Endangered Wildlife of the Nicobar Islands: 10 Species at Risk from the Great Nicobar Project
Having been isolated for a long time on an ecological timescale, the Nicobar Islands are fertile ground for speciation, or the evolution of new species. The islands thus form a unique ecological niche, with a great proportion of the species at risk of extinction. The following creatures are some of those endangered by the Great Nicobar project:
The Nicobar megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis)
The Nicobar megapode, which has been listed as “vulnerable to extinction” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, is found only in Nicobar. Named for their enormous feet (mega- large; poda- foot) that resemble those of prehistoric species, these pheasant-like birds are becoming an increasingly rare sight in the islands they call home.
The Nicobar megapode, which has been listed as “vulnerable to extinction” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, is found only in Nicobar.
| Photo Credit:
Animalia.bio
A deep dive into megapode behaviour reveals why this animal is commonly known as the “thermometer bird”. Megapodes characteristically lay their eggs in nests of sand, mud, and organic debris built into mounds. Their active nesting mounds can be as large as 10 cubic metres, which is remarkable as the birds grow only to a fraction of the size of their nests. Microbial activity in the organic matter within the nests, which is the primary source of heat for the incubation of the eggs, maintains the heat constantly at 33 degrees Celsius. Young chicks hatch fully feathered with the ability to immediately fly, minimising any parental investment.
Today, Nicobar megapode populations are restricted to only two islands, Great Nicobar being one of them. The bay where the Galathea river empties into the Andaman Sea (also the Galathea Bay wildlife sanctuary) is a hotspot with seven active nesting mounds that are likely to be destroyed by the government’s megaproject. The environmental clearance granted to the project, island-wide, has declared that 30 of the 51 mounds, which constitute almost half of the total number of active mounds estimated on the island as per recent surveys, are situated in the project site and will be permanently destroyed.
Megapodes characteristically lay their eggs in nests of sand, mud, and organic debris built into mounds. The environmental clearance granted to the Great Nicobar port has declared that 30 of the 51 mounds will be permanently destroyed.
| Photo Credit:
M Rajshekhar
A behavioural flight response in most avians, including megapodes which are extremely shy and sensitive creatures, is to completely abandon their nests in the face of danger or unfamiliar stimuli in the environment. Considering how rare breeding pairs are, the infrequent mating events, and the fact that eggs take two to three months to hatch, one can only imagine how devastating the new disturbance-filled environment of a shipping terminal will be on these remarkable architect species.
Nicobar treeshrew (Tupaia nicobarica)
The Nicobar treeshrews are intelligent animals that have been known to form long-lasting feeding relationships with birds like the racket-tailed drongos. They are notoriously rare to find and are listed as endangered in the IUCN list.
| Photo Credit:
Shreeram M V
The Nicobar treeshrew goes largely unnoticed, spending its time high in the canopies for most of its life. Although they have the suffix shrew in their names, they in fact form their own mammalian order, and are more closely related to primates than squirrels or true shrews. The treeshrew in Nicobar is brown-orange all along its elongated face and bushy tail, while adult torsos tend to have darker greyish fur.
The diurnal animal is an insectivore-frugivore that plays a vital role in the management of pest-insect species as well as seed dispersal of those fruits whose seeds they do not consume. The treeshrew is vital to the food chain as it is an important prey of many snake and bird species on the island.
Also Read | Great Nicobar: Disaster in the making
It is one of only four native mammalian species on the terrestrial portion of the island (the others being the wild boar, long tailed macaques and a number of chiropterans) and thereby creates a rather unique ecological niche that no other species can fill. Some studies theorise that treeshrews might be monogamous, i.e. they will only form a single breeding pair in their lives. They are also intelligent animals that have been known to form long-lasting feeding relationships with birds like the racket-tailed drongos.
Tree shrews are shy and notably avoid humans. Notoriously difficult to find and photograph, these creatures are almost entirely absent in urban and suburban zones and prefer secluded interior forest systems like the Great Nicobar Biodiversity Reserve or Galathea National Park. The IUCN red list currently labels them as Endangered.
