Great Nicobar Island is showcasing exceptional biodiversity, with researchers recently identifying a new snake species and potentially a new bird species. These findings contribute to nearly 40 species documented from the island since 2021, reinforcing its reputation as one of India's richest and least explored ecological landscapes.
A newly identified wolf snake, Lycodon irwini, has been named in honor of the renowned Australian conservationist Steve Irwin. This species has been observed only four times, indicating its extreme rarity. The study, published in Evolutionary Systematics, was conducted by researchers from Pondicherry University, the Max Planck Institute for Biology, and independent naturalists. It highlights the snake’s limited distribution and suggests classifying it as “Endangered” based on IUCN criteria due to potential threats and a narrow habitat range.
Bird enthusiasts have reported sightings of the Great Nicobar Crake (Rallina sp.), which has been photographed only three times in over a decade. Documented in the journal Indian Birds, this species exhibits distinctive morphological traits not found in any known crakes, suggesting it may be a new addition to science. However, its ecology, population size, and distribution remain poorly understood, highlighting the urgent need for further research.
Great Nicobar Island is home to approximately 650 plant species and over 1,800 species of fauna, with some groups demonstrating nearly 24% endemism. Since 2021, recent discoveries have included frogs, crabs, geckos, and various insects. Conservationists emphasize that the frequency of these new findings underscores the island’s ecological significance and the urgent need for enhanced protection of its tropical rainforests.
Experts highlight that Great Nicobar Island contains some of India’s finest remaining tropical rainforests. The ongoing discoveries reveal the ecological value at risk amid rising development pressures. Researchers and conservationists advocate for comprehensive protection measures to preserve the island’s unique genetic and species diversity for future generations.
Q1. What is Lycodon irwini?
Answer: Lycodon irwini is a newly discovered wolf snake named after conservationist Steve Irwin, with only four known records, indicating its rarity and the need for conservation.
Q2. Why is the Great Nicobar Crake significant?
Answer: The Great Nicobar Crake may be a new bird species, having been photographed only three times in over a decade, indicating its potential uniqueness and need for study.
Q3. How many species are found in Great Nicobar Island?
Answer: Great Nicobar Island is home to about 650 plant species and over 1,800 species of fauna, showcasing its rich biodiversity.
Q4. What percentage of species in Great Nicobar are endemic?
Answer: Approximately 24% of the fauna species in Great Nicobar Island are endemic, highlighting its ecological importance and uniqueness.
Q5. What conservation measures are needed for Great Nicobar Island?
Answer: Comprehensive protection measures are essential to safeguard Great Nicobar Island’s unique biodiversity and tropical rainforests amidst development pressures.
Question 1: What is the newly discovered snake species from Great Nicobar Island?
A) Lycodon irwini
B) Rallina sp.
C) Crocodylus porosus
D) Naja naja
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: How many times has the Great Nicobar Crake been photographed?
A) Five times
B) Three times
C) Ten times
D) Once
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What percentage of species in Great Nicobar Island are endemic?
A) 10%
B) 15%
C) 24%
D) 30%
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which journal published the study on Lycodon irwini?
A) Indian Birds
B) Evolutionary Systematics
C) Nature
D) Ecology
Correct Answer: B
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