Andaman And Nicobar To Promote Birdwatching As Key Eco-Tourism Activity

The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has launched a new initiative to promote birdwatching as a means to attract tourists and raise awareness among local communities about the region’s rich birdlife, according to a PTI report. “Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to many endemic birds,” said Tourism Secretary Jyoti Kumari. “The initiative has been taken to create awareness on the islands' rich avifauna diversity, potential of different segments of tourism, and to encourage responsible travel practices.”Diverse SpeciesThe Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a haven for diverse birdlife, boasting a number of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Key among these are the state bird - the Andaman Wood Pigeon, the Andaman Crake, the Andaman Serpent Eagle, and the Narcondam Hornbill. Other notable birds include the Nicobar Pigeon, the Andaman Green Pigeon, and the Andaman Shama. On July 27, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Avians Club Andaman and Nicobar Islands, hosted a special public lecture titled “Birdwatching in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.” The session was led by Arun Singh, President of the Avians Club.The lecture spotlighted the islands' exceptional biodiversity, which includes over 300 bird species, many of which are rare or endemic—such as the Andaman Woodpecker, Nicobar Megapode, and Andaman Crake. Singh emphasised that birdwatching is not only a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts but also for sustainable tourism.He noted that birdwatching could be strategically promoted during the monsoon and shoulder seasons to help balance tourist flow, reduce pressure on popular destinations, and provide alternative income streams for local communities through guided tours and eco-friendly homestays.Habitat Loss And Hunting Endanger Unique Island AvifaunaSeveral endemic bird species in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are under threat from habitat loss, hunting, and invasive species. Notable among them are the Andaman Wood Pigeon, Nicobar Megapode, and Nicobar Imperial Pigeon. The Andaman Wood Pigeon is listed as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN, with an estimated 2,500–10,000 mature individuals. Other threatened species include the Andaman Serpent Eagle and Andaman Woodpecker. Development projects, hunting, and invasive species continue to endanger their fragile habitats.Impending Habitat LossThe upcoming Andaman and Nicobar development project poses significant risks to the region's birdlife due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The project, particularly the one on Great Nicobar Island, involves extensive deforestation and construction of infrastructure, leading to the destruction and disturbance of natural habitats essential for various bird species. This can result in population declines, reduced breeding success, and even local extinctions. Additionally, the increased human activity and noise pollution associated with the project can further disrupt bird behavior and foraging patterns. Winged Delights: Bird Watching In Bodoland