Great Nicobar serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi)
The great Nicobar serpent eagle is endemic to the Great Nicobar Island and endangered on the IUCN Red List. While some birds of prey like kites are generalist, human-tolerant species, serpent eagles are very rarely sighted alongside settlements or towns and prefer rural farmland or undisturbed forest systems.
| Photo Credit:
Shreeram M V
Only in the past five years has the Great Nicobar serpent eagle been considered its own species. They had formerly been considered a subspecies of a much wider ranging species—the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) which also inhabit these islands. The accipiter (the genus of birds of prey) diversity is remarkable in these islands, with about 15-18 different species of harrier, sparrowhawk, kite, buzzard, baza, and eagle all co-inhabiting this system. Yet, the Great Nicobar serpent eagle is especially uncommon and unique.
By some accounts, this bird is the smallest known species of eagle on the planet. Going by their name, snakes account for a solid portion of the serpent eagle’s prey. However, it has a broader diet that includes other reptiles, frogs, birds, and small mammals. Like the crested serpent eagle, these birds also have a bunch of darker feathers on their head that forms a crest-like tuft. They have a short tail and two powerful talons.
As the Great Nicobar serpent eagle is a new bird species, there are significant knowledge gaps about its behaviour, habitat preferences, or tolerance to humans, but what we do know is that it is endemic to the Great Nicobar Island and endangered on the IUCN Red List. While some accipiters like kites are prime examples of generalist, human-tolerant species, serpent eagles do not share that mindset. They are very rarely sighted alongside settlements or towns and prefer rural farmland or undisturbed forest systems.
Nicobari pig (Sus scrofa nicobaricus)
The Nicobari pig forms a vital prey base for apex predators like crocodiles and is extremely important to the indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese tribes who rely upon it as a primary source of meat. The Nicobarese share a close, special relationship with the wild pig, and regard it as the “food of their ancestors”.
| Photo Credit:
ICAR
Wild boar in general are a widespread group of mammals, and often are so successful in colonising new landscapes that they have become invasive in many parts of the world. However, these opportunistic, generalist species, like so many other fauna in these isolated islands, underwent speciation on Great Nicobar sometime in our distant past, and the result was a subspecies known as the Nicobari pig.
Far more uncommon than their counterparts in similar systems like Indonesia or mainland India, the Nicobari pigs are restricted to reclusive, semi-feral populations. They have dark fur and a sturdy short frame. A mane running from the head to the lower back is a defining feature.
Evidence suggests they have been outcompeted by the domestic pig, goat, or sheep variants; or been hunted by feral dog populations—both of which are invasive species introduced to Great Nicobar. Since there are no other ungulates (large mammals with hooves) on the island like deer, the pig is the biggest wild mammal on the island and thus occupies a niche no other species can replace. It forms a vital prey base for apex predators like crocodiles and is extremely important to the indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese tribes who rely upon it as a primary source of meat. The Nicobarese share a close, special relationship with the wild pig, and regard it as the “food of their ancestors”.
Nicobar scops owl (Otus alius)
While there still has been no population survey, literature exists that estimates that just over 1,000 mature individuals of the Nicobar scops owl are left on Great Nicobar, which constitutes their largest population.
| Photo Credit:
Jainy Kuriakose/Animal Database
The Nicobar scops owl is a large endemic owl species defined by brilliant yellow eyes set on a brown head and body defined by streaks of grey or white plumage, particularly around the head and breast. It is nocturnal and an adept hunter, scouring the forest floor for insects and arachnids, lizards or frogs.
A common story with highly endemic, understudied island species—very little is known of this bird’s ecology. Like most owls, their bodies are adapted to flying in silence, and their low melancholic vocalisations rising in scale are often the only indication of their presence. They have been spotted in a wide range of habitat types, from the eastern coast all the way to the interior forests of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
Until recently there wasn’t enough data on this bird to identify how threatened it is. While there still has been no population survey, literature exists that estimates that just over 1,000 mature individuals are left on Great Nicobar, which constitutes their largest population. This has earned it a “near threatened” label on the IUCN Red List, and population numbers are predicted to decline due to habitat loss as well as anthropogenic hunting/snaring or the use of illegal pesticides.
Daniel’s forest lizard (Bronchocela danieli)
All current observations of the Daniel’s forest lizard have placed this species as endemic to the surroundings of Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar.
| Photo Credit:
Manish Chandi/Wikimedia
Nicobar is a haven for reptile enthusiasts, with its hyper-diverse group of species ranging from skinks and geckos to turtles, monitors and even crocodilians. One species on many checklists is the Daniel’s forest lizard, also known as Daniel’s bloodsucker.
