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Flora And Fauna Of Andaman And Nicobar Islands

The Andaman Islands boast an array of flora and fauna, from lush mangroves and tropical rainforests to endemic species like the Andaman wild pig and Nicobar pigeon

Pristine Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands Photo: Jayanth Muppaneni/Pexels

Endemic Wildlife

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Andaman horseshoe bat
Andaman horseshoe bat Wikipedia

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands boast unique species, such as the Andaman wild pig, Nicobar tree shrew, and Andaman horseshoe bat.

Rich Marine Biodiversity

Coral reef at Swaraj Dweep
Coral reef at Swaraj Dweep Wikipedia

The surrounding waters teem with coral reefs, sea turtles (like the Leatherback and Olive Ridley), dugongs (the state animal), and reef sharks.

Bird Paradise

A violet cuckoo
A violet cuckoo Shutterstock

Over 270 species of birds such as the violet cuckoo inhabit the islands. Endemic ones like the Andaman woodpecker or Nicobar pigeon are also found here.

Unique Reptilian Species

The island is home to several endemic reptiles
The island is home to several endemic reptiles Shutterstock

The islands are home to several endemic reptiles, such as the Andaman day gecko, Andaman cobra, and saltwater crocodiles.

Threatened And Endangered Species

A dugong
A dugong Shutterstock

Several species, including the dugong and the Nicobar megapode, are classified as vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss and human activity.

Exotic Orchids And Ferns

Andaman pitcher plant
Andaman pitcher plant Wikpedia

The forests host a variety of wild orchids and ferns, including rare species like the Andaman pitcher plant, a carnivorous plant.

Bioluminescent Plankton

A glimpse of Bioluminescent plankton (Representational image)
A glimpse of Bioluminescent plankton (Representational image) Shutterstock

Some beaches and lagoons, such as those at Swaraj Dweep, are known for their bioluminescent plankton that wash up on the shores, creating a magical blueish glow at night.

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Tropical Rainforests

A rainforest in Andaman
A rainforest in Andaman Shutterstock

The islands have dense tropical rainforests with over 2,200 plant species, including many endemic ones like the Andaman redwood (Pterocarpus dalbergioides).

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A close-up of a Nilgiri Tahr
A close-up of a Nilgiri Tahr Shutterstock
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