L. Hithadhoo mangrove (kulhi) is a saltwater mangrove located on the southwest of Hithadhoo, and is connected to the sea. Since it is connected to the sea, it plays the role of a ‘nursery’ for reef creatures as well. The plants growing in the mangrove and wetlands area recorded include Red Mangrove/ Rhizophora mucronate (ran’doo), Yellow Mangrove /Ceriops tagal (karamana) and Black Mangrove/ Lumnitzera racemose (burevi). Apart from this, the mangrove and wetlands area are known to clean the freshwater lens of the island and protect the island from soil erosion. It also plays an essential role in preventing the island from flooding. Moreover, it is also acts as a powerful “carbon sink” which lessens the effects of global warming by storing carbon dioxide.