This lizard, a bright green splash of colour with a yellow and black patch just behind the eyes, is semi-arboreal and spends much of its time on low trees and bushes. It is characterised by an impossibly long tail, often comfortably twice the size of its body. Like most bloodsucker lizards, it can change its colour to match its surroundings. It preys on moths, butterflies, dragonflies, and flies. Like other species of its genus, it is oviparous and lays its eggs in loose earth or sand.
All current observations of this lizard have placed this species as endemic to the surroundings of Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar. It is currently classified by IUCN under “least concern”. However, research on its true population density or range has never been carried out.
Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
A report submitted by the Wildlife Institute of India in July 2022 for the conservation and management of the saltwater crocodile states that of the 195km of coastline of the island, 77km of the reptile’s habitat is likely to be affected by the Nicobar shipping project’s activities.
| Photo Credit:
Wikimedia
The largest living reptile on the planet, the saltwater crocodile occupies its well-deserved position as the apex predator on these islands. Growing up to six metres and reaching weights of 1,000-1,500 kg, these relics of prehistoric times are some of the most imposing animals to exist.
Dark greenish gray when adults and bright yellow with black markings when young, these are ambush predators, despite their bulk. Their prey range from sharks, fresh or saltwater fish, and other reptiles to crustaceans, birds, or mammals. They are the only species on the island that the local government has issued warnings about with signposts on beaches or creeks. There is no end to the amount of scientific literature highlighting the status of an apex predator in an ecological system and the role the crocodile plays in Great Nicobar makes it irreplaceable.
A report submitted by the Wildlife Institute of India in July 2022 for the conservation and management of the saltwater crocodile states that of the 195km of coastline of the island, 77km of crocodile habitat is likely to be affected by the shipping project’s activities. The proposed airport is to be set up on a wetland which is going to be designated as a “crocodile-free zone” and any crocodile found there is to be translocated and radio tagged/satellite tagged before it is released in the wild. While a crocodile rescue and rehabilitation centre is proposed, it will only be able to support a maximum of 50 captive individuals.
Looking out over the inappropriately named “Mugger” Nala, one can spot the “salties” lounging barely a few kilometres from Campbell Bay. Reports of farmers encountering them in plantations inundated by water post the 2004 tsunami stand testament to this species’ resilience and ability to adapt. However, no amount of generalism can compensate for the widespread habitat loss or the disturbance they are going to be subjected to, and the new megaproject might very well kickstart the salties’ slow crawl towards local extinction.
Nicobar cat snake (Boiga wallachi)
Widespread habitat loss is pushing the Nicobar cat snake towards settlements where conflict with humans is leading to further harm.
| Photo Credit:
Animalia.bio
A strange phenomenon observed in Great Nicobar is the striking absence of venomous snakes such as cobras, vipers and kraits (except the sea krait). This is unusual since northern and central Nicobar have over five unique species of endemic pit vipers and Indonesia to the south-east is overflowing with venomous species. The closest thing Great Nicobar has to a mildly venomous species is the Nicobar cat snake, an endemic species found nowhere else on the planet.
An olive-coloured snake, with dark rounded blotches, the Nicobar cat snake is almost fully terrestrial and nocturnal, hunting rodents and frogs. Birds’ eggs also form part of its diet. The snakes are characterised by long bodies with large heads and big cat-like eyes, which gives them their genus name.
IUCN has rated this species as “data deficient”, as there have never been any surveys to estimate its density or abundance. There is no protection currently for the species and locals sometimes encounter this animal in coops as it hunts for domestic chicken eggs. Widespread habitat loss is pushing this species towards settlements where conflict with humans is leading to further harm.
Omura’s whale (Balaenoptera omurai)
The environmental impact assessment report for the Great Nicobar port project does not even acknowledge the Omura’s whale (and some other species) whose population has been impacted by habitat loss globally .
| Photo Credit:
Animalia.bio
As little as we know about the species inhabiting the rainforests on the island itself, even less have we scratched the surface of the oceans surrounding the islands. The oceans teem with life often unexplored, undocumented and likely at risk of going extinct before they have even been discovered.
Nicobar’s coastline sports numerous coral reefs teeming with marine life. From tiny anemones all the way to the biggest creatures on the planet, this spectrum of diversity even puts the rainforests above ground to shame.
The Omura’s whale is a species inhabiting the Indo-Pacific ocean system and has been sighted a few times off the coast of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is one of the smallest of the rorqual whales (a type of whale with pleated skin) and was identified as a distinct species only in 2003. Very little is known of its ecology or habitat preferences. They are filter feeders, whose main diet is believed to be the almost planktonic-sized krill.
Also Read | An obit for Patai Takaru
The EIA report for the development plan does not even acknowledge this species and some 12 other cetacean species (species that include whales, porpoises, and dolphins) that inhabit the waters around these islands. While not sedentary organisms, all these species, Omura’s whale included, are terribly impacted by habitat loss globally and even their presence in these waters is a wonderous thing. They are classified under the “data deficient” category on the IUCN Red List, and their populations are steadily declining. Whales are terribly sensitive to sound and there is enough scientific data to show that shipping impacts their abundance.
False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)
Classified as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List, the false killer whale is another species whose presence in the Nicobar waters could soon be a thing of the past.
| Photo Credit:
Wikimedia
Even though it sports ‘whale’ in its name, this is a species of dolphin. The only extant member of the Pseudorca genus, the false killer whale is named thus because its skull structure is similar to that of the orca. A species found on almost every single coastline in the world, this is a highly social animal that forms pods of up to 50 animals.
Black or gray on top and lighter on the underside, they can reach weights of 2,300kg and 20ft in length. A remarkably intelligent species, the whales form everlasting bonds with members of their own pods, and also with members of other species like dolphins. They have been observed responding to distress calls from other species against predators like sharks. They have even been reported interacting sexually with bottlenose dolphins in the wild. False killer whales use echolocation to navigate and find prey. They are viviparous and give birth to their young, like all mammals.
Classified as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List, the false killer whale is another species whose presence in the Nicobar waters could soon be a thing of the past, if the union government goes ahead with its proposed plans.
Saurav Hari Kumar is a wildlife biologist, conservationist, and author.
Having been isolated for a long time on an ecological timescale, the Nicobar Islands are fertile ground for speciation, or the evolution of new species. The islands thus form a unique ecological niche, with a great proportion of the species at risk of extinction. The following creatures are some of those endangered by the Great Nicobar project:
The Nicobar megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis)
The Nicobar megapode, which has been listed as “vulnerable to extinction” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, is found only in Nicobar. Named for their enormous feet (mega- large; poda- foot) that resemble those of prehistoric species, these pheasant-like birds are becoming an increasingly rare sight in the islands they call home.
The Nicobar megapode, which has been listed as “vulnerable to extinction” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, is found only in Nicobar.
| Photo Credit:
Animalia.bio
A deep dive into megapode behaviour reveals why this animal is commonly known as the “thermometer bird”. Megapodes characteristically lay their eggs in nests of sand, mud, and organic debris built into mounds. Their active nesting mounds can be as large as 10 cubic metres, which is remarkable as the birds grow only to a fraction of the size of their nests. Microbial activity in the organic matter within the nests, which is the primary source of heat for the incubation of the eggs, maintains the heat constantly at 33 degrees Celsius. Young chicks hatch fully feathered with the ability to immediately fly, minimising any parental investment.
Today, Nicobar megapode populations are restricted to only two islands, Great Nicobar being one of them. The bay where the Galathea river empties into the Andaman Sea (also the Galathea Bay wildlife sanctuary) is a hotspot with seven active nesting mounds that are likely to be destroyed by the government’s megaproject. The environmental clearance granted to the project, island-wide, has declared that 30 of the 51 mounds, which constitute almost half of the total number of active mounds estimated on the island as per recent surveys, are situated in the project site and will be permanently destroyed.
Megapodes characteristically lay their eggs in nests of sand, mud, and organic debris built into mounds. The environmental clearance granted to the Great Nicobar port has declared that 30 of the 51 mounds will be permanently destroyed.
| Photo Credit:
M Rajshekhar
A behavioural flight response in most avians, including megapodes which are extremely shy and sensitive creatures, is to completely abandon their nests in the face of danger or unfamiliar stimuli in the environment. Considering how rare breeding pairs are, the infrequent mating events, and the fact that eggs take two to three months to hatch, one can only imagine how devastating the new disturbance-filled environment of a shipping terminal will be on these remarkable architect species.
Nicobar treeshrew (Tupaia nicobarica)
The Nicobar treeshrews are intelligent animals that have been known to form long-lasting feeding relationships with birds like the racket-tailed drongos. They are notoriously rare to find and are listed as endangered in the IUCN list.
| Photo Credit:
Shreeram M V
The Nicobar treeshrew goes largely unnoticed, spending its time high in the canopies for most of its life. Although they have the suffix shrew in their names, they in fact form their own mammalian order, and are more closely related to primates than squirrels or true shrews. The treeshrew in Nicobar is brown-orange all along its elongated face and bushy tail, while adult torsos tend to have darker greyish fur.
The diurnal animal is an insectivore-frugivore that plays a vital role in the management of pest-insect species as well as seed dispersal of those fruits whose seeds they do not consume. The treeshrew is vital to the food chain as it is an important prey of many snake and bird species on the island.
Also Read | Great Nicobar: Disaster in the making
It is one of only four native mammalian species on the terrestrial portion of the island (the others being the wild boar, long tailed macaques and a number of chiropterans) and thereby creates a rather unique ecological niche that no other species can fill. Some studies theorise that treeshrews might be monogamous, i.e. they will only form a single breeding pair in their lives. They are also intelligent animals that have been known to form long-lasting feeding relationships with birds like the racket-tailed drongos.
Tree shrews are shy and notably avoid humans. Notoriously difficult to find and photograph, these creatures are almost entirely absent in urban and suburban zones and prefer secluded interior forest systems like the Great Nicobar Biodiversity Reserve or Galathea National Park. The IUCN red list currently labels them as Endangered.
Great Nicobar serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi)
The great Nicobar serpent eagle is endemic to the Great Nicobar Island and endangered on the IUCN Red List. While some birds of prey like kites are generalist, human-tolerant species, serpent eagles are very rarely sighted alongside settlements or towns and prefer rural farmland or undisturbed forest systems.
| Photo Credit:
Shreeram M V
Only in the past five years has the Great Nicobar serpent eagle been considered its own species. They had formerly been considered a subspecies of a much wider ranging species—the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) which also inhabit these islands. The accipiter (the genus of birds of prey) diversity is remarkable in these islands, with about 15-18 different species of harrier, sparrowhawk, kite, buzzard, baza, and eagle all co-inhabiting this system. Yet, the Great Nicobar serpent eagle is especially uncommon and unique.
By some accounts, this bird is the smallest known species of eagle on the planet. Going by their name, snakes account for a solid portion of the serpent eagle’s prey. However, it has a broader diet that includes other reptiles, frogs, birds, and small mammals. Like the crested serpent eagle, these birds also have a bunch of darker feathers on their head that forms a crest-like tuft. They have a short tail and two powerful talons.
As the Great Nicobar serpent eagle is a new bird species, there are significant knowledge gaps about its behaviour, habitat preferences, or tolerance to humans, but what we do know is that it is endemic to the Great Nicobar Island and endangered on the IUCN Red List. While some accipiters like kites are prime examples of generalist, human-tolerant species, serpent eagles do not share that mindset. They are very rarely sighted alongside settlements or towns and prefer rural farmland or undisturbed forest systems.
Nicobari pig (Sus scrofa nicobaricus)
The Nicobari pig forms a vital prey base for apex predators like crocodiles and is extremely important to the indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese tribes who rely upon it as a primary source of meat. The Nicobarese share a close, special relationship with the wild pig, and regard it as the “food of their ancestors”.
| Photo Credit:
ICAR
Wild boar in general are a widespread group of mammals, and often are so successful in colonising new landscapes that they have become invasive in many parts of the world. However, these opportunistic, generalist species, like so many other fauna in these isolated islands, underwent speciation on Great Nicobar sometime in our distant past, and the result was a subspecies known as the Nicobari pig.
Far more uncommon than their counterparts in similar systems like Indonesia or mainland India, the Nicobari pigs are restricted to reclusive, semi-feral populations. They have dark fur and a sturdy short frame. A mane running from the head to the lower back is a defining feature.
