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General Information
The
ecological system of Islands is fragile. Both
top soil cover and water resources are limited. Except for few seasonal streams
(nallahs), Galathea, Alexandria and Dagmar streams in Great Nicobar, there are
no fresh water sources, which can be termed as rivers.
Galathea was explored for the first time in 1901 by the Boden Kloss
expedition and later by a party led by the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobars
District in June 1978. The
Ministry of Environment and Forests, G.O.I. has designated major part of Great
Nicobar as Biosphere reserve. The reserve extends in two parts over 885 Sq.Km.
or about 85% of the Great Nicobar Island. To
conserve and protect the bio diversity of flora and fauna two areas were
declared as National Parks namely Campbell Bay National Park & Galathea
National Park in this district. Three
Islands of Nicobar District has been declared as Wild Life Sanctuary. Battimilav
Island Sanctuary is one of the strongholds of Nicobar Pigeon. Magapode Island
Sanctuary, the southern most wild life sanctuary of India, is one of the last
strongholds of greatly endangered Magapode. Tilanchong Island Sanctuary, set-up
to protect the rare and endangered northern subspecies (Nicobariensis) of the
Magapode. There
are no dangerous wild animals in the District. Common birds found include the
Imperial pigeon, Green pigeon, Golden riole, king fishers, common sparrow,
Babblers, sunbird, green parrot, owls and Doves. There is also a fair prickling
of wild fowls. The common crow is conspicuous by its total absence. Of the sea
birds, only bleak fish eagles and wild sea gulls have been spotted. Bats are
present in large numbers and are eaten as great delicacy. Among
the reptiles, the Python and centipede are found. Crocodiles and monkeys are
found only in Great Nicobar and Katchal Islands. The
Nicobar Islands have a considerable stock of marine life. We have beautiful
coral formations, seashells of different sizes, and varieties of fish like
sardines, tuna, barracuda, mullets, mackerels, starfish and flying fish. Sharks
and dolphins have also been spotted. Whales have also been seen inside the
Nancowry harbour. Other smaller sea creature found includes turtles, octopus and
crabs of all kinds.
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