Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve UPSC
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is a protected area located in the southernmost part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. It encompasses the majority of Great Nicobar Island, which is the largest island in the Nicobar group.
The reserve is known for its megafauna, such as the Nicobar megapode, a ground-dwelling bird, and the Nicobar pigeon, a colorful bird species. Other notable wildlife includes saltwater crocodiles, giant robber crabs, Andaman wild pigs, and Nicobar tree shrews.
In addition to its rich biodiversity, the biosphere reserve also supports indigenous communities, primarily the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes. These communities have traditional knowledge and cultural practices that contribute to the overall conservation efforts in the area.
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Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Location
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is located on Great Nicobar Island, which is the southernmost and largest island in the Nicobar group of islands in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It encompasses the majority of Great Nicobar Island (some 85%), the largest island in the Nicobar group.
Great Nicobar Island is situated in the eastern Indian Ocean, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) north of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Great Nicobar Island is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, which is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From Port Blair, visitors can take a ferry or a helicopter to reach Great Nicobar Island.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, there are no railway lines connecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the mainland of India. Therefore, there is no railway station in the vicinity of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. The primary mode of transportation to reach the islands is by air or sea.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve History
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Established
The history of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is closely linked to the broader history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The islands have a rich and diverse history, with human settlements dating back thousands of years.
Here is a brief overview of the history of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve:
Prehistoric and Indigenous Inhabitants: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are believed to have been inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The indigenous tribes of the islands, including the Shompen and Nicobarese, have unique cultures, languages, and lifestyles. These tribes have lived in harmony with the islands' ecosystems for generations, relying on traditional practices for sustenance and survival.
Colonial Era: The European presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands began in the 18th century when the British East India Company established a penal settlement in Port Blair in 1789. The British used the islands as a remote penal colony for prisoners from mainland India. This period saw significant changes in the islands' demography and the introduction of non-native flora and fauna.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Established: In 1989, the Indian government designated the Great Nicobar Island as a part of the "Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve". This designation aimed to protect the island's diverse ecosystems and promote research, education, and sustainable development in the region. It incorporates two National parks of India, which were gazetted in 1992: the larger Campbell Bay National Park on the northern part of the island, and Galathea National Park in the southern interior.
Natural Disasters: The Great Nicobar Island has been affected by natural disasters, including tsunamis and earthquakes. One of the most devastating events in recent history was the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of December 26, 2004. The tsunami caused widespread destruction on the island and had significant impacts on both human settlements and the natural environment.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: In 2013, UNESCO designated the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Area
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve covers an approximate area of 885 square kilometers (341 square miles). This encompasses a significant portion of Great Nicobar Island, which is the largest island in the Nicobar group of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India.
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve incorporates two National parks of India, which were gazetted in 1992. The two parks include:
- Campbell Bay National Park on the northern part of the island
- Galathea National Park in the southern interior
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve consists of the following areas in square kilometers:
- Core area(s): 536.23 square kilometers
- Buffer zone(s): 348.77 square kilometers
- Transition zone(s):
- Terrestrial: 100.7 square kilometers
- Marine: 53 square kilometers
Therefore, the total area of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is 1,038.7 square kilometers.
Note- The core area comprises Cambell Bay and Galathea national parks. A buffer area includes forested lands adjacent to and between the two parks.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Tribe
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is home to indigenous tribal communities, primarily the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes. These tribes have inhabited the Nicobar Islands for generations and have their distinct cultures, languages, and ways of life.
The Shompen tribe is one of the indigenous groups found in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. The Mongoloid Shompen Tribe, about 200 in number, live in the forests of the biosphere reserve particularly along the rivers and streams. They have traditionally lived in the remote and inaccessible regions of the island, maintaining a semi-nomadic lifestyle. The Shompen have their unique language, which is unrelated to the languages spoken by other indigenous groups in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Nicobarese tribe is another significant indigenous community in the region. They primarily inhabit the Nicobar Islands, including Great Nicobar Island. They are about 300 in number, used to live in settlements along the west coast. The Nicobarese people have a rich cultural heritage, with their language, traditional practices, and craftsmanship. They have a close relationship with the land and sea, relying on fishing, agriculture, and other activities for their sustenance.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Flora
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is known for its diverse and rich flora, which includes a wide range of plant species adapted to the island's tropical climate and varied habitats. Here are some of the key flora found in the biosphere reserve:
(1) Tropical Rainforest Trees:
The biosphere reserve is characterized by dense tropical rainforests, and various tree species dominate these forests. Examples include Dipterocarps (such as Hopea and Dipterocarpus species), Syzygium species, Terminalia species, Garcinia species, and Artocarpus species.
