VEGETATION ECOLOGY OF COASTAL SAND DUNES ALONG THE CHENNAI COAST INDIA: Floristic Diversity, Phytosociology, Restoration Ecology, and Conservation Management

Coastal sand dunes represent one of the most dynamic and ecologically significant landscapes along the world's shorelines. These fragile ecosystems function as natural barriers that supports unique plant and animal communities adapted to harsh environmental conditions. The Chennai coastline hosts diverse dune formations that play a crucial role in maintaining coastal stability, biodiversity, and groundwater recharge.This book presents a comprehensive ecological perspective and explores the formation, classification and ecological functions of dune systems. The work highlights the remarkable adaptations of dune vegetation, their role in sand stabilization and ecosystem resilience. Detailed field observations along chennai coast provide insights into the spatial distribution and ecological dynamics of dune flora and fauna along the Chennai coast. In addition to documenting the biodiversity of dune ecosystems, the book also examines the increasing threats posed by urbanization, tourism development, sand mining, pollution, and climate change. It emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable management and conservation strategies to protect these natural coastal defenses.