Sunday, October 8, 2023

Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary is loacated in the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island's habitat includes open sea, coral reefs, vegetated islands, mangroves, and semi-evergreen forests.


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


Table of Contents

  • Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Location
  • Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary History
  • Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Area
  • Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
  • Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile


Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the North and Middle Andaman administrative district of the Andaman Islands, India. Andaman Islands are part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 


It lies between the Coco Islands (belonging to Myanmar) to the north and the North Andaman Island to the south.


The island is positioned approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) north of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is situated west of Great Andaman near the shores of Yadita village.


Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary is the Veer Savarkar International Airport, also known as Port Blair Airport. This airport is located in Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Travelers can fly into Port Blair and then make further arrangements, such as taking a ferry, to reach Flat Island.


Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

However, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands do not have a railway network, so there is no nearest railway station on the islands. Travel to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is primarily by air or sea, with flights and passenger ships connecting the islands to mainland India.




Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: The Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified on 16th February 1987. This date marks the formal establishment of the sanctuary, and it is an important milestone in its history. 




Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 9.36 square kilometers (936 hectares). This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and protection of various wildlife species and their habitats in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is essential for maintaining the biodiversity of the region and preserving the natural beauty of Flat Island and its surroundings.




Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and vegetation. Here are some of the flora commonly found in the sanctuary:


Andaman Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides): This is a prominent tree species native to the Andaman Islands. It is known for its dark red wood, which is used for various purposes, including construction and furniture.


Andaman Bullet Wood (Mimusops elengi): This tree is known for its fragrant flowers and is used in traditional medicine. It also provides valuable timber.


Pandanus Species: Pandanus are tropical plants with distinctive, spiky leaves and aerial prop roots. They are often found in coastal areas and play an essential role in stabilizing sand dunes.


Ficus Retusa: This is a species of fig tree that is common in the region. Fig trees are known for their unique growth patterns and provide food for wildlife.


Manilkara Littoralis: Also known as the Indian manila, this tree is native to coastal regions and produces edible fruits.


Pongamia Pinnata: Commonly known as the Indian beech or pongam tree, it has various uses, including the production of biofuel, and its seeds are used in traditional medicine.




Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, both terrestrial and marine. Here are some of the fauna commonly found in the sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Rats
  • Bats


Birds:

  • Andanam Crake
  • Serpent-eagle
  • Andaman Tern
  • Andaman Teal
  • Nicobar Pigeon


Reptiles:

  • Andaman Turtle
  • Marine Turtle
  • Hawksbill Turtle

Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary

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