1 - Cochin University of Science and Technology

species of Cymodaceae and Syringodium. Seagrasses were found along
with seaweed species such as Gracilaria, Halimida, Pedina, Caulerpa,
Acanthophora etc. Mangrove region of Minicoy is limited to two patches
of about 1 ha each. In many coral Islands and atolls, there are only few
mangrove species, which are generally stunted and confined to small inland
mangrove depression. The Mangroves noticed in Minicoy Island of
Lakshadweep are in the formative stage and free from serious human
pressure. The area is flushed daily by the tide and the depth of water is
about 0.5 m. Mangrove associated flora involves Avicinnia marina,
Cereops tagal, Pemphis acidula and Bruguiera spp. Mangrove fauna of
this region includes the Mangrove whelk Terebralia Palustris, Fiddler
crabs Uca spp., etc.
2. 2. Period of stll dy
The study was conducted from September 1999 to August 2001.
The Islands of Lakshadweep group have a tropical climate and based on
the weather, the year may be divided in to three seasons, pre-monsoon
(February-May), monsoon (June-September) and post-monsoon (October­
January).
2. 3. Sampling sites and frequency of sampling
A reconnaissance fortnightly survey was made in August 1999, to
identify the sampling sites and to determine sampling frequency based on
accessibility for collection, bio-diversity exhibited, type of substratum,
topography of land, variations in the number and biomass of fauna etc. Six
stations were selected for sampling based on this pilot survey. Of the
selected six stations, four were located in the intertidal zone (occupied by
seagrasses) and two in the mangrove swamp (Fig. 2.1). Monthly triplicate
13