Conservation of birds of the

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Lalitha Vijayan

Vijayan, L. 2009. Conservation of birds of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Indian Birds 5 (4): 103107.
Lalitha Vijayan, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore 641108, Tamil Nadu, India.
Email: vijayanlalitha@gmail.com

Abstract
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a rich variety of flora and fauna with many rare and endemic
species. Realising the importance of the need for conservation of the biodiversity of this fragile island
ecosystem, the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History undertook several studies
with a focus on birds and their habitats. An overview of these studies, a summary of the results, and
conservation perspectives are presented here. A total of 288 avian spp., including subspecies, are
recorded from these islands. Five species were studied in detail, namely Nicobar Megapode Megapodius
nicobariensis, Narcondam Hornbill Aceros narcondami, Andaman Teal Anas albogularis, Andaman Crake
Rallina canningi, and Edible-nest Swiftlet Collocalia fuciphaga, and species-specific measures for the
conservation of these birds, and their habitats, were recommended.

Introduction and distribution of some of the species, especially the endemics,

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one of the major island and also ecology of the target species were studied following
archipelagos of India, are well known for their rich biodiversity standard methods (Pettingill 1985; Bibby et al. 1992). Studies of
(Saldanha 1989; Vijayan et al. 2000; Jayaraj & Andrews 2005). target species covered different seasons, except for the Narcondam
However, island communities are a most vulnerable biota, and Hornbill. Habitat characterisation of the Andaman Islands, and
island ecosystems are not only very fragile, but also harbour a identification of high bird diversity areas were done by bird counts
higher proportion of endemics with greater chances of extinction and using remote sensing and GIS techniques following Roy et
(Castellata et al. 2000)because of rarity, inbreeding, natural al. (1986), Prasad et al. (1998), and IIRS (2003). The consequences
calamities, introduced species, and so on (Brooks et al. 1997). of the tsunami of December 2004 on the Nicobar Megapodes was
Forest birds, especially those on islands, are more threatened assessed in 2005, and a study is under way on the restoration of the
(Stattersfield et al. 1998; BirdLife International 2001). Saldanha affected areas. The impact of nest collection of Edible-nest Swiftlets
(1988) has reviewed the studies conducted in the Andaman and was studied by monitoring the nesting colonies in caves and was
Nicobar Islands. The Zoological Survey of India and the Bombay followed up by developing a programme for in-situ and ex-situ
Natural History society have been conducting faunal surveys conservation of this species (Sankaran1998a; Anon. 2008), which
on these islands. However, detailed ecological studies were few is being continued in collaboration with the Forest Department
and hence the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
History (SACON) undertook several studies with a focus on the
conservation of birds and their habitats. Ravi Sankaran and I Results & Discussion
initiated these studies. An overview of the studies on the birds of Initially, a review of the status and distribution of avian taxa was
these islands, especially by SACON and the conservation issues prepared by Sankaran & Vijayan (1993), which listed a total of
are presented here. about 274 including 106 endemics. However, all did not accept
status of a few taxa. During our surveys from 1992 to 1998, only
Study area and methods a few species were observed due to the following reasons: 1)
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (645N1341N 9212E more emphasis was given to resident and endemic species, and
9357E), in the Bay of Bengal, are spread over 8,249 km 2, 2) many sub-species could not be differentiated without catching
comprising the Andaman Islands (6,408 km2), and Nicobar Islands them and taking various morphometric measurements During
(1841 km2). Jayaraj & Andrews (2005), and Andrews et al. (2006) these surveys we found that seven endemic taxa were very
have presented the latest details regarding biodiversity, and the common in AndamansGreen Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
state of the environment, respectively, of these islands. andamanica, Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri abbotti,
SACON started preliminary surveys of the birds of these Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis andamanensis, Racket-tailed
islands in 1992, as a priority area for research and conservation. Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus otiosus, Asian Fairy-Bluebird Irena
Status surveys were conducted, following strip transects and puella andamanica, Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis tytleri,
stratified sample counts, for the birds in general and especially and Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus whistleri, of which
for a few target species namely, Nicobar Megapode Megapodius the last two occur also on Nicobar (Vijayan 1999). The Andaman
nicobariensis, Andaman Teal Anas (gibberifrons) albogularis, Dark Serpent Eagle Spilornis elgini, a near-threatened species, but
Narcondam Hornbill Aceros narcondami, Edible-nest Swiftlet also cited as one of the rare birds of the world (Mountfort 1988),
Collocalia fuciphaga, and Andaman Crake Rallina canningi. Status was rather common during this survey. Ten species were added

