Floristic diversity and ecological assessment of wetlands in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu

This study presents a comprehensive floristic survey of the wetland ecosystems in Cuddalore District, located along the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India. The region is characterised by a variety of geomorphological features, including estuaries, coastal dunes, rivers, and backwaters, which support numerous wetland habitats such as mangroves, lakes, ponds, paddy fields, and dune slacks. A total of 256 plant taxa were recorded, belonging to 165 genera and 69 families, highlighting the area's species diversity and ecological complexity. The vegetation consists of 114 monocot species, 78 aquatic species, 26 mangrove and mangrove-associated species, and 8 pteridophytes. The most dominant families in the region are Poaceae and Cyperaceae. Importantly, five species endemic to the area emphasise the significance of this region for conservation efforts. The vegetation was classified into morpho-ecological groups and plant functional types. Several species play a vital role in the local economy by providing food, medicine, fodder, fuel, and resources for traditional practices. However, the area faces significant human pressures, including habitat destruction, pollution, over-exploitation, and the invasion of alien species. These factors pose a threat to the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the wetlands, endangering both the region's biodiversity and its ecosystem functions. This situation underscores the urgent need for conservation measures and sustainable wetland management. This research provides essential baseline data for future socio-ecological studies, biodiversity monitoring, and wetland restoration efforts in Cuddalore District.