Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It is a small volcanic island, known for its famous lighthouse and stunning natural beauty.
The island is of volcanic origin and has a central peak, Mount Narcondam, which is the second tallest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 706 meters. It is covered with lush green forests and has grassy slopes in the southern and southeast parts.
Narcondam Island was declared a wildlife sanctuary to protect the globally Threatened and highly endemic Narcondam Hornbill (Aceros narcondami), which is restricted to this tiny island.
The best time to visit Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary is between November and April.
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Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located on Narcondam Island, which is situated in the Northern Andaman Sea, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago in India. It is India's easternmost island.
Narcondam Island is situated approximately 140 kilometers (about 87 miles) east of the nearest inhabited island, Diglipur, which is in the North Andaman group. The island's remote and isolated location adds to its unique ecological significance and biodiversity.
Access to Narcondam Island is typically via ship or ferry services from other parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with Port Blair being the nearest major transportation hub.
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary History
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary's history is closely tied to its conservation efforts and the unique wildlife found on the island. Here's a brief overview of the sanctuary's history:
Discovery and Early Exploration: Narcondam Island, an isolated volcanic island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, was likely known to local indigenous populations for centuries. However, its first recorded mention in Western literature came in the early 20th century.
Ornithological Exploration: The island gained significance in the field of ornithology due to its unique and endemic bird species, particularly the Narcondam Hornbill (Aceros narcondami). Ornithologists and researchers began visiting the island to study and document its avian biodiversity.
Conservation Concerns: As the significance of Narcondam Island's biodiversity became apparent, there was growing concern about the conservation of its unique species, especially the Narcondam Hornbill. The island's isolation and limited range made the hornbill highly vulnerable to habitat loss and other threats.
Declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1987, Narcondam Island was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary by the Indian government to protect its unique flora and fauna. The primary focus of this declaration was the conservation of the Narcondam Hornbill and its habitat.
UNESCO's Tentative List: Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary was subsequently included in UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites, highlighting its international importance as a potential candidate for World Heritage status.
Limited Human Access: Due to its remote location and conservation significance, access to Narcondam Island is typically restricted. Visitors need permits to visit the sanctuary, and tourism is carefully regulated to minimize human impact on the fragile ecosystem.
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 6.81 square kilometers (681 hectares). This protected area encompasses the entire Narcondam Island, which is a relatively small island located in the Northern Andaman Sea as part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago in India.
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary, located on Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago, features several hills and rugged terrain due to its volcanic origin. The most prominent hill on Narcondam Island is Mount Narcondam, which is also the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands outside the Great Nicobar Island.
Mount Narcondam is the central peak of Narcondam Island and stands at an elevation of approximately 706 meters (2,316 feet) above sea level. It is a volcanic peak and is one of the distinctive features of the island. The slopes of Mount Narcondam are covered with lush green vegetation and contribute to the island's unique landscape.
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and unique flora. The island's isolated location and varied habitats contribute to its rich plant life. Here are some of the notable flora found on Narcondam Island:
(1) Tropical Evergreen Forest:
Much of Narcondam Island is covered in tropical evergreen forests. These forests are characterized by lush, dense vegetation with a high canopy. Trees in this habitat include species like Dipterocarpus, Sideroxylon, and Ficus. These evergreen forests contribute to the island's greenery and provide habitat for various wildlife species.
(2) Semievergreen Forest:
Semievergreen forests are another significant component of the island's vegetation. These forests include a mix of evergreen and deciduous species and are typically found in areas with slightly less rainfall than pure evergreen forests.
(3) Moist Deciduous Forest:
Some parts of the island feature moist deciduous forests. These forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. One example of a deciduous species on the island is Bombax insigne.
(4) Littoral Forest:
Given Narcondam Island's proximity to the sea, there are littoral forests along the shoreline. These habitats feature salt-tolerant vegetation adapted to the coastal environment.
(5) Mangrove Forest:
Mangroves are often found in coastal areas, but they are not as prevalent on Narcondam Island as in some other parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Nevertheless, some mangrove species can be found on the island.
(6) Endemic and Rare Species:
Narcondam Island is home to several endemic plant species found nowhere else in the world. One example is the Narcondam dendrobium (an orchid species) and other plant species that are specific to this isolated island.
(7) Introduced Species:
In addition to the native flora, some introduced species like coconut and banana can be found on the island.
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in Narcondam?
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its unique and diverse fauna, including several endemic and globally threatened species. Here's an overview of the notable fauna found on Narcondam Island:
Mammals:
- Nicobar Flying Fox
- Small Flying Fox
Birds:
- Narcondam Hornbill
- Blyth’s Hornbill
- Andaman Scops Owl
- Fairy Terns
Reptiles:
- Andaman Day Gecko
- Andaman Dwarf Gecko
- Blue-Lipped Sea Krait
- Andaman Water Monitor
Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Which bird is only seen in Narcondam Island of India?
A. The bird species that is only found on Narcondam Island in India is the Narcondam Hornbill (Aceros narcondami). This hornbill is highly endemic, meaning it is restricted to this tiny island and is not found anywhere else in the world.
The Narcondam Hornbill is of significant conservation concern, as its limited range and population size make it vulnerable to various threats. Efforts to protect its habitat and monitor its population are crucial for the preservation of this unique and globally threatened species.
A. Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Narcondam Hornbill: The sanctuary is primarily known for being the habitat of the Narcondam Hornbill (Aceros narcondami), a highly endemic and globally threatened bird species. This hornbill is found exclusively on Narcondam Island, making it a symbol of the island's unique biodiversity and a key focus of conservation efforts.
(ii) Unique Flora and Fauna: Narcondam Island is home to a range of unique and endemic plant and animal species, including the Narcondam dendrobium (an orchid species) and other plant species found only on this isolated island. Its isolation has led to the evolution of distinct flora and fauna not found on the mainland.
(iii) Natural Beauty: The island itself is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with lush green forests, rugged terrain, and volcanic landscapes. It offers scenic views, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers.
(iv) UNESCO Tentative List: Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary has been included in UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites, highlighting its international significance as a potential candidate for World Heritage status.
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