Rani Jhansi Marine National Park UPSC
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is a marine protected area located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It is situated in the Bay of Bengal and encompasses a group of islands known as the Ritchie's Archipelago. The national park was established in 1996 and is named after the courageous Indian queen, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.
The Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is known for its stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and beautiful sandy beaches. The park covers an area of approximately 256 square kilometers, with a significant portion of it being underwater.
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Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Location
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Specifically, it is situated in the South Andaman district of the Andaman Islands. It is situated in the Ritchie's Archipelago and is about 30 km from Port Blair. It contains coral reefs and mangrove forests.
The park is accessible by boat from the main city of Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Nearest Airport:
- The nearest airport is in Port Blair.
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Nearest Railway Station:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands do not have a railway network that connects to the mainland of India. The islands are accessible primarily by air and sea.
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park History
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is relatively new compared to some other national parks in India. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Establishment: Rani Jhansi Marine National Park was established on 28th May 1996. It was declared a marine national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Named after Rani Lakshmi Bai: The park is named after Rani Lakshmi Bai, the courageous queen of Jhansi who played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British colonial rule. The name was given to honor her contributions to the freedom struggle.
Conservation Efforts: The establishment of Rani Jhansi Marine National Park aimed to conserve and protect the unique marine biodiversity of the region, including coral reefs, marine flora, and fauna.
Since its establishment, Rani Jhansi Marine National Park has played a vital role in the conservation of marine ecosystems in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It serves as a reminder of the region's rich biodiversity and provides opportunities for education, research, and eco-friendly tourism.
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Area
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park spans an area of approximately 256 square kilometers (98.8 square miles). This includes the marine and coastal ecosystems within the park boundaries.
The park area encompasses several islands along with their surrounding waters and coral reefs. The vast area covered by Rani Jhansi Marine National Park provides ample space for diverse marine life and allows for the conservation and protection of the region's natural resources.
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Flora
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is primarily focused on the conservation and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems rather than terrestrial flora. However, the park's surroundings and nearby areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their rich and diverse flora.
Here are some examples of flora that can be found in the broader region:
(1) Mangroves:
The coastal areas around Rani Jhansi Marine National Park are home to various species of mangrove trees, such as Rhizophora spp., Avicennia spp., and Sonneratia spp. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, providing habitat for various organisms and acting as a natural buffer against erosion.
(2) Tropical Rainforest Species:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their tropical rainforests, which harbor a wide range of plant species. These include towering canopy trees like Dipterocarpus spp., Hopea spp., and Shorea spp., as well as diverse understory plants such as ferns, orchids, and epiphytes.
(3) Coastal Vegetation:
The coastal areas within and around the park feature vegetation adapted to the harsh saline environment. Species like Scaevola taccada (beach cabbage), Spinifex littoreus (beach grass), and Pandanus spp. (screw pine) are common along the sandy shores.
(4) Seagrasses:
Seagrass meadows can be found in the shallow coastal waters of the region. These submerged plants provide important habitats for various marine species, including dugongs, turtles, and numerous fish species.
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Fauna (Rani Jhansi Marine National Park Animals)
What animals are found in Rani Jhansi National Park?
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is home to a diverse array of marine fauna, including fish, corals, marine mammals, turtles, and other marine organisms. Here are some examples of the fauna that can be found in and around the park:
Mammals:
- Fruit-eating Bat
- Spotted Deer
Note- The main attraction of the park is a fruit-eating bat. It plays a major role in the ecosystem because it pollinates plants and scatters seeds.
Marine Mammals:
- Dugongs
- Dolphins
- Blue Whales
Birds:
- Narcondam Hornbill
- Andaman Teal
- White-bellied Sea Eagle
- Great Frigate Bird
- Herons
- Shorebirds
Reptiles:
- Daniel’s Forest Lizard
- Andaman Island Grass Skink
- Andaman Water Monitor
Turtles:
- Olive Ridley Turtle
- Green Turtle
- Hawksbill Turtle
- Leatherback Turtle
Top Things to do in Rani Jhansi Marine National Park
There are several exciting activities and attractions to enjoy in Rani Jhansi Marine National Park. Here are some of the top things to do in the park:
- Snorkeling and Diving
- Glass Bottom Boat Ride
- Beach Picnics
- Wildlife Spotting
- Island Hopping
- Nature Walks and Trekking
- Photography
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Rani Jhansi Marine National Park?/Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is situated in
A. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
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