Custodian farmers and communities of Biodiversity conservation and utilization in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are considered to be the third biodiversity hot spot of our country which possess the unique floral and faunal diversity which includes 2500 angiosperms, 200 endemic Species, 300 species of medicinal plants, 130 species of orchids, 120 species of ferns, more than 150 species of fruits and vegetables, 10 species of oil yielding plants, 20 species of pulses and cereals. The marine ecosystems have rich diversity in mangroves, fihes, coral and sponges. Besides, there is a reservoir of micro flora including fungi, bacteria and algae which are native of these islands and could have immense value.