Scleractinian Corals of Loha Barrack Crocodile Sanctuary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Loha Barrack Crocodile Sanctuary is the only protected area out of 96 for conserving crocodiles in its natural habitat at the western side of South Andaman region of Andaman and Nicobar Islands which is surrounded by Bay of Bengal. More than 91% of the sanctuary is covered by marine ecosystem. A total of 146 species of scleractinian corals under 49 genera and 14 families were reported during the present study. The maximum number of 34 species was found under the family Fungiidae which is the nucleus of scleractinian corals reef ecosystem. On the basis of then present study, more conservatory measures can be drawn on scleractinian corals in this sanctuary along with the target animal i.e. crocodile.
