Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Great Nicobar Project Threatens Newly Discovered Species
Scientists found a new bird called the Nicobar crake on Great Nicobar Island.
They also discovered many other new species there in the last few years.
But the Indian government is building a big port, airport, and other things as part of a huge project.
This project will cut down many trees and might hurt or even wipe out some of these new species.
The scientists are worried because they think there are still more species to find, and the project could destroy them before they are even known to science.
They say it's important to protect some areas so that wildlife can survive and more discoveries can be made.
Scientists discovered a new bird species, the Nicobar crake, on Great Nicobar Island.
Nearly 40 new species have been reported from the island in the last four years.
The Indian government's Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project threatens these species.
The project will cut down nearly 10 million trees and occupy 20% of the island.
Ecologists and activists fear the project could lead to the wipeout of many undiscovered species.
- Who
- Ecologists, activists, and biologists
- What
- Discovery of new species and concerns over infrastructure project
- When
- Recent discoveries, project in progress
- Where
- Great Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Why
- Infrastructure development threatening biodiversity
- Project Name
- Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island
- Project Cost
- Rs 92,000 crore
- Trees to be Cut
- Nearly 10 million
- Island Area Impacted
- 20%
- New Species Discovered
- Nearly 40 in last 4 years
- Endemic Species in Andaman and Nicobar
- Around 1,100
- Endemism Rate in Birds
- 33%
- Endemism Rate in Reptiles
- 50%
- Endemism Rate in Insects
- 24%