Environment and ecology
Great Nicobar Project Site Biodiversity
New Species Discoveries
- A new wolf snake, Lycodon irwini, named after Steve Irwin, described in Evolutionary Systematics.
- Only four records exist; sharply restricted range; recommended as Endangered (IUCN).
- A potentially new bird species, the Great Nicobar Crake (Rallina sp), photographed only three times in over a decade.
- Since 2021, nearly 40 new species reported from the site, including:
- Frogs: 2 species
- Crabs: 4 species
- Geckos: 2 species
- Various insects (flies, moths, beetles)
Biodiversity Significance
- Great Nicobar Island hosts 650 plant species and over 1,800 fauna species.
- Exhibits ~24% endemism in some faunal groups.
- Rich tropical rainforest ecosystem, described as “perhaps the finest left in India” by experts.
- The discoveries highlight the island’s genetic and ecological richness.
