aspects should be amended accordingly, stake holders at all levels of resources exploitation must take part contribute to conservation and management.