Pichavaram Mangrove Forest — Environment & Biodiversity

UPSC Notes

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is located in Tamil Nadu, near Chidambaram. It is one of India's important mangrove ecosystems and consists of a network of waterways and mangrove-covered islands.

Mangroves are salt-tolerant ecosystems occurring primarily along tropical and subtropical coasts.

Key Pointers

  • Category: Environment & Biodiversity
  • Location: Tamil Nadu
  • Located near Chidambaram.
  • Important mangrove species include Avicennia and Rhizophora.
  • Mangroves protect coastlines from:
    • Storm surges
    • Coastal erosion
    • Cyclones
  • Important carbon sinks.
  • Provide nursery grounds for fish and other aquatic organisms.
  • Mangroves tolerate saline conditions through specialised adaptations.

Prelims Focus: Mangrove → saline coastal ecosystem → blue carbon → coastal protection.