Discover the Beauty of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary: A Mangrove Forest Haven [2023]

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Kakinada in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India. Covering an area of about 235.70 sq km, it was established in July 1978 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Hereby, the UCN Team offers a comprehensive analysis, giving you key information and insights about Coringa Wildlfie Sanctuary.

The main purpose of creating this sanctuary was to conserve the mangrove ecosystem in the Godavari estuary as well as to provide protection to endangered species like saltwater crocodiles, olive ridley turtles and smooth-coated otters, The mangrove forests in Coringa play a vital role in coastal conservation while also supporting rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Over 120 species of resident and migratory birds are dependent on this region for nesting and breeding. Thus, the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a critical protected area along the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Geography

The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located between Lat. 16°30’ and 17° 00’ N and Long. 82° 14’ and 82° 23’ E in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.

It is bordered by the Kakinada Bay to the north. The region receives freshwater from the Coringa and Gaderu rivers, which are distributories of the Gautami Godavari river. There are numerous creeks and canals that traverse through the mangrove ecosystem.

The topography consists of a low-lying coastal plain with areas of mudflats, sandy beaches and islands like the Hope Island. The geomorphology shows land features such as mangrove swamps, sandy islands, point bars, and floodplains. Overall, the region has a relatively flat terrain with a few sandy elevated areas.

Major Habitats

Mangroves form the major habitat type in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. There are 15 mangrove species recorded from this region, with Avicennia marina, A. officinalis, Excoecaria agallocha, Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia apetala being the dominant ones.

Mangroves serve several important ecological functions like protecting the coastline from erosion, providing breeding grounds for aquatic life, supporting rich biodiversity, etc. They stabilize sediments and serve as nurseries for commercially important fishery resources.

The sandy spit and Hope Island provide critical nesting grounds for olive ridley turtles that migrate to this region.

Climate

The Coringa region has an annual temperature range of 24.8°C to 32.6°C. It receives high rainfall, with annual figures reaching 871mm to 1627mm. The mean wind speed is around 2.1 to 2.3 m/sec.

The high temperatures, rainfall and moderate winds provide optimal climatic conditions for the growth and proliferation of mangroves in this area. The mangroves remain healthy and productive due to these prevailing climate patterns.

Biodiversity

Mangroves

There are 15 mangrove species recorded from Coringa region. The species composition shows dominance of Avicennia marina, A. officinalis, Excoecaria agallocha, Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia apetala.

The tree density ranges from 81-706 trees per 0.1 ha. It is higher in the Coringa and Gaderu regions. Avicennia marina is distributed throughout the mangroves due to its wide salinity tolerance, while Excoecaria agallocha dominates the landward area.

Flora

The mangrove forests of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary comprise a rich assemblage of floral species. As per records, there are over 24 mangrove tree varieties belonging to genera like Rhizophora, Avicennia and Sonneratia. Some common examples include Rhizophora spp, Avicennia spp, and Sonneratia spp, which have adaptations like salt-secreting glands, breathing roots and specialized leaf structures to thrive in saline intertidal zones. Beyond mangroves, the sanctuary also harbors other halophytic plants in its wetland areas.

Fauna

The faunal diversity of Coringa is equally impressive, providing a haven for many rare and endangered species. Mammal species found here include smooth-coated otters, jackals, fishing cats and others. Over 120 bird varieties comprising painted storks, egrets, ibis have been recorded from the sanctuary, which serve as feeding and breeding grounds for resident and migratory avifauna. Olive ridley turtles also nest along the Coringa coasts. The mangrove creeks also form a rich nursery habitat for numerous marine organisms like crabs, prawns and fishes.

Fishery Resources

The prominent finfish species landed along the Kakinada coast include clupeids, sciaenids, nemipterids, etc. Metapenaeus dobsoni, M. monoceros and Penaeus monodon dominate the shrimp landings.

Around 3000 mechanized crafts and 6950 traditional crafts are engaged in fishing in the East Godavari District. Trawlers, gill nets, shore seines and cast nets are the popular fishing gears employed.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Map

Causes of Mangrove Degradation

Deforestation to collect firewood and timber has caused degradation of mangroves near the 16 adjoining villages.

Over-exploitation of molluscs for lime production impacts nearly 3600 tonnes annually. Collection of tiger shrimp seeds also causes ecological imbalance.

Cattle grazing and industrial effluents negatively impact water quality and mangrove health.

Nearly 639 ha of mangroves have been converted into aquaculture ponds. Cyclones and floods also degrade mangroves.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Map

Conservation Suggestions

The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department is carrying out mangrove afforestation over 150 ha. They are also creating awareness among locals to reduce anthropogenic pressures.

Turtle nesting sites need identification and protection by regulating fishing in such areas.

Detailed hydrodynamic studies would help in planning freshwater inflow, seedling dispersal and overall mangrove management.

Community participation in conservation efforts is vital for the protection of this critical coastal ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

In the UCN team’s collective understanding, the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a valued protected area sheltering the second largest mangrove formation in India. These unique intertidal forests stabilize the Andhra Pradesh coastline, nurture rich biodiversity and provide socio-economic benefits to local communities. However, unchecked development, resource overuse and climate threats are degrading the sensitive mangrove ecosystems in Coringa region – calling for prudent habitat restoration and conservation measures.

A mix of community awareness, governmental support for afforestation drives and detailed scientific studies can help protect the mangroves and propagate its vital ecosystem services for posterity. The sustainable management of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary has profound implications, not just for human populations along the coast but also for the many flora and fauna that thrive in this natural refuge where the land meets the sea.

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