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PORT BLAIR, Andaman & Nicobar Islands<\/strong> \u2013 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has launched a significant new initiative to bolster birdwatching tourism, aiming to attract nature enthusiasts and foster greater public awareness about the archipelago’s exceptionally rich avian biodiversity. This endeavor forms a key part of the islands’ broader eco-tourism campaign, highlighting their ecological value and growing appeal as a global birdwatching hotspot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PORT BLAIR, Andaman & Nicobar Islands \u2013 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has launched a significant new initiative to bolster birdwatching tourism, aiming to attract nature enthusiasts and foster greater public awareness about the archipelago’s exceptionally rich avian biodiversity. This endeavor forms a key part of the islands’ broader eco-tourism campaign, highlighting their ecological…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5490,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-andaman-nicobar"],"yoast_head":"\n
As part of this push, a public lecture was held on July 26, 2025, in collaboration with the Avian Club of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event, held in Port Blair, emphasized the critical ecological importance of the islands’ wildlife and their increasing allure for both domestic and international birdwatchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tourism Secretary Jyoti Kumari stated that the initiative seeks to raise awareness about the islands’ diverse avifauna, explore the potential of various tourism segments, and promote responsible travel practices. She highlighted that the pristine forests, wetlands, and unique island ecosystems make the archipelago a “paradise for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travelers.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lecture was delivered by Arun Singh, a renowned ornithologist and President of the Avian Club, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Singh, who has been a leading advocate for bird conservation and eco-tourism in the region, noted that with over 30 endemic bird species, the Andaman Islands are rapidly emerging as a new and prominent destination for bird tourism. He observed that the archipelago is gaining international recognition among bird lovers and wildlife photographers, with a steady increase in professional birdwatchers visiting the islands since the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the notable endemic species that attract global enthusiasts are the Andaman wood pigeon (the state bird of Andaman), Andaman crake, and Andaman serpent eagle. Singh also pointed out that rare species such as the ruddy kingfisher, beach thick-knee, and black-naped tern, found primarily in the Andamans or parts of Southeast Asia, offer visiting birdwatchers a unique opportunity to spot something truly special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This initiative is also aligned with the Tourism Department’s broader goal of diversifying tourism offerings, extending tourist stays, promoting conservation-linked livelihoods during monsoon and lean seasons, and positioning the islands as a year-round eco-tourism destination. The administration is encouraging citizens, students, and tourism stakeholders to actively participate in these knowledge-sharing efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the islands boast an impressive avian population of over 270 species, including those found nowhere else, challenges remain. These include limited access to certain birding sites, a lack of well-developed trails, a scarcity of trained guides, and insufficient scientific data, all of which hinder the full potential of bird tourism. The administration aims to address these issues as it further develops its eco-tourism infrastructure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"