Most of the pictures that you get to see of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could be of the white sandy beaches pampered by the pristine turquoise blue sea waters, that would be lined by a couple of exotic tall trees. Moreover, they could make the perfect ingredients for that stereotypical scenery that are usually hung in the walls of those cramped living rooms. Well, the entire archipelago of the Andaman Islands is a lot more that these clichéd features. The next most notable ecological feature will be the long creek covered with thick mangroves in the inland of Andaman that are resistant to even salt-water. Furthermore, while passing through the creeks lined by them, you would inevitably feel that you are at the same place where the famous movie Anaconda was shot.
Given below are a few of the interesting facts on the Mangroves of Andaman that makes them stand out.
Where are the mangroves found in Andaman?
In the archipelago, the natural vegetation of mangroves is concentrated on the Islands of Baratang, Rangath and Ross Island. If you had already been to the islands and visited the Limestone Caves at the place, you might have either crossed them or seen them. They are naturally grown in the inland waterways, through which the water flowing in the long green creeks that are at most of the places are deep green-hued and on other places they are brackish. When talking about the area covered by their vegetation, it constitutes up to 612 sq. km in Andaman itself.
How do the mangroves of Andaman look like?
Basically, there are around 15 species of Mangroves grown naturally in various parts of the Island. They would be seen to be dipped in the marshy water with its roots fixed strongly in the ground. Most often, it is said that they are strong enough to withstand high tides and even cyclones and Tsunamis. Nonetheless, during low tides, the tangled and arching roots get exposed to the viewers.
What could the most appropriate climatic conditions to the growth of Mangroves in the Andaman Islands?
You cannot find on the sandy beaches of Andaman, instead, they need to have muddy soil of different consistencies for their growth. And some of their species will be washed off by the marshy waters too often, yet others are not required so. The short dry season, heavy rainfall and humid climate are the two most required things for the preferable growth of Mangrove. Fortunately, all of these climatic conditions are easily available in the islands of Andaman. Apart from that, the frequent fluctuations in the behaviour of tides are too consequential in such a larger cover of its vegetation.
Do you know that a large flock of migratory birds visit the mangrove in the season?
As expected, the dense forest covers of Mangroves in Andaman are visited by diverse varieties of migratory birds. Quite surprisingly, these flying friends come to the rich biodiversity all through the year. Moreover, the species that are spotted by the ornithologist are numerous, as they would comprise of very small birds to the obvious larger ones. They make the living space here amid the mangrove reliant by catching and consuming the large varieties of fishes found in the swampy waters.
What could be the other major species for which the thick mangroves are a home?
As mentioned before the Mangrove Creek of Andaman is home to a large group of animals. When saying the specific numbers, it would extend to around 253 fish species, 410 arthropods, 8 mammal species, 3 amphibians and 7 reptiles. This collection also comprises of some dangerous salt-water crocodiles and poisonous snakes. So the boat safaris to those specific regions that are prone to their attacks are deliberately avoided.
Which season could be the best to make a visit to the Mangrove creek of Andaman?
Months from December to May, or plainly the drier months are perfect for sighting these Mangrove vegetations of Andaman Islands. So you may schedule on your tour accordingly in those times of the year. You just need to stroll across the walkway set in Dhani Nallah in Ranghat Island. Or, if you are particular about witnessing them in close encounters, you may opt for boat safari after including them in your tour packages. Lately, the Tourism Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands had deemed them as a coastal heritage site with respect to the crucial role they had played in maintaining the ecological balance of the islands. Similarly, the mangrove covers of the major city like that of Mumbai that is under threat are also needed to be given some recognition.
As cited earlier, the experiences that you could gain when you are vacationing in Andaman is quite varied. Take a boat safari across the Mangrove creeks made available in different regions of the Islands to feel them in real and analyse what they really are. So when you are planning your next vacation to the Islands, you may contact Andaman Tour Travel by over the phone or online. The reputed tour operator based in Port Blair had curated various diverse tour packages that could fulfil your dreams of exploring these places of your own. So you may visit them as honeymooners, in group, family or even alone on a solo trip. The most crowd-pulling factor of their travel deal is that you could avail them at most affordable prices.