Abstract

• Mangrove refers to a particular group of tree species which thrive on the tidal estuarine delta and along the muddy riverine area and are resistant to salinity. This paper presents the geographical analysis on the mangrove environment, particularly on the distribution of mangrove species along the coastal area of Taunggoke Township. Although the mangrove forests can be found together in classified zone as same mangrove species group, in Taunggoke Township, the same mangrove species are not found in groups in specific places, but all the species are mixed up elsewhere. However, some species are more dominant among others in some places. For instance, Rhizophora species, particularly byu-chehtaukama (Rhizophora mucronata) are more common along the Kayaing River bank facing the Bay of Bengal. Many mangrove species thrive within the Taunggoke mangrove area, but 30 species are more common including 17 true mangrove species and 13 associated mangrove species. As population has been increasing during the study period, human pressure can cause mangrove degradation. GIS and Remote Sensing techniques are used for land cover changes mangrove degradation caused by agriculture and shrimp ponds in the mangrove area of Taunggoke Township in 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020.