Mangrove history since 1,500 years B.P. at Dangmal, Baitarni-Brahmani Delta, Orissa, India

Abstract

The paper embodies the results of fine resolution palynostratigraphy of a sediment profile dated 1,500 years B.P. from Dangmal, an area within Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary in Cuttack District, Orissa. It is second largest mangrove swamp in India covering an area of 142 sq. km with thickets of mangrove forest. Bhitarkanika is famous for beautiful repository of mangrove constituents wherein 61 species out of the total 67 Indian species exist signifying the mangrove diversity. The bottom samples of profile exhibited rich occurrence of palynodebris such as pollen, spores, diatoms, dinoflagellate cysts, microforaminifera, Pseudoschizaea, etc. The core mangrove taxa encountered are Rhizophora, Heritiera, Sonneratia, Avicennia, Excoecaria, Aegialitis, etc. indicating conducive environment for growth and development of mangroves. However, the frequency of both core and peripheral mangroves declined in the middle and further reduced in the upper part of the profile. It has been found that there was comparatively low degree of mangal exploitation at Dangmal as compared to other investigated areas of Mahanadi Delta, Orissa.