The Galathea National Park comprises the core area of the southern part of the Biosphere Reserve in Great Nicobar Island and consists of lowland forests which have the greatest abundance of endemic avifauna. It is the prime nesting habitat of the Nicobar Megapode and possibly the area of other endemic species too.
fig: Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
Important flora:
The park is endowed with large uninhabited low lying forests containing some rare and endangered plants with rich species content, and is also a rich resource of genetic germplasm.
Important Fauna:
Leather Back Turtle
The leather back turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest of all the living turtles in the world. It nests in large numbers during the months between December to February at South Bay.
Fig: Leather Back Sea Turtle – excellent swimmers, capable of swimming continuously at an average 45-65 km per day-Vulnerable
Crab Eating Macaque
This Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) has its habitat as tropical rain forests and is arboreal in habit. It is said to have crabs as food.
Fig: crab eating macaque-Least Concern
Salt Water Crocodile
The Salt Water Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest of all nesting crocodiles. It is well adapted to a semi-aquatic mode of life and is typically associated with brackish waters, coastal mangrove swamps etc. The mouth of the River has an abundance of this sluggish and lethargic creature.
Fig: Salt Water Crocodile-Least Concern
Other important fauna:
Mammals – Andaman Wild Pig. Palm Civet, Fruit Bat.
Birds – Nicobar Pigeon, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Nicobar Serpent Eagle, Parakeets, Nicobar Megapode.
Reptiles – Water Monitor Lizard, Reticulated Python
Fig- Nicobar Megapode – Vulnerable