Life of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
A quick, interactive look at the rainforests, coral reefs, and rare species that make these islands one of India’s most unique biodiversity hotspots. Perfect for presenting in class.
Flora of Andaman & Nicobar
Dense tropical evergreen forests, mangroves, littoral vegetation, and rare plants form the base of all life in these islands.
Rainforests, timber trees & rich undergrowth
Most of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are covered by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, with tall canopy trees, dense undergrowth, and multiple layers of vegetation.[web:15][web:16]
Valuable timber species like Andaman padauk and various hardwoods grow here, along with palms, bamboo, ferns, and orchids that thrive in the warm, humid climate.[web:16][web:18]
Mangroves, littoral forests & sandy beaches
Along creeks, estuaries, and sheltered coasts, mangrove forests stabilize the shoreline, trap sediments, and provide nurseries for fish, crabs, and other marine life.[web:16][web:20]
Littoral (coastal) vegetation includes pandanus, casuarina, and hardy shrubs that can tolerate salt spray, wind, and shifting sands on beaches and dunes.[web:20]
Plants found only in these islands
The islands host many endemic plant species, including Andaman padauk and several palms and shrubs restricted to this region.[web:15][web:18]
Rare plants like the Andaman pitcher plant, a carnivorous species, and wild orchids highlight how isolation has allowed unique flora to evolve here.[web:21]
Fauna of Andaman & Nicobar
From endemic mammals and colorful birds to coral reefs, turtles, and reef sharks, the islands support over nine thousand animal species.
Mammals, reptiles & 270+ bird species
The islands host about 46 species of mammals, including endemics like the Andaman wild pig, Nicobar flying fox, Andaman horseshoe bat, and several shrews and tree shrews.[web:15][web:18][web:21]
Over 270 bird species occur here, with around 90 endemic forms such as the Nicobar pigeon, Andaman woodpecker, Andaman drongo, and the Nicobar megapode that builds large nest mounds on the ground.[web:17][web:21][web:22]
Coral reefs, turtles, sharks & dugongs
The surrounding seas support vibrant coral reefs with over 200 coral species and more than 1,300 species of molluscs and echinoderms, plus a huge variety of reef fish.[web:17][web:19]
Larger marine animals include dugongs (the state animal), sea turtles such as leatherback, green, hawksbill and olive ridley, dolphins, whales, and several reef shark species.[web:19][web:21]
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Why conservation here really matters
Many species in these islands are listed as vulnerable or endangered, including the dugong, Nicobar megapode, leatherback turtle, and several endemic mammals and reptiles.[web:20][web:21]
Because a large share of the fauna is endemic, losing habitat or disturbing nesting beaches and coral reefs can mean global extinction for some species.[web:17][web:25]
Conservation & Protected Areas
Large parts of the islands are protected as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and a biosphere reserve to safeguard fragile ecosystems.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve covers most of Great Nicobar Island and includes Campbell Bay and Galathea National Parks as its core areas.[web:20][web:29]
It protects tropical evergreen forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and key species like the Nicobar megapode, Nicobar macaque, Nicobar tree shrew, saltwater crocodile, and nesting leatherback turtles.[web:20][web:29]
- ✔ Core, buffer & transition zones for sustainable use
- ✔ Focus on endemic and endangered species
- ✔ Protects both land and marine habitats
Why this matters for India
Andaman & Nicobar act as a biodiversity bridge between the Indian, Indo‑Chinese and Indo‑Malayan regions, adding unique species and ecosystems to India’s natural heritage.[web:25][web:26]
For students, these islands are an excellent case study of how forests, coasts, and oceans are linked—and why conservation has to consider local people, wildlife, and climate together.[web:20][web:24]
- ★ Use this page as an interactive poster in class
- ★ Scroll through tabs to explain flora, fauna & conservation
- ★ Add your own notes or quiz questions below if needed