Andaman & Nicobar Islands PSC /General Awareness & Current Affairs

Ecology

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Ecology – Study Notes for Andaman & Nicobar Islands PSC

(General Awareness & Current Affairs)

Purpose – To give a clear, concise understanding of ecology, its relevance to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and recent developments that may appear in the PSC exam.

1. Simple Explanation

Term What It Means Why It Matters in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Ecology The branch of biology that studies interactions among organisms and their environment. The Islands host unique ecosystems (rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs) that are highly sensitive to human activities.
Ecosystem A community of living things plus the non‑living environment they inhabit. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands contain several distinct ecosystems: evergreen forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal wetlands.
Biodiversity Variety of life – species, genes, and ecosystems. The Islands are a global biodiversity hotspot with many endemic species (e.g., Andaman masked owl, giant robber frog).
Habitat The natural home of a species. Protecting habitats (e.g., rainforests, mangroves) is essential for conserving endemic species.
Ecosystem Services Benefits humans derive from ecosystems (e.g., water purification, carbon sequestration). Mangroves provide coastal protection against cyclones; coral reefs support fisheries.
Anthropogenic Impact Human‑induced changes in ecosystems (deforestation, pollution, over‑fishing). Rapid development and tourism threaten the fragile ecosystems of the Islands.
Conservation & Sustainable Development Strategies to protect nature while allowing human use. PSC questions often ask for balanced approaches such as eco‑tourism or community‑based conservation.

2. Key Points (Bullet‑List)

  • Geographical Context

    • Location: 2,000 km east of mainland India; 1,000 km north of Sri Lanka.
    • Area: 8,249 km² (mainland + islands).
    • Climate: Tropical monsoon; high rainfall (≈ 2,500 mm/yr).

  • Biodiversity Highlights

    • 550‑600 tree species, 400+ bird species, 200+ fish species.
    • 30–40% of flora and fauna are endemic.
    • Important marine life: giant clams, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

  • Major Ecosystems

    1. Evergreen Rainforests – dense canopy, rich in epiphytes.
    2. Mangrove Forests – vital for shoreline protection.
    3. Coral Reefs & Seagrass Beds – support fisheries and tourism.
    4. Coastal Wetlands & Salt Marshes – habitat for migratory birds.

  • Threats & Challenges

    • Illegal logging & mining.
    • Encroachment for tourism and infrastructure.
    • Climate change (sea‑level rise, increased cyclone intensity).
    • Pollution (plastic, untreated sewage).

  • Conservation Initiatives

    • Andaman and Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO).
    • National Parks: Baratang, North Bay, Radhanagar.
    • Community‑Based Management: local tribal participation.
    • Eco‑Tourism Regulations: visitor caps, waste‑management norms.

  • Current Affairs (2023‑2024)

    • 2023: Ministry of Environment approved Mangrove Restoration Project (₹100 Cr) covering 10,000 ha.
    • 2024: First Climate‑Resilient Eco‑Tourism Model launched in Port Blair, integrating solar power, waste‑to‑energy plants, and local guide training.
    • 2024: Elephant Seventeen – a 17‑year‑old Asian elephant found near Port Blair; rescue operation highlights wildlife‑human conflict.
    • 2024: Government announced “Green Islands” scheme to plant 10 million native trees by 2030.

  • Policy & Legal Framework

    • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 apply.
    • Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Area, Forests, and Wildlife) Regulations, 2019.
    • National Biodiversity Authority guidelines for access & benefit sharing.

3. Worked Example

Question – “Explain the role of mangroves in protecting the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from cyclones and illustrate with a recent example.”

Step‑by‑Step Answer

  1. Define Mangroves

    • Salt‑tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones.
    • Roots form a complex “root‑mat” providing structural stability.

  2. Ecological Functions

    • Storm Surge Mitigation – Root mats dissipate wave energy, reducing the height of storm surges.
    • Coastal Erosion Prevention – Roots bind the soil, preventing erosion during high tides.
    • Carbon Sequestration – Store large amounts of carbon in biomass and sediments.

  3. Relevance to Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    • The islands face frequent cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Amphan, 2020).
    • Approximately 20,000 ha of mangroves along the western coast provide a natural barrier.

  4. Recent Example – Cyclone “Gulab” (2023)

    • Impact:

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