Chapter 10 - Avian Diversity of Bay Island and Its Assessment Tools

Abstract

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located between (6°45’ and 13°41’ N) and (92°12’ and 93°57’ E) off Southeastern Asia and show diversity in forest types. The islands can be broadly divided into two groups, namely, the Andamans and the Nicobars, and are spread over 8249 km2. The Andaman group has 324 islands, of which 25 are inhabited. Great Andaman includes five closely adjoined islands, North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, Baratang and Rutland Islands, which are separated by narrow channels, while Little Andaman is separated by a deep channel known as Duncan Passage and Nicobar Islands (1841 km2). Nicobar group is made up of 28 islands, of which 13 are inhabited. A total of 349 species/subspecies (268 species and 81 subspecies) of birds was recorded from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, belonging to 67 Families under 20 Orders. Among the Orders, the Passeriformes had the highest number of bird species (111 species), followed by Charadriiformes (60 species) and Accipitriformes (29 species). Of the recorded species, 145 were resident, 125 were winter migrant, 24 species were vagrant, 18 species were resident with local migrants, 13 species were summer migrants and 12 species were passage. There are 106 taxa, including subspecies that are endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands; 30 species were split into 76 subspecies of birds, which are endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The following thirty species are endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In this paper, the support by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for unique avian assemblages, comprising many rare and endemic species in this archipelago, has been discussed. Patterns of diversity, distribution and endemism are discussed in terms of conservation priorities.