 | Marine Faunal Diversity in India More than 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water, making it an ideal and abundant resource for studying species diversity, faunal communities, and ecosystems. India's massive coastline (5,044 miles) means it plays a major role in housing these faunal communities. Of the 32 animal phyla, 15 are represented in India's marine ecosystem, covering more than 15,000 species. Marine and coastal ecosystems of India provide supporting services in the form of wide range of habitats. Major ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, lagoons, seaweeds and sea grasses serve as nurseries for both inshore and offshore fishes and others, many of which are supposed to be commercially exploited. Marine Faunal Diversity in India describes different marine faunal group ranges from sponges, corals, mollusks, crabs, fishes, reptiles, birds, marine mammals, mangrove fauna and tsunami impact on marine faunal diversity. The chapters, written by reputed experts in their respective fields, illustrate diversity and distribution of marine faunal communities. Key aspects of the ecology and conservation of this important ecosystem are also discussed. Marine Faunal Diversity in India provides marine biologists and related researchers with access to the latest research and field studies from this major region. Dr. Sivaperuman, M.Sc., D.B.T., Ph.D., works as Scientist-C in the Zoological Survey of India. He received his Master's Degree in Wildlife Biology from Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, and holds his doctorate in Ecology of Wetland Birds in the Vembanad-Kole Ramsar Site from (Kerala Forest Research Institute, Kerala), Forest Research Institute, Deemed University, Dehra Dun. He has worked in various areas of the country in a range of different ecosystems, including Kerala, Rajasthan, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He has published more than 140 research papers in national and international journals and newsletters. He has also participated and presented research papers in 30 national and international seminars and symposia. |
