Which of the following species is endemic to the Great Nicobar Island and not naturally found anywhere else in the world?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Nicobar Megapod
Explanation
The Nicobar Megapode (scientific name: Megapodius nicobariensis) is a unique and endangered bird that is endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, found predominantly on the Great Nicobar Island. It is naturally found nowhere else in the world.
A remarkable feature of the megapode is its nesting habit. Unlike most other birds, it does not incubate its eggs directly using body heat. Instead, it builds large communal mounds of soil, sand, and decaying organic vegetation along the coastal forests. The heat generated by the decomposition of the organic matter inside these mounds naturally incubates the eggs.
Key Points
The Nicobar Megapode population suffered a severe decline following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which destroyed a significant portion of its coastal nesting habitats. The Great Nicobar Island is a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, which plays a crucial role in protecting this highly specialized avian species.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which rare and endangered Indian primate is uniquely endemic to the rainforests of the Western Ghats?
Answer: Lion-tailed Macaque.
Question: What unique method does the Nicobar Megapode use to incubate its eggs?
Answer: It uses the natural heat generated by decaying vegetation inside large dirt and sand mounds.