Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In The Andaman And Nicobar Island And Where To See Them

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an isolated archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, are among India’s most biologically rich regions. Separated from the mainland for millions of years, these islands have evolved a remarkable variety of plant and animal life, much of it found nowhere else on Earth. Dense tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows together support a unique mix of terrestrial and marine species. Among this extraordinary biodiversity, several animals stand out as truly iconic, symbolising the ecological importance of the islands.

Andaman Cuckoo Dove (Macropygia rufipennis)

Andaman Cuckoo-dove from Mt Harriett National Park, Andaman. Image credit: Mvshreeram via Wikimedia Commons.

This beautiful endemic species of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands inhabits forested areas on the islands and feeds on fruits and berries. Although they have been classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, these birds face many threats, including habitat loss and poaching. Although an accurate population census of the species is missing, it is estimated that the bird’s numbers are steadily dropping. These birds have been spotted in the outskirts of Port Blair and are usually found hidden in the forested areas of the islands. The Mount Harrier National Park is an excellent place to observe these birds.

Andaman Cobra (Naja sagittifera)

An Andaman cobra. Image credit: Moinudheen via Wikimedia Commons.

One of the most threatened species of cobras, the Andaman cobra is an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. It is endemic to the islands and has a very potent venom. It can also spit its venom, but is less efficient than the true spitting cobras in this behaviour. It inhabits forested and semi-modified habitats, playing a vital role in controlling small vertebrate populations. Seeing this animal demands great luck because it is one of the best-kept secrets of the Andaman Islands and is known to be extremely elusive and mysterious in nature.

Dugong (Dugong dugon)

A dugong near Neil Island in the Andamans. Image credit: Vardhanjp via Wikimedia Commons.

This threatened marine mammal is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The shallow coastal waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the best places to observe these animals in India. However, only a small population of the animal survives here, making sightings extremely rare. As a specialist herbivore reliant on seagrass meadows, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of marine ecosystems.

Andaman Day Gecko (Phelsuma andamanense)

Andaman day gecko photographed outside Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Image credit: Kalyanvarma via Wikimedia Commons.

This endemic reptile of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a stunner in appearance. It has a bright green colour with red spots and stripes on the back. The tail in males is blue or turquoise. This diurnal and arboreal gecko is one of the few wild species that has managed to adapt well to the increasing anthropogenic presence and has found a new habitat in agricultural fields. Hence, it has grown in numbers and is a least concern species on the IUCN Red List. By feeding on insects, it acts as a natural pest controller.

Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosus)

A Nicobar long-tailed macaque in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. Image credit: Prasun Goswami via Wikimedia Commons.

A subspecies of the crab-eating macaque, this primate is endemic to the Nicobar Islands, where it is found in only three locations: Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, and Katchal. It prefers to inhabit mangroves but is also found in coastal and inland forests. These animals are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and are threatened with habitat loss and human disturbance. These frugivorous animals feed on fruits and nuts, helping to disperse seeds. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Forest houses a population of these primates.

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

A saltwater crocodile. Image credit: Richard.Fisher via Wikimedia Commons.

This apex predator of saltwater habitats is the largest living reptile species in the world. The Andamans host a considerable population of these salties in the coastal waters, mangroves, and open sea. The crocodile helps keep prey populations in check. On rare occasions, crocodiles have approached beaches visited by humans and raised alarms, with a few cases of human deaths due to crocodile attacks reported in the Andamans. Such incidents are, however, very rare, and the waters of the Andamans are mostly safe for swimming and other activities. It is always wise to listen to locals when venturing on isolated beaches to ensure the safety of the waters in the area.

Narcondam Hornbill (Rhyticeros narcondami)

Narcondam Hornbill female on the Ficus rumphii tree. Image credit: Rohitjahnavi via Wikimedia Commons.

This hornbill has the most restricted habitat of all hornbills found in Asia. It is endemic to only Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands region. It is highly dependent on intact forest habitats and serves as a flagship species for the conservation of island biodiversity. The species is primarily frugivorous in nature.