Preliminary Monitoring of Mangrove Ecorestoration: A Case Study in the Sree Narayanapuram Grama Panchayath, Kerala

Abstract

The study focused on preliminary monitoring, primarily summer or pre-monsoon monitoring, and estimated survival and mortality rates using conventional techniques. The study was undertaken at the Sree Narayana Puram Grama Panchayath mangrove ecorestoration site along the Kodungallur Backwaters Canoli canal in Kerala. The study discovered 35 mangrove companion species from five sites. Mangrove allies Acrostichum aureum, Derris trifoliata, and Fimbristylis dichotoma are abundant. The survey found 298 seedlings of Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, and Avicennia officinalis mangroves. Pioneer species like Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, and Bruguiera cylindrica had the highest survival rates among planted saplings at the ecorestoration site, while climax species like Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata had the lowest. The threat factor score was significantly associated with sapling survival at the locations. Aqua farming plots treated with pesticides died readily. The study's success rate implies promising possibilities for the location and plan due to community and scientific foundation care and monitoring. The project established a baseline for the mangrove restoration site and provided summer or pre-monsoon data for future monitoring.