Avian Diversity of Girye and Mithbav Mangrove Ecosystem of Devgad

Mangroves are woody plants growing at the interface between land and sea. These plants and the associate microbes, fungi, plants and animals constitutes the mangrove forest community. The mangal and its associated abiotic factors constitute mangrove ecosystem. It also acts as a buffer zone between land and shallow sea. So they serve as prime breeding and nursery grounds for many animal species especially prawns, shrimps and fishes. Mangroves provide a very rich habitat for a wild variety of animal life. It is not merely on the surface but both above as well as below water surfaces. In the same sequence mangroves provide a very rich habitat for large number of species of land and shore birds and waterfowls. They are also a home to number of threatened species like Eurasian Spoonbills. The birds in the mangroves may be permanent residents of the place. They forage and also nest in the mangroves. Some species may be just temporary visitors. Branches of the mangrove trees serve as roosts and rookeries for coastal and wading birds. They are particularly important as resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds.