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.