Evidence suggests they have been outcompeted by the domestic pig, goat, or sheep variants; or been hunted by feral dog populations—both of which are invasive species introduced to Great Nicobar. Since there are no other ungulates (large mammals with hooves) on the island like deer, the pig is the biggest wild mammal on the island and thus occupies a niche no other species can replace. It forms a vital prey base for apex predators like crocodiles and is extremely important to the indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese tribes who rely upon it as a primary source of meat. The Nicobarese share a close, special relationship with the wild pig, and regard it as the “food of their ancestors”.
Nicobar scops owl (Otus alius)
While there still has been no population survey, literature exists that estimates that just over 1,000 mature individuals of the Nicobar scops owl are left on Great Nicobar, which constitutes their largest population.
| Photo Credit:
Jainy Kuriakose/Animal Database
The Nicobar scops owl is a large endemic owl species defined by brilliant yellow eyes set on a brown head and body defined by streaks of grey or white plumage, particularly around the head and breast. It is nocturnal and an adept hunter, scouring the forest floor for insects and arachnids, lizards or frogs.
A common story with highly endemic, understudied island species—very little is known of this bird’s ecology. Like most owls, their bodies are adapted to flying in silence, and their low melancholic vocalisations rising in scale are often the only indication of their presence. They have been spotted in a wide range of habitat types, from the eastern coast all the way to the interior forests of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
Until recently there wasn’t enough data on this bird to identify how threatened it is. While there still has been no population survey, literature exists that estimates that just over 1,000 mature individuals are left on Great Nicobar, which constitutes their largest population. This has earned it a “near threatened” label on the IUCN Red List, and population numbers are predicted to decline due to habitat loss as well as anthropogenic hunting/snaring or the use of illegal pesticides.
Daniel’s forest lizard (Bronchocela danieli)
All current observations of the Daniel’s forest lizard have placed this species as endemic to the surroundings of Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar.
| Photo Credit:
Manish Chandi/Wikimedia
Nicobar is a haven for reptile enthusiasts, with its hyper-diverse group of species ranging from skinks and geckos to turtles, monitors and even crocodilians. One species on many checklists is the Daniel’s forest lizard, also known as Daniel’s bloodsucker.
This lizard, a bright green splash of colour with a yellow and black patch just behind the eyes, is semi-arboreal and spends much of its time on low trees and bushes. It is characterised by an impossibly long tail, often comfortably twice the size of its body. Like most bloodsucker lizards, it can change its colour to match its surroundings. It preys on moths, butterflies, dragonflies, and flies. Like other species of its genus, it is oviparous and lays its eggs in loose earth or sand.
All current observations of this lizard have placed this species as endemic to the surroundings of Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar. It is currently classified by IUCN under “least concern”. However, research on its true population density or range has never been carried out.
Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
A report submitted by the Wildlife Institute of India in July 2022 for the conservation and management of the saltwater crocodile states that of the 195km of coastline of the island, 77km of the reptile’s habitat is likely to be affected by the Nicobar shipping project’s activities.
| Photo Credit:
Wikimedia
The largest living reptile on the planet, the saltwater crocodile occupies its well-deserved position as the apex predator on these islands. Growing up to six metres and reaching weights of 1,000-1,500 kg, these relics of prehistoric times are some of the most imposing animals to exist.
Dark greenish gray when adults and bright yellow with black markings when young, these are ambush predators, despite their bulk. Their prey range from sharks, fresh or saltwater fish, and other reptiles to crustaceans, birds, or mammals. They are the only species on the island that the local government has issued warnings about with signposts on beaches or creeks. There is no end to the amount of scientific literature highlighting the status of an apex predator in an ecological system and the role the crocodile plays in Great Nicobar makes it irreplaceable.
A report submitted by the Wildlife Institute of India in July 2022 for the conservation and management of the saltwater crocodile states that of the 195km of coastline of the island, 77km of crocodile habitat is likely to be affected by the shipping project’s activities. The proposed airport is to be set up on a wetland which is going to be designated as a “crocodile-free zone” and any crocodile found there is to be translocated and radio tagged/satellite tagged before it is released in the wild. While a crocodile rescue and rehabilitation centre is proposed, it will only be able to support a maximum of 50 captive individuals.
