The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has pinpointed four new translocation sites along the west coast of the Great Nicobar Islands. This development comes as preparations intensify for the commencement of the Great Nicobar Project. ZSI has already begun the translocation of coral colonies and giant clams to these designated areas.
Monitoring Committee Update
According to the minutes from a meeting of the monitoring committee of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO), ZSI reported that manpower has been deployed and survey equipment procured. These resources are dedicated to the conservation and management of coral reefs and intertidal marine fauna-related proposals.
Systematic Data and GPS Tagging
ZSI informed the committee that it will maintain systematic data on all translocated colonies. Each colony will be tagged with GPS coordinates to monitor survival rates effectively.
Wildlife Institute of India Activities
In the same meeting, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reported that manpower has been deployed for various wildlife monitoring activities. During a recent WII survey, 282 tracks were recorded, and 131 nests were observed, including 114 Leatherback turtle nests.
Saltwater Crocodile Conservation
To develop a conservation plan for saltwater crocodiles, essential surveys and ecological data are being collected. Monitoring systems have also been established.
Nicobar Megapode Conservation
For the Nicobar Megapode, 74 key nesting and mound locations have been identified. The expenditure incurred so far is Rs 1.01 crore out of the Rs 1.98 crore released by ANIIDCO during 2024-25.
Field Studies by SACON
The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) informed that intensive field surveys are ongoing. Two field stations have been established in Great Nicobar Island for Nicobar Megapode studies. Additionally, a field station has been set up at Campbell Bay for research on the Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque.
The pilot survey on endemic and tree-cavity nesting birds has been completed in Great Nicobar Island, including eight replicates for road kill assessment. The pilot survey on the Coconut Crab is currently in progress.
SACON will communicate to ANIIDCO regarding the land requirement for a rescue centre. This centre is intended for the rehabilitation of birds and their chicks during felling operations.
