Mangrove: Meaning, Definition, Types, Characteristics, & Trees!

mangrove trees

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A mangrove forest is a forest surrounded by salt water in a coastal area. There are about 50 natural mangrove forests in different parts of the world. The entire southern part of our country is bordered by the Bay of Bengal. This coastal region has mangrove forests which cover about half of the entire forest area of the country.

In this article, we will learn all about mangrove forests. For example, the meaning of mangrove, the definition of mangrove, types of mangrove, characteristics of mangrove, Trees or plants of mangrove, Fruits of Mangrove, Animals of Mangrove, and different mangrove forests in the world.

Mangrove generally refers to the vast wetlands inundated by tides. Mangrove forest, tidal saline plains. The mangrove ecosystem consists of tropical and sub-tropical latitudes of inundated habitats. These inundated wetlands are composed of different levels of interdependent elements such as water flow, sediment, nutrients, organic matter and fauna.

Meaning Of Mangrove

What is Mangrove Forest? What is the definition of mangrove? How do we know the meaning of Mangrove?

Mangrove Side Sea

Mangrove forests are coastal forests where water rises during high tide and lows during low tide. Mangrove forests are found in the tropical and sub-tropical coastal areas of the tropics worldwide. There were 1,81,000 square kilometers of mangrove forests in the world, But at present, the total area of this forest has come down to less than 150,000 sq km. So far, the forest has been found in 102 countries, but only 10 countries have more than 5,000 square kilometers of mangrove forests.

You can contact Travel Mate for Mangrove Tour Packages, Hotels, Bus Tickets, Air Tickets or any corporate or event or family trip. or Call +88 01766-99-0725.

How Is Mangrove Forest Created?

These mangrove forests are usually formed in saline, muddy and partially waterlogged areas of the coast. Due to the saline soil, the roots of these forest trees are quite scattered, but they do not penetrate deeply into the soil. The tides have a direct effect on the creation of this forest. Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, and Niger account for 43 percent of the world’s mangrove forests. Located in Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is the single largest mangrove forest in the world, which is recognized by the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also designated as a natural wonder.

Read More: Tinap Saitar – Largest Waterfall – A To Z Guide

Types Of Mangrove Forest

From the mangrove forest, the people of the coastal area get important goods and services in their daily life. Such forests mainly consist of trees, herbs, shrubs and a small number of palm and herbaceous plants. According to The World Conservation Union (IUCN), there are a total of 61 species of mangrove trees in the world. More than 100 species of trees including Sundari, Gewa, Keora, Pashur, Bain, Crab etc. grow in the Sundarbans. At least 28 of these trees are true mangroves. In the mangrove forest, most of the seeds germinate while they are still in the tree as the seeds of the tree are washed away by the tides.

Characteristics Of Mangrove Forest:

Mangrove forests are very different from other forests. Its features are mentioned below-

  • These forests are formed in the saline, muddy and waterlogged areas of the coast.
  • The environment of this forest is unfavorable for common plants.
  • In saline soils, the roots of the tree are well spread but do not penetrate deeply into the soil.
  • The effect of tides in the creation of this forest is direct.
  • Most of the seeds germinate while they are in the tree as the seeds are washed away by the tides.
  • Locally in Bangladesh, this forest is called para forest.

Check Travel Guidelines on Tazing Dong – Largest Peak In Bangladesh.

Benefits Of Mangrove Forest:

Needs and benefits of mangrove forest- Bangladesh is a disaster-prone region. Every year, cyclones, tidal waves, tornadoes and sea storms cause extensive damage and loss of life in the country’s coastal areas. Mangrove forests play the most important role in the prevention of these disasters.

