ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 4(12), 166-169 166 Journal Homepage: - www.journalijar.com Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/2377 DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/2377 RESEARCH ARTICLE SURVEY OF MANGROVES AND THEIR ASSOCIATES IN KEEZHAKARAI GROUP OF ISLANDS, GULF OF MANNAR BIOSPHERE RESERVE. S. Arunprabu, P. Dinesh and T. Ramanathan*. Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai - 608502, Tamil Nadu, India. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Manuscript Info Abstract ……………………. ……………………………………………………………… Manuscript History Received: 19 October 2016 Final Accepted: 20 November 2016 Published: December 2016 Key words:- Mangroves, Keezhakarai, Pemphis acidula, Deforestation. Mangroves are among the most productive coastal ecosystems in the world. The Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve is unique to have very rare mangrove species. It consists of 4 group of Islands are Mandapam group Islands, Keezhakarai group of Islands, Vembar group of Islands and Tuticorin group of Islands. The present survey was conducted only in the Keezhakarai group of island. Totally 18 species were recorded in the study period including 4 mangroves and 14 mangrove associated plants. In Mangroves Endemic species Pemphis acidula was most dominant plant for all the stations. Six associates Pongamia pinnata, Suaeda maritima, Suaeda monoica, Thespesia populnea, Ipomoea pes-caprae and Sesuvium portulacastrum were observed as dominant species. The information generated from this study will serve as a baseline to develop adaptive management strategies in anticipation of sea-level rise, set conservation priorities, monitor deforestation and forest degradation, improve terrestrial carbon accounting and quantify the role of mangrove forests in saving lives and property from natural disasters such as tsunamis. Copy Right, IJAR, 2016,. All rights reserved. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Introduction:- Mangroves are among the most productive coastal ecosystems in the world. They are confined to the tropics and subtropics, which dominate approximately 75% of the world’s coastline between 25° N and 25° S and are estimated to cover an area of 1.7 to 2.0× 10 5 km 2 (Borges et al., 2003). Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats. Mangroves are a taxonomically diverse group of salt-tolerant, mainly arboreal, flowering plants (Ellison and Stoddart, 1991). They fall into two groups according to their habitats in nature: true mangroves and mangrove associates. True mangroves refer to species that specifically grow in intertidal zones, while mangrove associates are capable of occurring in either littoral or terrestrial habitats. Mangrove formations depend on terrestrial and tidal waters for their nourishment and silt deposits from upland erosion as substrate for support (Kathiresan, 2003). Substances in mangroves have long been used in folk medicine to treat diseases (Bandaranayake, 1998). Mangrove habitats of India have been facing tremendous threats due to indiscriminate exploitation of mangrove resources for multiple uses like fodder, fuel wood, timber for building material, alcohol, paper, charcoal and medicine (Upadhyay et al., 2002). Corresponding Author:- T. Ramanathan. Address:- Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai - 608502, Tamil Nadu, India.