Introduction
The mangrove derive their name from the word "Mangal"(Portuguese word for mangroves, "Mangue" ). Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Krishna river-estuarine forest area of Bay of Bengal in Krishna and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh. The Northern part of the Sanctuary is covered by back waters of Bay of Bengal. They provide appropriate ecosystem and refuge for fish, marine invertebrate, and birds.
Uniqueness
This mangrove forest is not only a highly sensitive and productive zone but is also a nursery ground for shrimp, shell and fin fish. It is a breeding ground for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.
Indicator Species
Fishing cat, Olive ridley turtles, Fiddler crab, Mud skipper (Fish), Telescopium shells, Black capped King fisher, Solomon arab butterfly; etc.
Legal Status
26-06-1989
Forest Type
Mangrove forests or Tidal forests.
Temperature
The climate is generally hot and dry with maximum temperatures rising up to 45° C during May and drops down to 18° C in December.
Flora
There are about 19 species of plants found in this Sanctuary. Presence of all the three species of Avicennia i.e. Avicennia alba, Avicennia officinalis and Avicennia marina is a unique feature here. Plants like Rhizophora spp, Excoecaria agallocaha, etc; represent the other characteristic Mangrove flora.
Fauna
Mangrove ecosystems harbor specialized fauna. Invertebrate life is wide-ranging from molluscs, gastropods, prawns, crabs and insects. The Piscean fauna is amazing with representation of over 40 species of fishes. Herp's like Olive-ridley turtle, salt water crocodile, spectacled cobra, etc; characterize the reptilian fauna. Apart from black capped kingfisher - an indicator species, the vibrant bird life is epitomized by feathered bipeds like Brahminy kite, Flamingoes, Open billed stork, Brown headed gull, Cattle egret, Reef heron, etc. Mammalian fauna is represented by Fishing cat, Smooth scaled otters, Dolphins, Wolf, Ferral cattle (semi wild cattle), etc.