Campbell Bay National Park UPSC

Campbell Bay National Park is a national park located in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It is situated on the Great Nicobar Island, which is the southernmost and largest island in the Nicobar Islands. The national park is named after the nearby Campbell Bay.

The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endemic and rare species. It is inhabited by indigenous communities, including the Shompen tribe, who have a deep connection with the land.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Tribe
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Campbell Bay National Park Location

Campbell Bay National Park is located on the Great Nicobar Island, which is part of the Nicobar Islands in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The national park is situated in the southernmost part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, near the Campbell Bay.

The Great Nicobar Island is located in the eastern Indian Ocean, between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It is known for its remote and pristine nature, rich biodiversity, and unique ecosystems. Access to Campbell Bay National Park may require permits and permissions from the appropriate authorities.

Nearest Airport:

Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair.

Nearest Railway Station:

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 1623 km away.

Campbell Bay National Park History

Campbell Bay National Park has a significant history that is intertwined with the exploration and development of the Nicobar Islands. Here are some key points regarding the history of Campbell Bay National Park:

1. Precolonial Era: The Nicobar Islands, including the area where Campbell Bay National Park is located, were inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Shompen people. These tribes have a long history of living in harmony with the natural environment and have their own cultural practices and traditions.

2. British Colonization: The Nicobar Islands came under British colonial rule in the 19th century. The British administration had an interest in the islands for their strategic location and resources.

3. Establishment of National Park: Recognizing the unique biodiversity and ecological importance of the Nicobar Islands, efforts were made to protect and conserve the natural heritage of the region. In 1992, Campbell Bay National Park was established as part of these conservation efforts.

4. Formation of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve: In 2013, The area encompassing Campbell Bay National Park was designated as part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which is a recognized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The biosphere reserve aims to conserve the diverse ecosystems of the Nicobar Islands, including the national park.

Campbell Bay National Park Area

Campbell Bay National Park is spread over an area of approximately 426 square kilometers (164 square miles). The national park area encompasses diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves, and coastal areas.

Campbell Bay National park area is a part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. The park is separated from the Galathea National Park by a 12-km wide forest buffer zone.

Campbell Bay National Park Tribe

Campbell Bay National Park is home to the indigenous Shompen tribe, also known as the Shom Pen. The Shompen are one of the native tribes of the Nicobar Islands, including the Great Nicobar Island where the national park is located.

The Shompen people have a distinct cultural identity and have lived in the region for generations. They have a deep connection to the land and have traditionally practiced a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, relying on the rich natural resources of the forest and coastal areas.

Campbell Bay National Park Flora

What is the flora of Campbell Bay National Park?

Campbell Bay National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora, which includes a wide range of plant species that thrive in the park's varied ecosystems. Here are some examples of flora found in Campbell Bay National Park:

(1) Moist Broadleaf Forests:

The Campbell Bay National Park is dominated by moist broadleaf forests, which are characterized by a dense canopy and abundant plant life. These forests consist of a variety of tree species, including Dillenia andamanica, Hopea parviflora, Palaquium formosanum, and Calophyllum inophyllum.

(2) Canopy Trees:

Campbell Bay National Park is home to towering canopy trees that provide shade and shelter for a diverse array of flora and fauna. Some notable canopy tree species include Mesua ferrea (Ceylon ironwood), Terminalia bialata (Indian almond), and Dipterocarpus grandiflorus (Gurjan).

(3) Mangroves:

The Campbell Bay National Park also features mangrove forests, which are specialized ecosystems found in coastal areas. Mangrove species like Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Sonneratia alba can be found along the park's coastlines, offering vital habitat for various organisms.

(4) Medicinal Plants:

Within Campbell Bay National Park, there are also numerous medicinal plant species with traditional uses. Plants like Diospyros kurzii (Ebony), Aegiceras corniculatum (River poison tree), and Calamus palustris (Rattan palm) have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine.

(5) Orchids:

Orchids are a notable component of the park's flora. Several species of orchids can be found, including the endemic species like bravura, Coelogyne nitida and Eria nicobarica. These beautiful and delicate flowers add to the park's aesthetic appeal.

(6) Epiphytes:

Campbell Bay National Park is known for its abundance of epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants. Orchids, ferns, mosses, and bromeliads are commonly found as epiphytes, taking advantage of the moist and humid conditions in the park's forests.

Campbell Bay National Park Fauna (Campbell Bay National Park Animals)

Campbell Bay National Park is famous for which animal?

Campbell Bay National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life. The park's rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife.

Here are some examples of the fauna found in Campbell Bay National Park:

Mammals:

Crab-eating Macaque
Nicobar Tree Shrews
Andaman Wild Pig
Palm Civet
Bat

Birds:

Nicobar Megapode
Nicobar Pigeon
Nicobar Serpent Eagle
White-bellied Sea Eagle

Reptiles:

Reticulated Pythons
Sal Water Crocodiles

Turtle:

Hawksbill Turtle
Olive Ridley Turtle
Leatherback Turtle
Malayan Box Turtle
Giant Leatherback Turtle