A beloved home to birds, these mangroves in Goa are slowly dying

Venita Gomes

GOA'S MANGROVES

Along the Panjim-Merces Highway in North Goa, one can see mangroves guarding the shore on one hand, while on the other, there are mangroves that are dying a slow death.

Mangroves|Goa |Dying| Mangroves are dying in Goa| ecosystem|Birds | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

MYSTERIOUS REASONS

The reasons for the death of these mangroves remains unknown. What is certain is that a large part of the mangroves are slowly dying.

Mangroves|Goa |Dying| Mangroves are dying in Goa| ecosystem|Birds | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

POPULAR HANGOUT

What's fascinating is that even though these mangroves are barely alive, they are visited by a number of birds every single day.

Mangroves|Goa |Dying| Mangroves are dying in Goa| ecosystem|Birds | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

A HOME FOR THE BIRDS

For several birds, this is home! That apart, you will see a variety of different birds hanging out in these mangroves in the evenings.

Mangroves|Goa |Dying| Mangroves are dying in Goa| ecosystem|Birds | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

BIRDS GALORE

The great cormorant, great egret and kite are just some of the avian species found here on a regular basis.

Mangroves|Goa |Dying| Mangroves are dying in Goa| ecosystem|Birds | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

A FOOD SOURCE

In addition to nesting, a great many birds descend on these mangroves in search of food.

Mangroves|Goa |Dying| Mangroves are dying in Goa| ecosystem|Birds | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

PROTECTING THE MANGROVES

Little effort has been made to save these mangroves in spite of the fact that they provide an excellent home to a variety of birds and animals, in addition to protecting Goa's shores from deadly tidal surges and cyclonic storms.

Mangroves|Goa |Dying| Mangroves are dying in Goa| ecosystem|Birds | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

Next: First, it was MOPA; now it's MOGA in Goa

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