Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are part of India. The primary habitats on and around the island are the open sea and coral reef ecosystems.
Barren Island is home to the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia. This active volcano periodically emits smoke and ash, making it a remarkable geological feature.
Barren Island is aptly named due to its barren landscapes. It is characterized by large barren tracts of land. However, its crystal-clear waters are a major attraction, housing populations of Manta Rays. The island also features interesting basalt formations and fast-growing coral gardens.
Visitors can reach Barren Island either by sea or by seaplane. The nearest airport is in Port Blair. Frequent ship services connect Port Blair with Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Chennai. Ferries also connect Barren Island with the nearest inhabited island, Havelock.
The best time to visit Barren Island is from November to April when the weather is more favorable for exploration and diving.
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Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are part of India. More specifically, Barren Island is situated in the eastern part of the Andaman Sea, approximately 138 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This remote island is known for its unique geological features, including an active volcano, and its rich marine biodiversity. Access to the island is typically via boat or seaplane from Port Blair or other nearby inhabited islands like Havelock.
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Barren Island is the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Travelers typically arrive in Port Blair by air and then make arrangements for boat or seaplane transportation to visit Barren Island.
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
There are no railway stations on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as they are not connected to the Indian mainland by railway. Access to these islands is primarily by air and sea.
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary has a unique history related to its geological and ecological significance. Here is a brief overview of the history of Barren Island:
Geological History: Barren Island is believed to be one of the oldest volcanoes in the Indian subcontinent. It has a long history of volcanic activity, with eruptions dating back several centuries. The island's geological history is characterized by volcanic eruptions that have shaped its landscape.
British Colonial Era: During the British colonial period, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were used as a penal colony. While the main focus of British presence in the islands was the notorious Cellular Jail in Port Blair, Barren Island was relatively untouched during this time due to its inhospitable terrain.
Wildlife Sanctuary Declaration: The government of India recognized the ecological significance of Barren Island and declared it a wildlife sanctuary on February 16, 1987. This designation aimed to protect the unique flora and fauna of the surrounding waters, including coral reefs and marine life.
Active Volcano: The most prominent feature of Barren Island is its active volcano, which continues to erupt periodically. The island's volcanic activity has been studied by scientists, and it serves as an essential site for understanding volcanic processes in the region.
Tourism and Conservation: While the island itself is largely uninhabited and inaccessible due to the active volcano, the waters surrounding Barren Island are of great interest to divers and researchers. Conservation efforts have focused on preserving the fragile marine environment and the volcanic landscape, balancing the need for scientific study and responsible tourism.
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 8.1 square kilometers (3.1 square miles). Despite its relatively small size, the sanctuary is ecologically significant due to its active volcano and the rich marine life in the surrounding waters, including coral reefs and various marine species.
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary, being a remote and primarily volcanic island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, has limited terrestrial vegetation due to its challenging environmental conditions. The island's landscape is characterized by rocky terrain, volcanic formations, and barren expanses.
However, there are a few plant species that manage to thrive in this unique environment. Some of the notable flora found on Barren Island includes:
Andaman Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides): This tree species is known for its beautiful reddish wood and can be found on some parts of Barren Island. It is a hardwood tree and is valued for its timber.
Andaman Bullet Wood (Murraya andamanica): This shrub or small tree is endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has fragrant flowers and is adapted to the island's challenging conditions.
Hardy Vegetation: Barren Island's vegetation primarily consists of hardy, low-lying plants and shrubs that can withstand the harsh volcanic environment. These plants often grow in crevices and rocky outcrops.
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary is more renowned for its marine life and geological features, especially its active volcano, than its terrestrial fauna. Nevertheless, the surrounding waters of the sanctuary are rich in marine biodiversity, and some terrestrial animals can be found on the island.
Here are some of the notable fauna of the Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Bats
- Rats
Birds:
Seabirds: The waters around Barren Island are home to a variety of seabirds, including gulls, terns, and other marine species.
Migratory Birds: During specific seasons, migratory birds may pass through the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on their migration routes. These birds can include waders, shorebirds, and waterfowl.
Reptiles:
- Sea Turtles
- Lizards
- Snakes
Fish:
- Manta Rays
Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary?/In which state Barren Island is located?
A. Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is a Union Territory of India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, and they are administered directly by the central government of India.
Barren Island itself is situated in the eastern part of the Andaman Sea, approximately 138 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is known for its unique geological features, including an active volcano, and its rich marine biodiversity.
Q. What is the Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several unique and notable features:
(i) Active Volcano: The primary attraction of Barren Island is its active volcano. It is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia. This volcano periodically emits smoke and ash, making it a remarkable geological feature and a subject of scientific interest.
(ii) Marine Biodiversity: While the island itself is largely barren and devoid of significant terrestrial life, the waters surrounding Barren Island are known for their rich marine biodiversity. The sanctuary is home to diverse coral reefs, fish species, and other marine life, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.
(iii) Manta Rays: The crystal-clear waters around Barren Island house populations of Manta Rays, which are a major attraction for underwater enthusiasts. Observing these graceful creatures is a significant draw for tourists.
(iv) Basalt Formations: The island features interesting basalt formations, which are remnants of its volcanic history. These formations add to the island's unique geological landscape.
(v) Scientific Research: The active volcano on Barren Island provides scientists and researchers with a valuable opportunity to study volcanic processes in the region. It is an essential site for geological and volcanic research.
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