Flora and Fauna
The true mangrove and mangrove associate species that exist in the sanctuary are Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Acanthus ilicifolius and Acrostichum aureum — the species of conservation importance. Of the recorded species Acanthus ilicifolius is considered to be Endangered and Rhizophora mucranata as Vulnerable according to IUCN.
In a recent study revealed six species of mammals Indian flying-fox, painted bat, three-striped palm squirrel/dusky palm squirrel, house rat/black rat, bandicota, and Eurasian otter. Two species of amphibians Limnonectes limnocharis and Duttaphrynus melanostictus, and seven species of fishes Anabas testudineus, Striped panchax, Orange chromide, Etroplus suratensis, Malabar swamp eel, Blackline rasbora and Sarotherodon mossambica were found.
Mangalavanam is primarily a bird refuge. A bird survey conducted in May 2006 found that there were 194 birds belonging to 32 species. The total number of bird species recorded so far from the area is 72.
During a study conducted in 2006, 17 species of butterflies were recorded in this area. 51 species of spiders belonging to 40 Genus and 16 families were recorded here. This represented 27% of the total families reported from India.
Read more about this topic: Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
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