Kannur holds Kerala's largest mangrove expanse, spanning over 7.55 square kilometers

Background

The Kerala Forest Department says Kerala holds the distinction of having the most diverse mangrove growth in India.
Spanning over 7.55 square kilometers, Kannur district possesses the state's largest mangrove expanse.
The total area of Kerala's mangrove forests is estimated to be less than 50 square kilometers.
All districts in Kerala except Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Palakkad and Wayanad have some mangrove cover.
Locally called "Kandal", these forests are primarily located in the upper regions of estuaries, lagoons, backwaters and creeks.
Common species include Acanthus illicifolius, Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia caseolaris, while Calamus rotang and Syzygium travancoricum face the threat of extinction.
Dense mangrove roots stabilise the coastline, act as barriers against cyclones and tsunamis and filter seawater intrusion.