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Royel Bengal Tigers Mangrove

Largest Mangrove Forest In The World:

There are mangrove forests in several areas along the coast of Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is the main forest and it is the largest forest in Bangladesh. Besides, there is a mangrove forest at the mouth of Matamuhuri river in Cox’s Bazar which is known as “Chakoria Sundarbans”. It is also found in the southern part of St. Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal. At present, this forest is being created artificially in the coastal areas. These are described below-

The Sundarbans is one of the three largest mangrove forests in the world. It is the largest forest in Bangladesh. The area of this forest, including inland rivers and canals, is about 6474 sq km. Beautiful forests cover 47% of Bangladesh’s total forest area. This mangrove forest has been formed in parts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Barguna and Patuakhali districts of Bangladesh. The main tree of this forest is named after Sundari. Gewa, Pashur, Dhundal, Keora, Bain and Golpata are some of the other trees.

Attractive Places Near Sundarbans: Dublar Char, Hiron Point, Kuakata, Katka Sea Beach, Mandarbariya Sea Beach.

There are innumerable canals and rivers spread like a net inside the Sundarbans. These rivers have about 120 species of fish, including crocodile, bhodar, dolphin, crab, and shrimp, chirping fish.

The most striking of the Sundarbans’ animal diversity is the striped Royal Bengal Tiger. This animal is no longer seen anywhere else in the world. Other animals include deer, wild boar, wild cats, monkeys, snakes, bees and 270 species of birds.

Trees And Plants In Mangrove Forest On Sundarbans:

Keora, chaila, bain, golpata etc. Like natural mangrove forests, these forests are flooded at high tide. 

Forests cannot be imagined without trees. In this case, the Sundarbans is unique, extraordinary. Because the Sundarbans has a lot of different types of plants. Especially beautiful trees. Because the Sundarbans have been named after this tree, apart from Sundari trees, the other trees in the Sundarbans are Gewa, Pashur, Dhundul, Bamboo, Bain, Garan, Garjan, Teak, Amalki, Bailam, Keora, Golpata etc.

See Also: Sajek Valley – Travel Guideline

Today, the Sundarbans are one of the world heritage. Most of the revenue of the forest department comes from wood, fuel, golpata, honey, wax and river fish of the Sundarbans.

Mangrove Forest

Chakoria Sundarbans: The name of the mangrove forest at the mouth of the river Matamuhuri in Cox’s Bazar district is “Chakoria Sundarbans”. The main plants of this forest are Bain, Ora, Keora, Garan, Hintal, Golpata, etc.

There is also a mangrove forest on the banks of the Naf River near Teknaf. Among the different animals of this forest are snakes, different species of birds and fish.

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The mangrove forest of St. Martin’s Island is 12 km from Teknaf. There is a mangrove forest in the southern part of St. Martin’s Island in the far Bay of Bengal. Kripa, Khalshi and Bhola are among the plants of this forest. The animals of this forest include marine fish, turtles and crabs.

Coastal afforestation: Garan, bain and keora trees grow well in coastal and saline soils. So, at present, artificial mangrove forests have been created by planting saplings of these trees in the region.

Coastal mangrove forests play the most important role in keeping the country’s economy afloat and maintaining the balance of the natural environment. So it is our responsibility to maintain this forest.

Animals In Mangrove Forest:

Deer, tigers, foxes, etc.

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The Sundarbans is home to the world-famous Royal Bengal Tiger. The Royal Bengal Tiger lives in the only Sundarbans in the world. There are also a variety of animals roaming the Sundarbans. These are crocodiles, deer, snakes, monkeys, bees, leopards, hedgehogs, foxes, forest roosters, forest cats, etc. And the gathering of a large number of birds in the Sundarbans is also eye-catching. Among the wings of the Sundarbans are Shalik, Tia, Moyna, Kokil, Buck, Hans, Tuntuni, Finge, Shakun, Masranga, etc.

Birds On Mangrove

Black Tail Jourali, Desi Gangchasa, Kalamatha Kastechara, Khayrapakh Masranga etc.

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Fisheries On Mangrove

This forest is also a great source of coastal fisheries. Vhetki, Parse, Galda, Bagda etc.

