Andaman and Nicobar Island Birdwatching: A New Frontier for Eco-Tourism
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are turning a new leaf in sustainable tourism by embracing birdwatching as a core eco-tourism experience. With its lush forests, remote landscapes, and over 300 species of birds (many found nowhere else on Earth), the archipelago is stepping into the spotlight as a premier destination for Andaman and Nicobar Island birdwatching.
This latest initiative, launched by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, aims to attract nature enthusiasts, photographers, and conscious travellers while raising awareness among local communities about their rich natural heritage.
Why Andaman and Nicobar Island Birdwatching Is So Unique
Far removed from the mainland bustle, the islands offer an extraordinary variety of endemic bird species. The Andaman Wood Pigeon, Narcondam Hornbill, Andaman Crake, and Andaman Serpent Eagle are just a few rare birds that make this region a genuine biodiversity hotspot.
The colourful Nicobar Pigeon, shimmering with iridescent green and bronze, is a dream sighting for birders. Meanwhile, songbirds like the Andaman Shama fill the air with their melodic calls — making every trek through the forest a feast for the senses.
From dense tropical rainforests to secluded coastal mangroves, the landscapes of these islands create the perfect habitat for Andaman and Nicobar Island birdwatching all year round.
Promoting Birdwatching Through Education and Engagement
To kick off the campaign, the Department of Tourism collaborated with the Avians Club Andaman and Nicobar Islands on July 27 to host a public lecture titled “Birdwatching in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.” The session was led by ornithologist Arun Singh, President of the Avians Club.
Singh emphasised the islands’ unique role in global bird conservation and positioned birdwatching as a powerful form of sustainable tourism. He noted that promoting Andaman and Nicobar Island birdwatching during off-peak travel seasons — such as the monsoon and shoulder months — can ease tourist congestion, support conservation, and generate alternative income for locals through guided nature walks and eco-friendly accommodations.
Endangered Wings: A Fragile Habitat Under Threat
Despite its ecological richness, the islands’ birdlife is under growing pressure. Endemic species such as the Nicobar Megapode, Andaman Wood Pigeon, and Andaman Woodpecker are increasingly vulnerable due to habitat destruction, poaching, and invasive species.
The Andaman Wood Pigeon is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with an estimated 2,500–10,000 mature individuals remaining. Without targeted conservation efforts, this and other species risk slipping closer to extinction.
Further compounding the issue is a proposed development project on Great Nicobar Island, which includes large-scale deforestation, infrastructure expansion, and increased human activity. Experts warn that such development could irreversibly alter natural habitats, disrupt bird breeding cycles, and increase the likelihood of species loss — all of which pose a significant threat to the long-term potential of Andaman and Nicobar Island birdwatching.
A Win-Win for Nature and Community
Encouraging birdwatching in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is more than just a tourism strategy — it’s a vision for responsible travel. When done mindfully, birdwatching helps protect delicate ecosystems, creates income opportunities for rural communities, and fosters a deeper appreciation for nature among both visitors and locals.
Through educational initiatives, guided eco-tours, and stronger environmental protection policies, Andaman and Nicobar Island birdwatching has the potential to become a model for conservation-driven tourism in India and beyond.
Conclusion
As the world seeks greener, more meaningful travel experiences, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are leading by example. With its stunning landscapes, rare avian treasures, and renewed focus on eco-tourism, this archipelago is poised to become one of Asia’s top birdwatching destinations.
For more, you can also read about the endemic birds of Andaman Island, as our team has been birding there several times in 2024. Finally, Andaman and Nicobar Island birdwatching offers an unforgettable journey into one of the last truly wild corners of the world, which is also not so easily accessible. Anyone interested in a birding tour to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can always contact us.