Previous Year Question

Rani Jhansi Marine National Park was established in 1996 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is an important Marine Protected Area located in the Bay of Bengal. The park was named in honour of Rani Lakshmibai, a prominent figure in the Indian Revolt of 1857. Its primary objective is to conserve Marine Biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, and threatened marine organisms.

The National Park is situated within Ritchie's Archipelago. It includes several island areas, such as John Lawrence Island, Henry Lawrence Island, and Outram Island. Its habitats include Coral Reefs, Mangrove Forests, Tropical Forests, and shallow marine waters. These ecosystems provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for different marine organisms.

The park supports marine organisms such as Dugongs, Sea Turtles, Saltwater Crocodiles, various fish species, and Corals. The Dugong is a herbivorous marine mammal that primarily feeds on Seagrass. Coral Reefs provide important breeding and sheltering habitats for marine organisms. Mangrove Forests play essential roles in reducing coastal erosion, supporting the early development of fish, and conserving Marine Biodiversity.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands also contain the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which was established in 1983. It is situated in the Wandoor region of South Andaman and is known for conserving Coral Reefs and Marine Biodiversity. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park was established later, in 1996. Both national parks are important for marine ecosystem conservation. Climate Change, Coral Bleaching, marine pollution, and uncontrolled human activities can threaten these sensitive ecosystems.