National Parks in Andaman and Nicobar

National Parks in Andaman and Nicobar UPSC

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory of India located in the Bay of Bengal. While the region is known for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. 

Table of Contents National Parks in Andaman and Nicobar Saddle Peak National Park Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Mount Harriet National Park Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Campbell Bay National Park Galathea National Park

(1) Saddle Peak National Park

• It is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India. 
• It is situated on surrounding areas of Saddle Peak (732 meters).
• It was established in 1979.
• It covers an area of approximately 85 square kilometers.
• Flora: Moist Tropical Vegetation, Deciduous Evergreen Forests.
• Fauna: Andaman Wild Pig, Andaman Horseshoe Bat, Andaman Teal, Brown Coucal, Saltwater Crocodile, Andaman Water Monitor Lizard etc.

Read More- Saddle Peak National Park

(2) Rani Jhansi Marine National Park

• It is located in the South Andaman district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
• It is situated in the Ritchie's Archipelago.
• It was established in 1996.
• It cover an area of approximately 256 square kilometers. 
• Flora: Mangroves, Tropical Rainforest Species, Coastal Vegetation, Seagrasses etc.
• Fauna: Fruit-eating Bat, Spotted Deer, Dugongs, Dolphins, Narcondam Hornbill, Andaman Teal, Olive Ridley Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Leatherback Turtle etc.

Read More- Rani Jhansi Marine National Park

(3) Mount Harriet National Park

• It is located in the Ferragunj tehsil of South Andaman district in Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India.
• It is situated on Mount Harriet (383 meters).
• In 1979, Mount Harriet National Park 
• It was established in 1979.
• It was renamed in 2021 as Mount Manipur National Park to honor the memory of freedom fighters of Manipur.
• It covers an area of approximately 46.62 square kilometers.
• Negrito people living in the area.
• Flora: Tropical Rainforest Vegetation, Mangroves, Coastal Plant Species etc.
• Fauna: Andaman Pig, Shrew, Indian Pond Heron, Black Naped Oriole, Green Sea Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Andaman Bull Frog, Andaman Paddy Field Frog etc.
• The picture on the back side of ₹ 20 banknote has been taken at the Mount Harriet National Park.

Read More- Mount Harriet National Park

(4) Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

• It is located in the South Andaman administrative district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India. 
• It was established in 1983.
• The park encompasses an area of approximately 281.5 square kilometers. 
• Flora: Coral Reef, Mangroves, Coastal Vegetation, Tropical Rainforest Species, Seagrasses etc.
• Fauna: Andaman Wild Pig, Spotted Deer, Civet, Fruit Bat, Andaman Teal, Whistling Teal, Green Sea Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Hawks Bill Turtle etc.

Read More-  Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

(5) Campbell Bay National Park

• It is located on the Great Nicobar Island in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. 
• It was established in 1992.
• It was designated as part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve in 2013, which is a recognized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• It is spread over an area of approximately 426 square kilometers. 
• The park is home to the indigenous Shompen tribe.
• Flora: Moist Broadleaf Forests
• Fauna; Crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Tree Shrews, Nicobar Megapode, Nicobar Pigeon, Hawksbill Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Leatherback Turtle etc.

Read More- Campbell Bay National Park

(6) Galathea National Park

• It is located in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. 
• It is situated on the island of Great Nicobar.
• It was established in 1992. 
• The park forms part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
• It is estimated to cover an area of approximately 110 square kilometers. 
• The highest peak in the park is Mount Thullier (642 meters).
• Galathea River, Jubilee River, Amrit Kaur River, Dak Aniang River, and Dak Tayal River flow through the park.
• It is home to the indigenous Shompen community.
• Flora: Rainforest Vegetation to Coastal and Mangrove Ecosystems.
• Fauna: Crab-eating Macaques, Nicobar Tree Shrew, Nicobar Megapode, Green Imperial Pigeon, Giant Leatherback Turtles, Malayan Box Turtles etc.

Read More- Galathea National Park