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Vijayan: Andaman & Nicobar Islands

(Vijayan et al. 2000) to the existing list for these islands (Sankaran & Sivakumar (1999), Sivakumar (2000), and Vijayan et al. (2000)
& Vijayan 1993) and during 20032004 we added three more studied its ecology. This species is a primitive mound-nester of
(Vijayan et al. 2005; Mamannan & Vijayan 2009), while Yahya & the littoral forest (Ali & Ripley 1987), mainly restricting itself
Zarri (2002a) added another, taking the list to 288. Studies in the to within 100 m of the beach. The populations showed declines
Nicobar Islands have revealed the status of several endemic birds in many islands where the coastal forests were destroyed or
and suggestions for developing a protected area network have disturbed and the species is threatened (vulnerable) under IUCN
been proposed (Sankaran 1995, 1997, 1998b). Many endemics criteria (BirdLife International 2001, 2008). The present status, after
were rare and we could not gather enough data to determine their tsunami, reveals a decline of about 70%, as the littoral forest has
status. Three species on the islands were found assessed to be of been heavily destroyed (Sankaran 2005; Sivakumar 2007).
immediate conservation concern and were chosen for detailed
studiesNicobar Megapode, Narcondam Hornbill, and Andaman
Narcondam Hornbill
Teal (Vijayan 1993).
This species has a highly restricted range (6.82 km2) on Narcondam
The avifauna of the Andaman Islands shows greater affinity
Island in North Andaman. Its population was estimated at 330
to that of south-east Asia and mainland India, than with that of
360 in 1998 (Sankaran 1998c), showing a decline from the 1972
Nicobar Islands (Vijayan et al. 2005). Endemic species preferred
record of 400 (Hussain 1984). It is threatened (vulnerable) under
moist forests and Andaman Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia rufipennis,
IUCN category (BirdLife International 2008). Sankaran (1998c),
Andaman Hawk-Owl Ninox a. affinis and Andaman Crake were
and Vijayan et al. (2000) documented its altitudinal distribution,
rare; the last species being recorded for the first time from North
nests, and population structure . Breeding birds were over four
and Little Andaman (Vijayan et al. 2005). SACONs landscape
years old and constituted around 4653% of the population. A
ecology study has generated biological richness maps, with areas
majority (88%) of the nests was below 200 m altitude while the
of different grades, for each major island group; Little Andaman
younger non-breeding birds occupied elevations >300 m. The
showed a third of its area as having very high priority, followed
nests were located in holes on the trunk or broken branches of
by South Andaman (Vijayan et al. 2005).
large trees. Birds fed on a wide variety of fruits and invertebrates
and occasionally small reptiles.
Nicobar Megapode Another short-term study was carried out between January
The Nicobar Megapode has two sub-species: M. n. nicobariensis and March 2003 on roosting and nesting by Vivek & Vijayan
inhabits the Nancowry group of islands north of Sombrero (2003). Their population estimate was 320340 birds, which was
Channel, mainly Nancowry, Teressa and Bomboka, and M .n. similar to that of the earlier study but differed from the 432 of
abbotti, the Great Nicobar group of islands, mainly Great Nicobar. Yahya & Zarri (2002b), . These birds used mature undisturbed
The population of the former was estimated at 1,2002,100 and forests with large trees for nesting and roosting. Additional
of the latter between 3400 and 6000 (Sankaran 1995). Sankaran information was obtained on roosting and pre-nesting activities.

Photo: Pankaj Sekhsaria

A megapode on the banks of the Galathea River at South Bay, Great Nicobar Island (2002).

