Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Mahatama Gandhi Marine National Park UPSC (Wandoor National Park UPSC)

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India. It is situated in the Wandoor region. The park is also known as Wandoor National Park.

The national park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, both on land and underwater. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including mangroves, tropical rainforests, and numerous marine species. 

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park's coral reefs are particularly notable, with over 50 different types of coral found in the area. These reefs provide habitats for a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, dolphins, and various species of coral.

Table of Contents Location History Area River Tribe Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Location

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a national park located in the South Andaman administrative district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India. 

It is situated in the Wandoor region, approximately 29 kilometers from Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Nearest Airport:

Veer Savarkar International Airport is also known as Port Blair Airport. 

Nearest Railway Station:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands do not have a railway network that connects to the mainland of India. The islands are accessible primarily by air and sea. 

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park History

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park has a relatively short but significant history. Here is an overview of its establishment and development:

1. Marco Polo's Visit: It is believed that Marco Polo, the Italian explorer, visited the islands during the 13th century. While there is some historical evidence to suggest his presence in the region, the exact details of his visit and his activities on the islands remain uncertain.

2. British Penal Colony: In the late 18th century, the British established a penal colony on the Andaman Islands to house Indian freedom fighters and criminals. The infamous Cellular Jail in Port Blair was constructed during this period and served as a prison for political prisoners.

3. Indigenous Tribes: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Andamanis, Shompens, and Nicobarese. These tribes have a rich cultural heritage and unique ways of life. The protection of their rights and preservation of their cultural identity are important considerations in the region.

4. Establishment: The national park was established on 24th May 1983 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. It was named after Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of the Indian independence movement, to honor his contributions and philosophy of non-violence.

5. Tsunami and Closure: In 2004, the region was severely affected by a devastating tsunami triggered by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was temporarily closed to tourists due to the extensive damage caused by the tsunami. However, it has since reopened, and efforts have been made to restore and protect the park's natural resources.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Area

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park encompasses an area of approximately 281.5 square kilometers (108.7 square miles). This area includes both land and marine components within the park's boundaries.

The park is located in the Wandoor region of the South Andaman Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It consists of 15 islands, including popular tourist destinations like Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park River

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park does not have a river within its boundaries. The park is primarily focused on protecting the marine environment, including coral reefs, mangroves, and marine life, rather than inland freshwater ecosystems.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Tribe

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are home to various indigenous tribes. However, it's important to note that the national park itself does not have any specific tribes residing within its boundaries.

The indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands include the Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Andamanis, Shompens, and Nicobarese, among others. These tribes have unique cultures, languages, and ways of life, and they have inhabited the islands for thousands of years.

While some of these tribes may have ancestral connections to the areas near the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, their specific settlements or territories may lie outside the park boundaries. The protection of indigenous tribes and their cultural heritage is an important consideration throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including areas adjacent to the national park.

It's crucial to respect the rights, privacy, and cultural sensitivities of these indigenous tribes and to adhere to any restrictions or guidelines set forth by the local authorities when visiting or interacting with the communities in the region.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Flora

What is the flora of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora, encompassing various coastal and marine plant species. While the majority of the park's focus is on marine life and coral reefs, there are several types of flora that contribute to the overall ecosystem of the area. Here are some examples of flora found in the park:

(1) Coral Reef:

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, which are one of the main attractions of the park. The park is home to over 50 different types of coral species, including hard corals (scleractinians) and soft corals. These corals form intricate structures and provide habitats for a wide range of marine organisms.

Some common coral genera are:

• Stag Horn Coral
• Boulder Coral
• Knob Coral
• Mushroom Coral
• Brain Coral
• Star Coral

(2) Mangroves: 

Mangrove forests are an essential part of the coastal ecosystem in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. These salt-tolerant plants grow in the intertidal zones and provide important habitats for many species. Some common mangrove species found in the park include Rhizophora, Avicennia, and Sonneratia.

(3) Coastal Vegetation:

The coastal areas of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are adorned with a variety of plant species. These include beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae), beach heliotrope (Heliotropium foertherianum), sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum), and several types of grasses and shrubs.

(4) Tropical Rainforest Species:

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park's terrestrial areas may feature tropical rainforest vegetation in some regions. These forests support a range of tree species, including terminalia (Terminalia bellirica), andaman padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides), dipterocarpus (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus), and various species of palms, ferns, and orchids.

(5) Seagrasses:

Seagrass beds are vital habitats in the marine environment, providing food and shelter for many species. These submerged plants, such as Halophila and Thalassia, can be found in the shallow coastal waters of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Fauna (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Animals)

Which animal is found in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?/Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is famous for which animal?

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, both within its marine environment and on the surrounding islands. Here are some notable examples of fauna found in the park:

Mammals:

• Andaman Wild Pig
• Spotted Deer
• Civet
• Fruit Bat
• Dolphins

Birds:

• Andaman Teal
• Whistling Teal
• White-Bellied Sea Eagle
• Andaman Serpeant Eagle
• Parakeets
• Reef Herons

Reptiles:

• Water Monitor Lizard
• Banded Sea Snake
• Karit
• King Cobra
• Vinake Snake
• Pit Vipers
• Salt Water Crocodile

Turtles:

• Green Sea Turtle
• Leatherback Turtle
• Hawks Bill Turtle
• Olive Ridley Turtle

Coral Reef Fish:

• Clown Fish
• Cleaning Wrasse
• Butterfly Fish
• Shark
• Sting Rays
• Manta Rays
• Grouper
• Batfish
• Blue-fin Jack

Other Marine Animals:

• Jelly Fish
• Sea anemone
• Star Fish
• Sea lilly
• Sea Pens
• Sea Fans 
• Feather Star
• Giant Clams
• Octopus

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park located/situated?/Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park is situated in which state?

A. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a national park located in the South Andaman administrative district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India. 

Q. How many islands are falling under Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?

A. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park encompasses a total of 15 islands within its boundaries. These islands offer a diverse range of landscapes, including sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. Some of the notable islands within the national park include Jolly Buoy Island, Red Skin Island, Boat Island, Tarmugli Island, and Malay Island, among others. Each island offers its own unique features and attractions for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Q. What is special about Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park?

A. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is special for several reasons:

• Biodiversity
• Conservation Efforts
• Accessibility
• Cultural Heritage
• Scenic Beauty
• Educational Value