International Journal of  

                       Applied Bioresearch (IJAB)

ISSN 2250 - 2033 (Print); e -ISSN: 2250 - 2041 (Online)

The quarterly peer-reviewed journal

Volume  No. 37; 15,December, 2018

TABLE AND CONTENTS

Conservation status and suggestions for the maintenance of Island Biodiversity

SHANMUGA Priya

Peniel Rural College of Education, Vemparali, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India.

*Email: thrpriya35@gmail.com.

Abstract

The Gulf of Mannar is a large shallow bay forming part of the laccadive sea in the Indian Ocean. It lies between the southeastern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka. There are 20 islands running almost parallel to the coastline of Gulf of Mannar. Among them Mandapam group of islands (Hare, Manali, Manoliputti, Poomarichan, Pullivasal, Krusadai and Shingle) are one of the richest coastal regions for biodiversity in Asia. An ecological study for the conservation of the biodiversity in these islands is ongoing from the year 2009. Each island has its unique characteristics, of biodiversity surrounded by coral reefs. The littoral, mangrove, tidal swamp, dry deciduous and scrubs insular forests of the islands hold a diversified faunal assemblage. The predominant existing plant species of the island are the mangroves (Rhizophora mucornata poir, Avicenniamarina (Forssk.)Vierh, Ceriopstagal (perr.)Rabins) and deciduous and scrub species (Pandanus fascicularis, Thespesia populnea, Tamarindus indica, Cordia subcordata, Pithecolobium dulce, Ficus benghalensis, Pleurostylia opposite, Acacia planifrons, Salvadora persica, and Zizyphus nummularia) Pemphis acidula (Lythraceae family of flowering herb) is the note worthy endemic plant species. These flora for their propagation totally depend on the Hymenopteran and Lepidopteran diversity of insects and the sun bird for pollination and Mammals and Aves for seed dispersal. This study on the animal - plant interaction helps a lot in the formulation of action plan for biodiversity conservation in Mandapam group of islands.

Keywords: Island, Pollinators, Seed dispersers, Biodiversity conservation.

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