Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the  Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India. The Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses open sea, coral reef, vegetated islands, mangroves, and bamboo forests.

Visitors can reach the island via sea, with frequent ship services available from Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata, Chennai, and ferry connections to Kalara, Mayabunder, and Port Blair.

The best time to visit Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary is  November to April.

Table of Contents Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Location Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary History Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Area Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the North and Middle Andaman administrative district and Diglipur District of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union territory of India.

The Andaman Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal and are part of India. Bamboo Island is one of the many islands in this region and is known for its diverse wildlife and pristine coastal ecosystems. It's a remote and enchanting location for nature enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists to explore.

Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary is in Port Blair. Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and has a domestic airport known as Veer Savarkar International Airport. Travelers can fly into this airport and then make further arrangements to reach Bamboo Island, which may involve taking a ferry or boat.

Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, there is no railway station on Bamboo Island or in the immediate vicinity. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not connected to the mainland of India by rail. Travelers typically reach these islands by air or sea.

Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: The Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1987. It was designated as a sanctuary to protect and conserve the unique coastal ecosystem, diverse wildlife, and pristine natural habitats found on the island. 

Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 0.05 square kilometers (5 hectares). It's a relatively small sanctuary compared to some larger protected areas, but it is significant for its role in conserving the coastal ecosystems, bamboo forests, and diverse wildlife found on the island. 

Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes various plant species adapted to the coastal and island environment of the Andaman Islands. Here are some examples of plant species that you can find in the sanctuary:

Bamboo (Various Species): Given the name "Bamboo Island," it's likely that bamboo species are prominent in the sanctuary. Bamboo is known for its fast growth and versatility.

Andaman Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides): This is a hardwood tree native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands known for its beautiful red wood.

Andaman Bullet Wood (Mimusops elengi): A tree with fragrant flowers and hard, durable wood.

Pandanus Species (Screw Pine): Pandanus trees are often found in coastal areas and are known for their distinctive prop roots.

Ficus retusa: A species of fig tree commonly found in tropical regions.

Pongamia pinnata (Indian Beech): A tree with oil-rich seeds that are used for various purposes.

Terminalia bialata: A tree species native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various animals and bird species that thrive in the coastal and island ecosystems of the Andaman Islands. Here are some of the notable fauna species that can be found in the Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Spotted Deer

Birds:

• Andanam Crake
• Serpent-Eagle
• Andaman Tern
• Andaman Teal
• Nicobar Pigeon

Reptiles:

• Andaman Turtle
• Marine Turtle
• Hawksbill Turtle

Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Bamboo island Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. The Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the North and Middle Andaman administrative district and Diglipur District of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is a Union Territory of India. It is situated in the Bay of Bengal, and Bamboo Island is one of the many islands within this region. .