104 Indian Birds Vol. 5 No. 4 (Publ. 15th October 2009)

 Vijayan: Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Adult birds roosted in pairs on large trees at elevations of <255 with clumped distribution showing preference for semi-evergreen
m, and juveniles, in small flocks of three to seven, on a branch of and evergreen forests. Its nest is cup-shaped, made up of leaves
a tree located at higher elevations. and twigs, located mostly on the ground, between the buttresses of
trees, within 200 m of the forests edge and near water. Although
the population could not be estimated, taking into consideration its
Andaman Teal
low encounter rate, the IUCN criteria such as the restricted range of
The Andaman Teal is restricted to the Andaman Islands and it
distribution and a fragmented population with declining locations,
has long been considered globally endangered at the sub-species
area of occurrence estimated to be <5,000 km2 (around 4,000 km2),
level (Green 1992). Green (1992) designated the Andaman Teal as
area of occupancy of around 700 km2, this species is recommended
vulnerable or doubtfully vulnerable, and Vijayan (1996), Green
to be considered Vulnerable under threatened category (Vijayan
(1996), and Anon. (2001) categorized it endangered, at sub-species
& Ezhilarasi 2007). At present BirdLife International (2008) has
level. This taxon has been raised to full species status as Anas
listed it as near threatened.
albogularis by Rasmussen & Anderton (2005). However, BirdLife
International (2001, 2008) has not recognised this, and continues
to list it as sub-species. This species is the only threatened endemic Conservation issues and suggestions
duck in India, with the exception of the Pink-headed Duck Habitat loss or degradation, hunting, and introduced species are
Rhodonessa caryophyllacea, which is believed to be extinct. The the major threats to birds on these islands, as they are to all the
Andaman Teal inhabits freshwater streams, ponds, swamps and threatened birds of Asia, mainly because 80% are forest species,
brackish water swamps, tidal creeks and estuaries (Ali & Ripley especially of lowland tropical forests) 30% have a restricted
1987). A detailed study on this species during 19951998 estimated range of distribution as on the islands (BirdLife International
its population at 500600 (Vijayan et al. 2000), and later studies, 2001; Riley 2002) where habitat changes affect the species much
during 20032004 also found these estimates valid (Vijayan et al. more than on the mainland (Brooks et al. 1997). Habitat loss, in
2006). However, fluctuation in numbers was very high because of many parts of the world, is mainly due to human interferences
local movements, and the counts were not simultaneous, hence (Castellatta et al.2000). The population problem (mainly because
it was difficult to get a realistic population estimate. Ecology of of the settlers from mainland India) has been identified as one of
this species showed differential use of habitats at different times. the root causes for habitat changes and other related problems
Nesting pools were 2050 cm deep, mainly brackish, and located with the development of the area (Davidar et al. 1995, 1996;
in coastal areas, 50100 m from the hightide line. The nest was a Vijayan 1996,; Sankaran 1997; Vijayan et al. 2005). The Forest
platform of grass or reed mat, 2035 cm above water, among the Survey of India reports of 1999 and 2005 have shown a decrease
reeds, and 2050 cm from open water (Vijayan et al. 2000, 2006; of 1.5% and 8.6% of forests during 19941998 and 19992003
Vijayan 2006). respectively, in the Andaman Islands, which are attributed to
encroachment by settlers (FSI 1999, 2005). However, there is hope
in the futurewith the stopping of commercial forestry (logging)
Edible-nest Swiftlet
operations, removal of encroachments, and habitat restoration
The Edible-nest Swiftlet, a cave dwelling species, ranges from
(Vijayan et al.2006).
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through Indonesia to the
The most immediate threat in the Nicobars is the proposal
Philippinesthe endemic race on the islands being C. f. inexpectata.
to make Great Nicobar a free port and to create a dry dock and
Its population showed declines due to indiscriminate and
refueling base for international shipping at the mouth of the
unrestricted nest collections as the nests are made of its saliva, and
Galathea River (Vijayan et al. 2000). Sankaran (1997) had suggested
the main ingredient of bird-nest soup (Sankaran1998a; Sankaran
developing a protected area network for the Nicobar Islands.
2001). Subsequently, a programme was developed in 2002 for in-
The 2004 tsunami created havoc, much more in the Nicobars, but
situ and ex-situ conservation, the latter using the White-bellied
natural regeneration along with habitat restoration could improve
Swiftlet C. esculenta as a foster parent. It has been progressing well;
the situation (Sivakumar 2007).
the chicks of the Edible-nest Swiftlet foster-reared by the White-
Data deficient, threatened, and near threatened species,
bellied Swiftlet have come back for nesting; artificial houses are
especially endemic, should be given higher priority for research
also found to be used by them for nesting, showing the suitability
and conservation. Andaman and Nicobar Islands form two of the
of this programme for farming this species for its sustainable use
218 Endemic Bird Areas of the world with 18 endemic species
and conservation (Sankaran & Manchi 2008; Anon. 2008). They also
(Stattersfield et al. 1998) and with the addition of the new species,
found that in-situ conservation has paid dividends, as protection
Nicobar Scops-owl Otus alius (Rasmussen 1999), now there are
provided to the caves has helped in substantially increasing the
19. Four species are common to both the Andaman and Nicobar
population of the Edible-nest Swiftlet at the selected sites.
groups of islands. Rasmussen & Anderton (2005) have given
full species status to the Andaman Teal and their list shows 20
Andaman Crake endemics in Andaman and eight in Nicobar. According to BirdLife
The Andaman Crake is rare and endemic to the Andaman Islands. International (2008), of the 19 endemics, four are threatened, one
So little is known about its ecology and biology that BirdLife data deficient, and 11 near-threatened. Nicobar Scops-owl is data
International (2001) listed it as data deficient. Hence, a detailed deficient, and Nicobar Sparrowhawk Accipiter butleri and Nicobar
study was carried out during 20042007 with status surveys Bulbul Hypsipetes nicobariensis are the two threatened taxa on
on various islands and ecological studies at two locations, but Nicobar Island, which are not studied. Many other species also
mainly at Pathilevel, North Andaman (Vijayan & Ezhilarasi 2007; require detailed surveys during different seasons, concentrating
Ezhilarasi 2009). Its population could not be estimated as we had on their specific habitats, in order to assess their status. BirdLife
problems in sighting the bird and assessing the distance of calls. International (2001) has documented that more than 80% of the
The mean encounter rate of this bird was low, 0.29 bird/ point. threatened birds in Asia require population status for monitoring.
Smaller islands had lower abundance, but it was higher on larger Meaningful conservation measures can be suggested only after
islands, especially in South, Middle and North Andaman. The understanding the ecological requirements of these species
study shows that the bird is a habitat specialist of moist forests (Vijayan 1996).

