Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The island is renowned for its natural beauty, boasting pristine white sandy beaches, lush greenery, and dense forests. It provides an opportunity to experience unspoiled nature at its best.

Reef Cliff is a haven for bird watchers, as it is home to a variety of water birds. Visitors can observe these birds in their natural habitat, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts.

The island's white sandy beaches are ideal for relaxation and water activities. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, or engage in water sports while enjoying the serene surroundings.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to April.

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

Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Andaman archipelago, specifically on Reef Island. Reef Island is part of the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands, which are situated in the Bay of Bengal, off the eastern coast of India.

Reef Cliff, located in the North and Middle Andaman Islands, is indeed a captivating destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts. This island is part of the Reef Group of Islands, which includes Latouche Island and Shark Island, situated to the west of North Andaman.

Reef Cliff is strategically positioned between Coco Islands and North Andaman Island on the western approach to the Cleugh Passage.

Visitors can reach the sanctuary by air through the nearest airport in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Alternatively, there are frequent ship services connecting Port Blair to Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata, Chennai, and other nearby areas. Ferries also operate to and from Reef Island, connecting it to Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Port Blair.

Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified on 16 February 1987. This date marks its formal establishment as a protected wildlife area in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1.74 square kilometers. This area is set aside for the conservation of biodiversity, including coral reefs, forests, and wildlife, on North Reef Island in the Andaman archipelago. 

Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora. Here are some of the flora species found in the sanctuary:

Dipterocarpus Species: Dipterocarpus trees are common in the sanctuary. These tropical trees are known for their valuable timber and are an important part of the forest ecosystem.

Ficus retusa: This is another tree species found in the sanctuary. Ficus retusa is known for its wide distribution in tropical regions and its importance as a food source for various wildlife species.

Manilkara littoralis: Manilkara littoralis, also known as the Indian Medlar, is a tree species that can be found in coastal areas and mangrove environments.

Pongamia pinnata: Pongamia pinnata is a species of leguminous tree. It is valued for its oil-rich seeds and is sometimes used for biodiesel production.

Terminalia bialata: Terminalia bialata is a tree species that belongs to the Terminalia genus. These trees are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Mesua Species: The Mesua genus includes various evergreen trees. Mesua species are known for their aromatic flowers and valuable timber.

Bombax ceiba: Also known as the red silk cotton tree, Bombax ceiba is a deciduous tree that produces vibrant red flowers and has a variety of uses, including in traditional medicine and for making textiles.

Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary Animals/Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary Endemic Species)

The Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna, including birds, reptiles, marine life, and other wildlife. Here are some of the notable fauna species found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Spotted Deer
• Wild Boar

Birds:

• Nicobar Pigeon
• Andaman Teal
• Andanam Crake
• Serpent-eagle
• Andaman Tern
• Andaman Cuckoo dove
• Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Reptiles:

• Andaman Water Monitor Lizard
• Green Sea Turtle
• Andaman Turtle
• Hawksbill Turtle
• Saltwater Crocodile
• Marine Turtles