Fish is one of the natural resources of the Sundarbans. Many rivers, canals and beels flow through the heart of the Sundarbans. Since the Sundarbans is a saltwater forest, saltwater fish are also abundant in this forest. Among the fishes of the Sundarbans are: Coral, Boal, Rupchanda, Shrimp, Rui, Katal.

Different Mangrove Forests in Bangladesh:

Green Land of Natural Beauty: The Sundarbans are said to be the queen of natural beauty in Bangladesh. From the beginning to the end, it is just a green ceremony. When you see that, the mind wants to look at it with a fixed gaze. The dense, evergreen and quiet Sundarbans is a kingdom of green everywhere. The Sundarbans constantly attract beauty-thirsty hearts. The roar of the tigers in the Sundarbans, the chirping of the birds, the peeking of the sun in the forest, the swaying of the trees in the wind, and the fishing game in the river are all manifestations of beauty. In addition, small chars or islands with diamond points have made the Sundarbans more attractive. That is why tourists from all over the world, including Bangladesh, are constantly flocking to this mangrove forest. Beauty lovers enjoy the beauty of the mangrove forest with their own eyes.

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Economic importance of the Mangrove: Every element of the Sundarbans is a very valuable resource. The most valuable of the trees in the Sundarbans is the wood of the animal tree. Besides, the wood of the beautiful Gewa tree also has a reputation in the country and abroad. Because its wood is used to make pencil wood, match sticks, newsprint paper, everyday furniture, boats, etc. In addition, the Sundarbans fishery is a major source of income, from which it is possible to earn a lot of money without any investment. The beekeepers procure large quantities of honey and beeswax from the Sundarbans, which meet the country’s honey demand as well as provide employment. Apart from these, the Sundarbans is famous for a variety of animals and birds. About 42 species of animals live in the Sundarbans. Which has enriched not only the Sundarbans but also the economy of this country. Every year, timber, fish, and animals are exported from here to home and abroad. Which is boosting the economy of Bangladesh.

You can contact Travel Mate for Mangrove Tour Packages, Hotels, Bus Tickets, Air Tickets or any corporate or event or family trip. or Call +88 01766-99-0725.

Nature has poured all its beauty into the chest of this mangrove forest. The world’s largest mangrove forest has given Bangladesh infinite status in the world. Besides meeting the demand of the country, its resources are being exported abroad. The impact of the Sundarbans on the environment of this country is also immense. So this forest must be kept free from all evil deeds. Because the world’s largest mangrove forest is not only ours but the whole world.

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Largest Mangrove Forest-

It is important to realize that there are some other mangrove forests. You can get the complete list according to the region from here. Let’s point out some of the mangrove forest lists from other countries.

  • Sundarbans
  • Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
  • Florida Mangroves
  • Bahia Mangroves
  • Godavari-Krishna Mangroves
  • Gulf of Panama Mangroves
  • Indus River Delta-Arabian Sea Mangroves
  • Belizean Coast Mangroves
  • Greater Antilles mangroves
  • Manabi Mangroves
  • Indochina mangroves
  • Myanmar coast mangroves
  • Sunda Shelf mangroves
  • Amapá mangroves
  • Esmeraldes-Pacific Colombia mangroves
  • Guianan mangroves
  • Maranhão mangroves
  • Northern Honduras mangroves
  • Pará mangroves
  • Mayan Corridor mangroves

Want to Travel to Mangrove Forest?

Sundarbans is a perfect place for a group or family tour. The beauty of this place will give you awesome feelings. At the same time, you can come back within two or three days by visiting here. Hopefully, you can go to Mangrove Forest within a tight budget. If you want to travel to Mangrove (Bangladesh) with safety and want to enjoy the place with more joy, Travel Mate can help you with arranging the tour. Contact us for further details. Above all, you may add any missing information from the comment section. Happy Traveling. ♥

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