The State Symbol of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Union Territory Andaman and the Nicobar Islands are situated at the junction of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The islands are known for their dense forests, exotic flora and fauna, and scenic blue water. The union of small islands makes them unique. The Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Padauk, and Dugong are recognised as the state bird, trees, and animals, respectively. There are 96 life sanctuaries, 9 national parks, and 1 reserve on the islands. These islands are endowed with the bounties of southwest and northeast monsoons. Every year many tourists from around the world come to this beautiful island to experience its scenic beauty and its wildlife.  

State Symbols of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of more than 500 islands.  

India is known for its rich diversity, and so do the states and UTs in it. Every union territory has its state symbol, which represents its culture and distinctiveness. Andaman and Nicobar Islands also have some rare species of flora and fauna. These symbols include state animal, state bird, state flower, and state tree, among others. 

The animals, birds, flowers, trees, or fruits that are selected as the special natives of that region represent the state for their uniqueness. A nod from the central government is needed before adopting any emblems.

The state symbol of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the same as the state symbol of India.

State Animal

Dugong, a vulnerable mammal, is the only strictly marine herbivorous mammal. It primarily feeds on seaweed and alternative aquatic vegetation. They usually live in shallow waters, remaining at depths of around eight to ten metres, though they sometimes dive to depths of thirty-five metres to find their food. These shallow islands are usually set in protected bays, wide mangrove tree channels, and insecure areas of inshore islands. Seaweed beds consisting of phanerogamic seagrasses, their primary supply of nourishment, coincide with these optimum habitats. The animal can grow up to three metres in length and weighs about four hundred kilograms. In India, this mammal is reported from the Gulf of Kutch and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Among A&N Islands, this mammal has been reported from Ritchie’s Archipelago, North Reef, and also on the island.

State Bird

The Andaman Wood Pigeon is an endemic bird found solely on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is the size of a pigeon with a protracted tail. It features a whitish head with a broad pattern on the neck. The upper parts are dark slate grey and the underparts are pale blue-grey. Inexperienced lustre on the face and a reddish bill with a yellowish tip and purplish-red orbital skin are identification characters. The bird lives in a dense broadleaved evergreen forest. 

State Tree

Andaman Padauk is a tall deciduous tree found solely in Andaman. It grows up to a height of a hundred and twenty feet. The tree is native to the Philippines and Andaman. There are also seven species of this tree. The tree is used for its quality and is known for its durability. The timber is extremely prized for creating furnishings. Burr and buttress formation add charm to the tree and are employed in creating distinctive furnishings.

State Flower

The flower of the Pynima tree has been declared the State Flower of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Pynima is a medium to a large-sized tree found within the damp deciduous forests of our islands with lilac-coloured flowers made in bunches of pyramidal form. It is endemic to the islands and is incredibly common within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Conclusion

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known as one of the best eco-friendly tourist destinations in India. The clean and blue beaches are its major attraction points. So here we have also got to know about the state symbol and its bird, tree, animal, and flower, which are found in the union territory. The state animal, bird, and tree are only found in the union territory region, and these are also endangered.