(2) Mangrove Trees:
Mangrove forests are an important component of the biosphere reserve, particularly along the coastal areas and estuaries. Common mangrove species include Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia officinalis, and Sonneratia alba.
(3) Epiphytic Plants:
The rainforests of the biosphere reserve also host a diverse array of epiphytic plants that grow on the trunks and branches of trees. Orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and mosses are among the epiphytes found in the region.
(4) Medicinal Plants:
The biosphere reserve is home to various medicinal plants that are traditionally used by indigenous communities for their healing properties. Examples include Neem (Azadirachta indica), Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), and Turmeric (Curcuma longa).
(5) Endemic Species:
The Nicobar Islands, including Great Nicobar, have a significant number of endemic plant species, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. Some examples of endemic plants in the region include Nicobar palm (Ptychosperma nicobaricum) and Pandanus nicobaricus.
(6) Lianas and Climbing Plants:
The dense vegetation of the biosphere reserve is also characterized by lianas (woody vines) and climbing plants. These plants use the trees as support to grow towards sunlight. Examples include various species of Dioscorea (yam), Bauhinia (orchid tree), and Entada rheedii.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Fauna (Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Animals)
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is famous for which animal?
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and marine species. The rich biodiversity of the region supports numerous endemic and endangered species.
Here are some notable examples of fauna found in the biosphere reserve:
Mammals:
- Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque
- Crab-eating Macaque
- Dugong
- Nicobar Tree Shrew
- Nicobar Flying Fox
- Andaman Wild Pig
Birds:
- Nicobar Megapode
- Serpent Eagle
- Nicobar Scrubfowl
- Edible-nest Swiftlet
Reptiles:
- Saltwater Crocodile
- Andaman Water Monitor
- Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Malayan Box Turtle
- Reticulated Python
- Giant Robber Crab
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Saltwater Crocodile
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is known to be a habitat for the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). This species is the largest living reptile and is well-adapted to both saltwater and freshwater environments.
Saltwater crocodiles can be found in the coastal areas, estuaries, and rivers within the biosphere reserve. They are powerful predators and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitat.
These crocodiles have a broad diet that includes fish, crustaceans, amphibians, birds, and mammals. They are known for their stealthy hunting techniques and can often be seen basking on riverbanks or floating in the water with just their eyes and nostrils visible.
Due to their size and territorial nature, saltwater crocodiles are considered apex predators in their ecosystems. They are highly adapted to their environment, with specialized features such as a streamlined body, powerful jaws, and the ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater conditions.
Top Things to do in Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors who are interested in exploring its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Here are some of the top things to do in the biosphere reserve:
- Nature Walks and Hiking
- Wildlife Spotting
- Visit Indigenous Communities
- Explore Mangrove Forests
- Beach Activities
- Marine Exploration
- Cultural Experiences
- Responsible Ecotourism
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Where is the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve located?/Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
A. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is located in the southernmost part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
Q. What is included in Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve?
A. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve incorporates two National Parks of India, which were gazetted in 1992. These two parks are:
- Campbell Bay National Park
- Galathea National Park
Q. Which endangered species are found in Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve?
A. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is home to several endangered species, many of which are endemic to the Nicobar Islands. Here are some notable endangered species found within the biosphere reserve:
(1) Nicobar megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis): This large, ground-dwelling bird is endemic to the Nicobar Islands and is listed as endangered. It plays a vital role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems through its nesting behavior.
(2) Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica): Another endemic species, the Nicobar pigeon, is listed as vulnerable. Known for its vibrant plumage, this bird is an important seed disperser for many plant species in the region.
(3) Nicobar long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosa): This subspecies of the long-tailed macaque is endemic to the Nicobar Islands and is classified as vulnerable. It is known for its distinct appearance, with a long tail and a black body.
(4) Dugong (Dugong dugon): The dugong, also known as the sea cow, is a marine mammal that is classified as vulnerable. It is found in the coastal waters of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems.
(5) Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): Although not endemic to the Nicobar Islands, the saltwater crocodile is found in the biosphere reserve and is classified as vulnerable. These apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region's waterways.
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