Mangrove Extinction : Anthropocene Impacts, Ecological Risks and Conservation Strategies

Abstract

Mangroves are one of the world's most fertile and ecologically significant ecosystems, supplying essential ecosystem services, products and supporting threatened/endangered species. Mangrove ecosystem degradation has become a matter of concern across the world. The present paper focuses on the importance of mangrove coastal biodiversity with respect to ecological and medicinal values. Severe anthropogenic impacts associated with organic matter, contaminants (pesticides and heavy metals), sediment specificity, redox properties, flora, and fauna (micro and macro) are highlighted in this paper. Knowledge about conservation as well as rehabilitation methods have been summarized with management approaches.