Discover Andamans

The Andaman & Nicobar group of islands are a group of scenic islands nestled in the eastern part of Bay of Bengal. Altogether there are some 572 islands, tiny islets and rocks - some inhabited and some not -all with rolling terrain, with ridges and spurs all over with subterranean inlets and creeks due to underwater gorges.
Forming a long and disjointed chain of islands in an arc formation they are about 800 km long. Coral reefs are abundant and encircle the islands all over.
Because of the available geological data, it is presumed that these islands could have been connected to Burma and Sumatra. The Cape Negris is supposed to have been connected to South part of Burma to Achin Head (Cape Pedro) in Andalas (Sumatra).
But ecologically the flora and fauna of Andaman & Nicobar group of islands do not show any proof that there is any land connection between Burma and Sumatra.The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are in the Torrid Zone. Thick tropical forest covers some 86% of the entire area.

State Bird - Andaman Wood Pigeon

The state bird of Andaman Islands is the Andaman Wood Pigeon. It is found only in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The pigeon being endemic to these islands lives in the dense evergreen forests. Generally it looks a mixture of darkish slate grey in the upper side and light blue grey underneath.
It resembles domestic pigeon in size but has a slightly longer tail. The head looks white and delicate with a patterned neck. The characteristic features with which you can identify it are its reddish tinged bill with yellow tip and purplish red ring like coloured skin around the eyes with a metallic green sheen on the upper side.

State Tree - Andaman Padauk

The state tree Andaman Padauk is a charming looking tropical deciduous tree with burr and buttress pattern giving it a distinct look. It is endemic to these islands only.
Growing to a height of 120 feet or so, this tree is highly prized for its distinct reddish coloured timber from which beautiful furniture pieces are manufactured. Growing tall, they spread out into branches after about 60-65 feet and form a thick canopy like cover at the top.
They have flying saucer shaped inedible fruits.

State Animal - Dugong

The state animal is Dugong - a sea mammal really endemic to Indo-Pacific sea coast areas - especially to Andaman Islands.
Though called endemic to Andaman Islands, it is found all along the shallow tropical waters of neighbouring Indo-Pacific Region.
Known popularly as sea-cow, this is an herbivorous marine mammal, and is an endangered species with dwindling numbers.
The sea grass available abundantly along the Andaman coast line is the main food of these gentle sea mammals along with other marine water vegetation.
Dugong looks rotund weighing about 400 kg and reaches about three meters in length as it grows into an adult. It has a dolphin like fluked tail. It is strictly marine herbivorous - will eat only vegetation found in marine water like sea grass.
Other areas where Dugong is found in India are Gulf of Mannar, gulf of Kurch, Palk Bay area along with Andaman & Nicobar Island Groups.