Research Article | Published: 31 March 2025

Updated vascular plant list of Great Nicobar Island, Sundaland Biodiversity Hotspot, India

Janakiraman Jayanthi and Jeewan Singh Jalal

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 48 | Issue: 1 | Page No. 1-37 | 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2025-M2AJKV | Cite this article

Abstract

Island ecosystems, especially in tropical regions, are often underexplored and are rich in species vulnerable to extinction due to isolation. This study presents an updated checklist of plant species on Great Nicobar Island (GNI), documenting 911 taxa, including 830 angiosperms, 78 pteridophytes, and 3 gymnosperms. Arborescent species make up 64% of the flora, while herbs constitute 36%; trees account for 44% of arborescent plants. Endemic species comprise roughly 10% of the flora, totaling 94 species. This updated account of GNI’s vascular plants provides a vital baseline for conserving its distinctive lowland wet tropical forests, among the most significant within the Indian subcontinent.

Keywords

Campbell Bay, Galathea, Andaman, Nicobar, Island, flora, rainforest, conservation, biosphere reserve

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Fig. 1

Location of Great Nicobar Island

Fig. 2

Ten dominant angiosperm families in Great Nicobar Island

Fig. 3

Dominant genera in Great Nicobar Island

Fig. 4

Habit wise diversity of flora

Fig. 5

Habitat zone wise distribution of plants

Fig. 6

Showing percentage of endemic species, native non-endemic and non-native/invasive plant species in GNI

Fig. 7

Showing documentation of flora during different time period

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How to cite

Jayanthi, J. and Jalal, J.S., 2025. Updated vascular plant list of Great Nicobar Island, Sundaland Biodiversity Hotspot, India. Indian Journal of Forestry, 48(1), pp.1-37. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2025-M2AJKV

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 04 March 2025

Manuscript Revised on 25 March 2025

Manuscript Accepted on 28 March 2025

Manuscript Published on 31 March 2025

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