10 endangered species of the Nicobar Islands

Nicobar Islands: Endangered Species & Development Threats

Context:

• Nicobar Islands: ecologically isolated → high endemism & unique niches
• Threat: Great Nicobar Project (port, airport, infrastructure) → habitat loss, ecosystem disruption

Key Endangered & Endemic Species

1. Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis) – Vulnerable (IUCN)
   • Large feet; builds mounds for eggs incubated by microbial heat (~33°C)
   • Restricted to 2 islands; 30 of 51 active mounds threatened by port construction
   • Sensitive; nests abandoned under disturbance → breeding risk
2. Nicobar Treeshrew (Tupaia nicobarica) – Endangered
   • Insectivore-frugivore; aids seed dispersal & pest control
   • Rare, arboreal, intelligent; monogamous pairings possible
   • Confined to interior forests; threatened by habitat loss
3. Great Nicobar Serpent Eagle (Spilornis klossi) – Endangered
   • Endemic; small eagle species; preys on snakes & small animals
   • Avoids human settlements; sensitive to disturbances
   • Newly recognized species (past 5 years) → limited ecological data
4. Nicobari Pig (Sus scrofa nicobaricus) – Endangered
   • Largest native ungulate; prey for apex predators
   • Important to Shompen & Nicobarese tribes
   • Threatened by invasive pigs, goats, hunting
5. Nicobar Scops Owl (Otus alius) – Near Threatened
   • Endemic; nocturnal predator of insects, lizards, frogs
   • ~1,000 mature individuals; declining due to habitat loss & hunting
6. Daniel’s Forest Lizard (Bronchocela danieli) – Least Concern
   • Semi-arboreal, bright green, long tail, insectivore
   • Endemic to Campbell Bay; habitat & population poorly studied
7. Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)– Apex predator
   • Largest living reptile; habitat (~77 km of 195 km coastline) affected by project
   • Vital ecological role; proposed relocation & rehabilitation centers insufficient
8. Nicobar Cat Snake (Boiga wallachi) – Data Deficient
   • Endemic, nocturnal, hunts rodents & eggs
   • Habitat loss → human-wildlife conflict; unprotected species
9. Omura’s Whale (Balaenoptera omurai) – Data Deficient
   • Small rorqual; filter feeder; sightings off Nicobar coast
   • Affected by shipping, noise, habitat loss; unacknowledged in EIA
10. False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens) – Near Threatened
    • Dolphin species; highly social, forms pods & interspecies bonds
    • Threatened by shipping & industrial activities

Threats from Great Nicobar Project

• Habitat destruction (forests, wetlands, coral reefs)
• Disturbance to breeding & nesting sites
• Incomplete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) → some species ignored
• Human-wildlife conflicts, invasive species pressure

Significance:

• Nicobar Islands: hotspot for endemism, ecological uniqueness
• Development may trigger local extinctions and disrupt indigenous livelihoods
  
  Updated - Feb 12, 2025 ; 09:19 PM | https://frontline.thehindu.com/