Vegetation structure of Kachchh mangroves, Gujarat, northwest coast of India

Investigation was carried out in the Kachchh mangroves of Gujarat to delineate its structure in a coastal stretch of 300 km. A clear trend of salinity increase from Mundra to Kori creek could be observed. Mean creek water salinity ranged from to 38.8 to 41.5 ppt. Station-wise mean density of mature trees ranged from a minimum of 832/ha to a maximum of 1900/ha with tree heights reaching up to 10 m. Mean density of mature trees decreased in the order of Kori-Jakhau-Mundra-Medi-Laki. Height and GBH classes in the range of 1.6 to 3 m and 21 to 40 cm, respectively predominated in all stations. Among 5 major stations both maximum (491666/ha) and minimum (4545/ha) regeneration density were recorded at Jakhau. Density of recruitment class was fairly high at all the stations ranging from 2240/ha at Kori creek to 7783/ha at Medi. Mangroves of Kori creek had high regeneration potential as evidenced by high entry of recruitment class to mature tree category.