Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The sanctuary encompasses diverse habitats, including open sea, coral reefs, vegetated islands, and mangroves.

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located on Cinque Island, which is part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The sanctuary is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, diverse fish species, and other marine life. The coral reefs in this area are particularly important as they contribute to the overall health and ecological balance of the region's marine ecosystem.

The best time to visit the island is between November and April.

Table of Contents Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Location Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary History Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Area Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the South Andaman Administrative District of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. 

It is situated on Cinque Island, which is part of the Cinque Islands of the Rutland Archipelago. Cinque Island is located to the southeast of Rutland Island. 

Manners Strait separates the North and South Cinque Islands, which are sometimes considered a single Cinque Island. 

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Cinque Island is Veer Savarkar International Airport, also known as Port Blair Airport. Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and this airport serves as the primary gateway for travelers to the region. From Port Blair, you can continue your journey to Cinque Island by taking a ferry or boat ride.

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands do not have a railway network, so there are no railway stations on the islands. 

Travelers primarily rely on air and sea transportation to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Cinque Island. Once you arrive at Port Blair by air or sea, you would need to use boats or ferries to access Cinque Island and its vicinity.

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary History

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary has a history rooted in conservation efforts and government initiatives. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Establishment as a Wildlife Sanctuary: Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established as a wildlife sanctuary on February 16, 1987, with the issuance of a notification by the Indian government. This formalized its status as a protected area aimed at conserving the unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems found in the region.

Inclusion in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Cinque Island is part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which was established in 1983. This larger marine national park was created to protect and conserve the rich biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, fish species, and other marine life. Cinque Island is one of the integral parts of this national park.

Challenges: Like many marine sanctuaries worldwide, Cinque Island has faced challenges related to coral reef degradation, illegal fishing, and natural disasters such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which impacted the region. Conservation efforts continue to address these challenges and protect the sanctuary's ecosystems.

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 9.51 square kilometers. This sanctuary area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including coral reefs, vegetated islands, mangroves, and open sea areas. 

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich and diverse flora. The sanctuary's vegetation includes a variety of plant species, and here are some of the notable flora found within this protected area:

Andaman Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides): The Andaman Padauk is a prominent tree species found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Cinque Island. It is known for its striking reddish-brown wood, which is used for various purposes, including furniture and construction.

Andaman Bullet Wood (Mimusops elengi): Also known as the Spanish Cherry, this tree species is native to the region. It produces small, fragrant flowers and edible fruits.

Pandanus Species (Pandanus spp.): Pandanus plants, commonly known as screw pines, are often found in coastal areas. They have long, spiky leaves and produce fruits that are used in various local dishes.

Cycas Species (Cycas spp.): Cycads are ancient and primitive plant species that resemble palm trees. They are known for their tough and hardy nature. Several species of Cycas can be found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Cinque Island.

Coastal Vegetation: The sanctuary's coastal areas feature a variety of salt-tolerant plants, including mangroves and salt-tolerant shrubs. Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting coastlines and providing habitat for various wildlife species.

Underwater Flora: While not part of the terrestrial flora, the underwater flora of Cinque Island's coral reefs is equally impressive. Coral reefs host a diverse range of marine plants, including colorful corals and various types of algae.

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Cinque Island Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and vibrant fauna, particularly its marine and coastal wildlife. Here are some of the notable fauna species found within this protected area:

• Andaman Water Monitor Lizard
• Green Sea Turtle
• Hawksbill Turtle
• Andanam Crake
• Salt-water Crocodile
• Turtles
• Water Snakes
• Fishes
• Shells
• Starfish
• Sea Anemones