Studies on the Impact of Climate Changes on Biodiversity of a Mangrove Forest:Case Syudy of Sunderban Delta, West Bengal

Abstract

Sundarban is the largest chunk of mangrove forest and only tiger inhabiting mangrove land in the world. It is one of the most beautiful biospheres in the world, which happen to safeguard one of the most densely populated areas of the country from several catastrophes. This mangrove ecosystem of Indian subcontinent is well known not only for the aerial extent, but also for the species diversity. The biodiversity of Sundarban includes numerous species of phytoplankton, zooplankton, micro-organisms, invertebrates and vertebrates. But the biodiversity scenario has changed during past few decades. As for residents of Sundarban, climate change is becoming a part of their survival battle. Recorded data shows that a huge number of flora and fauna were eliminated due to the consequences of climate change during the last century. Climate change components that affect mangroves and its inhabitants include changes in sea-level, high water events, storminess, precipitation, temperature, atmospheric CO2 concentration and ocean circulation patterns. This study was conducted to identify the threats on the diversity and its effect on the socio-economic condition of the local community.