Mangroves in India.

Mangroves are distinctive coastal ecosystems located in tropical and subtropical areas. These dense forests consist of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that flourish in intertidal zones where the land intersects with the sea.

These ecosystems are notable for their resilience to harsh conditions, including saline water, tidal variations, and muddy, oxygen-deficient soils.

Mangroves, also known as halophytes, are salt-tolerant trees adapted to withstand harsh coastal conditions.

The Indian State Forest Report 2021 states that India has 4,992 square kilometers of mangrove cover, accounting for 0.15% of the nation's total geographical area.

The Sundarbans in West Bengal stand as the world's largest mangrove forest, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while significant mangrove cover also thrives in Andaman, Gujarat's Kachchh, and Jamnagar regions.