"Learning place for sustainable development" is what a Biosphere reserve is, and of the 18 reserves located in India the 'Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve' is an iconic one.
It was started in 1989, spreading across an area of 885 sq kms, that nurtures, protects and is a home to wide variety of endemic flora, fauna as well as indigenous tribal communities of these islands. Moreover, the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve incorporates two National parks ( out of 106 parks in India). These two parks include:-
- Campbell Bay National Park
- Galathea National Park
As all other reserves this also harbours rich biodiversity but its uniqueness lies in being a home to large number of endemic and endangered species of fauna, that include the Crab eating Macaque (Monkey), Nicobar tree shrew, Dugong (Sea cow) , Nicobar Megapode, Serpent eagle, saltwater crocodile, marine turtles and reticulated python.
Below are few images-
Dugong(Sea cow)
Saltwater Crocodile
Tree fern is yet another endemic widely spread flora that are actually ferns with trunk that grow large like trees.
Fascinating diversity right!
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Apart from these Great Nicobar Biosphere reserve also has a Forest trial with hanging bridges, streams of water making it a delightful and totally enjoyable experience for all age groups.
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Nicobar long tailed crab eating macaque
Besides a scenic view point is also there from where captivating view of beautiful Island can be seen, and is a charming picnic location.
Most of all, this reserve safeguards the very essence of terrestrial & coastal biodiversity itself. May we never forget that:
'The loss of even a single species diminishes the richness of our planet. So, let us cherish and preserve God's magnificent and awe inspiring creation and nature's web of life.'
