Rani Jhansi Marine National Park UPSC

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is a marine protected area located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It is situated in the Bay of Bengal and encompasses a group of islands known as the Ritchie's Archipelago.

The Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is known for its stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and beautiful sandy beaches.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Location

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Specifically, it is situated in the South Andaman district of the Andaman Islands. It is situated in the Ritchie's Archipelago and is about 30 km from Port Blair. It contains coral reefs and mangrove forests.

The park is accessible by boat from the main city of Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport is in Port Blair.

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.

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park History

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is relatively new compared to some other national parks in India. Here is a brief overview of its history:

1. Establishment: Rani Jhansi Marine National Park was established on 28th May 1996. It was declared a marine national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

2. Named after Rani Lakshmi Bai: The park is named after Rani Lakshmi Bai, the courageous queen of Jhansi who played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British colonial rule. The name was given to honor her contributions to the freedom struggle.

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Area

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park spans an area of approximately 256 square kilometers (98.8 square miles). This includes the marine and coastal ecosystems within the park boundaries.

The park area encompasses several islands along with their surrounding waters and coral reefs. The vast area covered by Rani Jhansi Marine National Park provides ample space for diverse marine life and allows for the conservation and protection of the region's natural resources.

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Flora

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is primarily focused on the conservation and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems rather than terrestrial flora. However, the park's surroundings and nearby areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their rich and diverse flora.

Here are some examples of flora that can be found in the broader region:

(1) Mangroves:

The coastal areas around Rani Jhansi Marine National Park are home to various species of mangrove trees, such as Rhizophora spp., Avicennia spp., and Sonneratia spp. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, providing habitat for various organisms and acting as a natural buffer against erosion.

(2) Tropical Rainforest Species:

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their tropical rainforests, which harbor a wide range of plant species. These include towering canopy trees like Dipterocarpus spp., Hopea spp., and Shorea spp., as well as diverse understory plants such as ferns, orchids, and epiphytes.

(3) Coastal Vegetation:

The coastal areas within and around the park feature vegetation adapted to the harsh saline environment. Species like Scaevola taccada (beach cabbage), Spinifex littoreus (beach grass), and Pandanus spp. (screw pine) are common along the sandy shores.

(4) Seagrasses:

Seagrass meadows can be found in the shallow coastal waters of the region. These submerged plants provide important habitats for various marine species, including dugongs, turtles, and numerous fish species.

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Fauna (Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Animals)

What animals are found in Rani Jhansi National Park?

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is home to a diverse array of marine fauna, including fish, corals, marine mammals, turtles, and other marine organisms. Here are some examples of the fauna that can be found in and around the park:

Mammals:

Fruit-eating Bat
Spotted Deer

Note- The main attraction of the park is a fruit-eating bat. It plays a major role in the ecosystem because it pollinates plants and scatters seeds.

Marine Mammals:

Dugongs
Dolphins
Blue Whales

Birds:

Narcondam Hornbill
Andaman Teal
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Great Frigate Bird
Herons
Shorebirds

Reptiles:

Daniel’s Forest Lizard
Andaman Island Grass Skink
Andaman Water Monitor

Turtles:

Olive Ridley Turtle
Green Turtle
Hawksbill Turtle
Leatherback Turtle