Chapter 4: A BIOLOGICAL PARADISE

Introduction

•    836 islands, islets, and rocky outcrops make up the 800 km long Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Approximately 100 million years ago, during the Upper Mesozoic Period, geological upheaval caused these Islands to become isolated from the Asian landmass.
•    These islands' chains, which span an area of 8,249 km2, are actually the camelbacks of underwater mountain ranges that extend north to south between 6° 45° and 13° 30° N latitudes and 90° 20' and 93° 56° E longitudes.
•    The ten-degree channel divides the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mount Thullier on Great Nicobar Island and Saddle Peak in North Andaman have the greatest elevations.

A&N Island's Representative Fauna

•    Conch Crab The largest terrestrial arthropod in the world, the coconut crab is linked to hermit crabs and lobsters.
•    Long-tailed Macaque: Found on Great, Katchal, and Little Nicobar Islands in the Nicobar Islands. Coastal forests and mangroves are their favoured habitats. According to Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the long-tailed Macaque is an endangered primate in India.
•    There are nine species of Indian hornbills, four of which are native to India, and one of which is found on Narcondam Island. The Narcondam Hornbill is one of these nine species. This species is thought to be in danger.
•    Nicobar Megapode: The Megapodiidae family of megapodes includes the Nicobar Megapode. These species have a vulnerable status according to the IUCN. Only in the Nicobar Islands you  can find this species.

Efforts at Conservation

•    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are in the equatorial zone, feature a rich variety of vegetation and animals. 87 percent of the land has been designated as a protected area to preserve the environment.
•    There are 105 protected places, including 9 National Parks and 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries.
•    In addition, the Great Nicobar has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve to save the indigenous wildlife on these islands.