Flora and Fauna in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Have you ever wondered what makes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands one of the most biodiverse corners of India?

These islands aren’t just about scenic beaches or calm waters — they’re a living, breathing world of wild beauty. Did you know that nearly 90% of the land here is still covered in dense tropical forests? That’s not something you come across often. With over 2,200 species of plants, rare animals like the dugong (yep, the sea cow), and some of the most stunning coral reefs in Andaman, this place is truly a natural wonder. Whether you’re walking through the forests, spotting birds on Bird Island, or just soaking in the marine life beneath the surface, you start to realize how unique and untouched this part of India still is. In this blog, I’m going to walk you through the flora and fauna that make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands so special — and also touch on how humans have affected this ecosystem over time.

Flora of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, nestled in the Bay of Bengal, are a treasure trove of lush greenery, unique vegetation, and rare plant species. Thanks to their tropical climate and geographic isolation, these islands boast a highly diverse and rich ecosystem. Over 2,200 plant species have been recorded here, many of which are endemic—found nowhere else on Earth. Among these, Pyinma (Lagerstroemia hypoleuca), with its smooth white bark and elegant canopy, holds special significance as the state tree of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The forests are not only beautiful but also ecologically significant, offering shelter to a range of wildlife and maintaining the environmental balance of the region.

The forests on these islands can be broadly categorized into tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and mangrove forests. The tropical evergreen forests dominate the landscape with tall, dense trees that form thick canopies. These include species like Dipterocarpus, Hopea, Calophyllum, and Terminalia. These trees are known for their height and hardwood quality and are a signature sight in the interior forest zones of the islands. The semi-evergreen forests, on the other hand, are slightly less dense and host a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees.

Tropical Forest of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Tropical forests are among the richest and most vibrant ecosystems in the region. Due to tropical hot and humid climate with consistent rainfall, these forests remain the lush and green throughout the year and cover 84.4% of the total geography of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These forests are present in the Campbell Bay National Park in Great Nicobar. The canopy is dominated by towering trees like Dipterocarpus species, Canarium euphyllum, and Pterocarpus dalbergioides — commonly known as Andaman Padauk, a prized local timber. Beneath this canopy, you’ll find a dense and diverse undergrowth of ferns, orchids, climbing vines, and shade-loving plants. These forests not only offer visual splendor but also play an important role in absorbing carbon and preserving the islands’ unique biodiversity.

Semi – Tropical Evergreen of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

These forests are mostly found in the valleys and lower areas of the Andaman Islands. They are made up of both evergreen trees that stay green all year and deciduous trees that lose their leaves during dry months. This creates a changing landscape with green and golden colours throughout the year. The forests are full of tall trees, thick vines, and many important plant species like Pterocymbium tinctorium, Sterculia campanulata, Terminalia bialata, and different types of Albizzia. Valuable trees such as teak (Tectona grandis), satinwood (Chloroxylon swietenia), and the famous Andaman Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides) grow here and are important for both the environment and the island’s timber industry.

Mangrove Forest in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have one of India’s richest mangrove ecosystems, covering 7.5% of the land and 8.6% of the forest area. Found along sheltered shorelines, tidal creeks, and estuaries, these mangroves—such as Rhizophora, Avicennia, and Bruguiera—feature stilt-like roots that stabilize the soil. Spanning up to 1 km in width in places like Baratang and North Andaman, they act as natural barriers against storms and erosion, while providing vital breeding grounds for marine life. These mangrove forests support local livelihoods through fishing and eco-tourism, making them essential to both the environment and communities.

Coral Reef in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The coral reefs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the most vibrant and ecologically important marine ecosystems in India. Known for their crystal-clear waters and diverse biodiversity, these reefs stretch along the coastlines of several islands—including popular spots like Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island, and the pristine waters surrounding Jolly Buoy Island.

The corals in Andaman include both hard and soft species, with prominent reef-builders such as Acropora, Porites, and Montipora. These underwater structures form a colorful and complex habitat that supports a variety of marine life—from parrotfish, damselfish, and groupers to sea turtles and rays. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, exploring a coral reef in Andaman is an unforgettable experience.

The region features different types of reefs: barrier reefs on the western side and fringing reefs on the eastern side, making it one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In fact, the term “coral island Andaman“ perfectly describes locations like Jolly Buoy, where vibrant reef life lies just beneath the surface.

Besides their natural beauty, these reefs also play an important role in protecting coastlines from storms and erosion. They also support in economy by boosting eco-tourism, particularly scuba diving and underwater photography, making Andaman and Nicobar coral reef zones a hub for marine adventure.

Fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The islands fauna is as diverse as its flora, with a remarkable number of species that exist only in these remote areas. With over 9,100 species recorded—more than a thousand being endemic—the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a beautiful glimpse into nature’s evolution. Their isolation from the mainland has allowed rare animals to thrive in both forested landscapes and coastal waters.

In land area, the Andaman wild pig, Nicobar flying fox, and Andaman masked palm civet are few of animals found nowhere else. These islands are also one of the few places where elephants have been trained to swim across the sea. The forests and wetlands also shelter reptiles like the Andaman cobra, Nicobar monitor lizard, and vividly coloured, often toxic amphibians such as the Andaman crayfish frog.

The bird island, with over 270 bird species—including Andaman wood pigeon, Nicobar parakeet, and the rare Nicobar megapode—often spotted at hotspots like Chidiya Tapu and Mount Harriet. Around 14 of these species are found nowhere else on Earth. With its rich birdlife and location on migratory routes, you can have the best birdwatching experience in Andaman Islands. You will encounter with variety of both resident and migratory species while exploring the dense forests of Mount Harriet or Chidiya Tapu. The Sippighat, Farar Gunj and Havelock Islands are the places to spot rare and colourful birds in their natural habitat.

The Marine life, the marine life of the Andaman Islands is incredibly rich and vibrant, thanks to its pristine coral reefs and clear tropical waters. These islands are home to many marine species, including colourful reef fish like clownfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish, as well as larger creatures such as reef sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. The coral ecosystems also support a variety of mollusks, crustaceans, sea cucumbers, and sponges. Dugongs, the state animal, are also found in these waters, along with occasional sightings of whales. This underwater biodiversity makes the Andaman region one of India’s most important marine habitats and a top destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.