Looking out over the inappropriately named “Mugger” Nala, one can spot the “salties” lounging barely a few kilometres from Campbell Bay. Reports of farmers encountering them in plantations inundated by water post the 2004 tsunami stand testament to this species’ resilience and ability to adapt. However, no amount of generalism can compensate for the widespread habitat loss or the disturbance they are going to be subjected to, and the new megaproject might very well kickstart the salties’ slow crawl towards local extinction.
Nicobar cat snake (Boiga wallachi)
Widespread habitat loss is pushing the Nicobar cat snake towards settlements where conflict with humans is leading to further harm.
| Photo Credit:
Animalia.bio
A strange phenomenon observed in Great Nicobar is the striking absence of venomous snakes such as cobras, vipers and kraits (except the sea krait). This is unusual since northern and central Nicobar have over five unique species of endemic pit vipers and Indonesia to the south-east is overflowing with venomous species. The closest thing Great Nicobar has to a mildly venomous species is the Nicobar cat snake, an endemic species found nowhere else on the planet.
An olive-coloured snake, with dark rounded blotches, the Nicobar cat snake is almost fully terrestrial and nocturnal, hunting rodents and frogs. Birds’ eggs also form part of its diet. The snakes are characterised by long bodies with large heads and big cat-like eyes, which gives them their genus name.
IUCN has rated this species as “data deficient”, as there have never been any surveys to estimate its density or abundance. There is no protection currently for the species and locals sometimes encounter this animal in coops as it hunts for domestic chicken eggs. Widespread habitat loss is pushing this species towards settlements where conflict with humans is leading to further harm.
Omura’s whale (Balaenoptera omurai)
The environmental impact assessment report for the Great Nicobar port project does not even acknowledge the Omura’s whale (and some other species) whose population has been impacted by habitat loss globally .
| Photo Credit:
Animalia.bio
As little as we know about the species inhabiting the rainforests on the island itself, even less have we scratched the surface of the oceans surrounding the islands. The oceans teem with life often unexplored, undocumented and likely at risk of going extinct before they have even been discovered.
Nicobar’s coastline sports numerous coral reefs teeming with marine life. From tiny anemones all the way to the biggest creatures on the planet, this spectrum of diversity even puts the rainforests above ground to shame.
The Omura’s whale is a species inhabiting the Indo-Pacific ocean system and has been sighted a few times off the coast of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is one of the smallest of the rorqual whales (a type of whale with pleated skin) and was identified as a distinct species only in 2003. Very little is known of its ecology or habitat preferences. They are filter feeders, whose main diet is believed to be the almost planktonic-sized krill.
Also Read | An obit for Patai Takaru
The EIA report for the development plan does not even acknowledge this species and some 12 other cetacean species (species that include whales, porpoises, and dolphins) that inhabit the waters around these islands. While not sedentary organisms, all these species, Omura’s whale included, are terribly impacted by habitat loss globally and even their presence in these waters is a wonderous thing. They are classified under the “data deficient” category on the IUCN Red List, and their populations are steadily declining. Whales are terribly sensitive to sound and there is enough scientific data to show that shipping impacts their abundance.
False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)
Classified as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List, the false killer whale is another species whose presence in the Nicobar waters could soon be a thing of the past.
| Photo Credit:
Wikimedia
Even though it sports ‘whale’ in its name, this is a species of dolphin. The only extant member of the Pseudorca genus, the false killer whale is named thus because its skull structure is similar to that of the orca. A species found on almost every single coastline in the world, this is a highly social animal that forms pods of up to 50 animals.
Black or gray on top and lighter on the underside, they can reach weights of 2,300kg and 20ft in length. A remarkably intelligent species, the whales form everlasting bonds with members of their own pods, and also with members of other species like dolphins. They have been observed responding to distress calls from other species against predators like sharks. They have even been reported interacting sexually with bottlenose dolphins in the wild. False killer whales use echolocation to navigate and find prey. They are viviparous and give birth to their young, like all mammals.
Classified as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List, the false killer whale is another species whose presence in the Nicobar waters could soon be a thing of the past, if the union government goes ahead with its proposed plans.
Saurav Hari Kumar is a wildlife biologist, conservationist, and author.
