Pattern and process in mangrove forests of the Andaman Islands

Abatract The structural and functional aspects of mangrove forests of the Andaman Islands were described. The mangrove forests of Andaman are highly diversified and rich in species composition. Twenty-six species were collected, Rhizophora lamarckii and R. stylosa were reported for the first time from these islands. The mangroves of Andaman are very productive in comparison to other forest types. Maximum production of biomass was found in the undisturbed Oralkatcha forest. Maximum litter fall was also found at Oralkatcha.