Indian Birds Vol. 5 No. 4 (Publ. 15th October 2009) 105

Vijayan: Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Although an ecological study of the Andaman Teal was Administration, Forest Development Corporation, Public Works, Harbour
conducted for two years, evaluating its habitat requirements, an Works, Tribal Welfare, Police, Navy, and Coast-guard were also helpful.
estimate of such available habitats and movement patterns need Scientists from various institutions, namely Botanical Survey of India,
Zoological Survey of India and Central Agricultural Research Institute,
to be worked out immediately and site-specific action needed
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Environmental Team, and many others
to save this species from extinction (Vijayan 2006; Vijayan et helped us during the study. We have benefited from the discussions
al. 2006). The ecology of the Narcondam Hornbill, although and communication with many other scientists within and outside the
partly studied during one breeding season, has yet to be studied country. The support from many field assistants and the local communities
intensively (Sankaran 1998c; Vijayan et al. 2000; Vivek & Vijayan throughout our studies is gratefully remembered. My heartfelt thanks go
2003). The Andaman Crake has a low nesting success, and its to Aasheesh Pittie for taking the initiative of publishing a memorial issue
fledgling success could not be recorded. Its population is naturally of Indian Birds for Ravi Sankaran and for inviting an article from me.
fragmented and there has been a loss of the species from many
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In memoriam
Chaman Lal Trisal 19482009

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in South and West Asia. Proc. Int. Symp., Karachi, Pakistan. 14-20 December 1991. 4149. Moser, M. & van Vessem,
J. (eds.). Slimbridge, UK: IWRB.
Trisal, C. L. 1998. Kashmir: Fast disappearing. In: Survey of the Environment '98. 9599. Ravi, N. (ed.) Chennai: The
Hindu.
Trisal, C. L. 1999. Kashmir wetlands: conservation strategies. Environ 7 (2): 4648, 6567.
Trisal, C. L., Ivan, R. & Kundangar, M. R. D. 1994. Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir. 1st ed. Delhi: WWF-India.

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