The 60 sq km of mangroves in Mumbai alone is known to attract nearly 206 species of birds, 35-40 reptiles, 16 crabs, at least three types of prawns and several fish species, according mangrove conservationist Vivek Kulkarni. "At one time, seven species of prawns were found here but four seem to have become extinct in this particular habitat," he says. These transition forests also serve as a habitat for mammals, including jackals, mongoose, wild boars, ferral boars (a hybrid) and panthers in some regions.

Birds: "In just a half-an-hour walk through the mangroves, your are bound to spot at least 10 species of birds of varied colours, sizes and speices," says Rishi Agarwal of the Versova-Lokhandwala Mangrove Forum. At Lokhandwala, the most common birds are pond herons, barhead geese, median egrets, storks, sand pipers, curlews, terens and sometimes even preying birds like sea eagles and kites. Thane and Navi Mumbai attract birds like black cap Kingfisher and the white-eared Bul Bul, and fishing birds like the Osprey. The marsh harrier, a scavenging as well as preying bird often visits the mangroves. Agarwal says, "For fishing birds, this habitat offers an easy source of food. Early morning, before sunrise, is the best time for bird watching- this is when they are most active."

Insects: Though insect life in mangroves has not been adequately researched in India, a number of butterflies and moths are commonly found in the ecosystem. Among those documented are the tiny cream-coloured butterfly Salmon Arab and the timber moth Hybloea puera, which in 1998 was held responsible for destruction of several mangrove stretches in the city. "They devour certain plants but that seldom causes permanent harm to the ecosystem," reassures Kulkarni.

Fish: For several saltwater fish, the mangroves are nature's nursery. Here they find quiet, uninterrupted space to breed. Nearly 105 species of fish are recorded to dwell in the mangroves of India. Common ones are scats, milk fish, mullets, cat fish and perches.

A peculiar amphibian common in Mumbai's mangroves is the mudskippers or lung fish. An amazing example of evolution, this part marine-part land creature has developed lungs to breath and limbs to hop on shore. Underwater, it's an average fish breathing through its fins and swimming adeptly.

Crustacean: While the well-known Tiger prawns don't inhabit the mangroves of the city any more, thanks to excessive pollution and fishing, the commonly found crustacean are the mangrove crab (mud crab), the large edible swimming crab often regarded as pests due to their habit of cutting the stems of young plant shoots. The most commonly seen crustaceans in mangroves are the fiddler crab and the telescope shells.

Source:  Express India