Journal of Coastal Zone Management

Abstract

Status of Mangroves in Sri Lanka

K. M. B. C. Karunathilake

In Sri Lanka many estuaries and lagoons are fringed with vastly diverse mangrove forests. The total
mangrove cover is very small as 0.1 to 0.2 percent of the total land area. The distribution of fauna and
flora varies along with wet and dry zone in the country. Around 25 species of flora are exclusive to
mangroves and more than 25 species can be identified as associated mangroves. Variety of
invertebrates and vertebrates are conspicuous in the mangrove forests, but only a few species are
confined to the ecosystem. Heavy utilization and reforestation for shrimp farms and building
construction work severely affect on this ecosystem. When compare to decline rate of mangrove forests
in Sri Lanka, current implemented conservation measures are inadequate.