Sunday, September 21, 2008

STATE BIRD, ANIMAL & TREE OF ANDAMAN

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Now, for a change, dear friends, let me introduce to you all the State Bird, State Animal and the State Tree of the gorgeous Andaman & Nicobar Islands:


Andaman Wood Pigeon” –State Bird


Andaman Wood Pigeon is an endemic bird, which is found only in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands. This bird is of the size of a domestic pigeon with longer tail. This bird has whitish head with checkerboard pattern on neck. The upper parts are dark slate grey in colour and under parts are pale blue grey. Metallic green sheen on upper side and reddish bill with yellowish tip and purplish red orbital skin are identification characters. The bird lives in dense broadleaved evergreen forest.



Dugong” –State Animal


Dugong, an endangered marine mammal, also known as Sea Cow, is the only strictly marine mammal, which is herbivorous. It mainly feeds on sea-grass and other aquatic vegetation. Dugong is distributed in shallow tropical waters in Indo-Pacific Region. The animal is about three-meter length and weighs about 400 kg. In India, Dugong is reported from Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.


Within the A&N Islands, Dugong has been reported from Ritchie’s Archipelago, North Reef, Little Andaman and parts of Nicobars.



Andaman Padauk ”–State Tree


Andaman Padauk is a tall deciduous tree found only in the Andaman Islands. It grows up to the height of 120 feet. The timber is highly prized for making furniture. Burr and Buttress formation adds charm to the tree and is used in making unique furniture.



2 comments:

  1. thanks for the information. is the sea cow called so because it is herbivorous?

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  2. Well, no prizes for guessing, Rocksea! :)

    Dugongs are sometimes called "Sea Cows" because they graze on seagrasses. These marine plants look like grass growing on a sandy sea floor in shallow, warm water.

    Dugongs eat large amounts of seagrass, leaving behind feeding trails of bare sand and uprooted seagrass.

    And we proudly harbour them here in Andamans as the State Animal.

    Looking forward to hearing more from you at regular intervals.

    Cheers!!!:)

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