Abstract :
The mound-nesting Nicobar megapode occurs as two subspecies Megapodius nicobariensis nicobariensis and M. n. abbotti, both endemic to the Nicobar Islands. Thought to be endangered, this survey found it on almost all Nicobar islands where it historically occurred and concluded that, as a species, it was currently not threatened, and has probably become extinct only on inhabited Pilo Milo island. While M. n. abbotti is secure other than on small outlying islets, M. n nicobariensis is threatened on all but three islands of its range. Loss of population in M. n. nicobariensis was indicated both by significantly lower mound densities and by a higher proportion of abandoned to active mounds, when compared with M. n. abbotti. Data were collected for 127 active mounds of M. n. abbotti and 85 active mounds of M. n. nicobariensis, and it was estimated that 849 and 312 active mounds, respectively are present, the population of the species being between 4500 and 8000 adult birds.
Though hunting and collection of eggs exists, the main threat to megapodes is loss of habitat, mainly due to conversion of coastal forest, the megapodeʹs primary nesting habitat, to coconut plantations. Expanding urbanization and construction of coastal roads are other serious problems. The single largest threat is a proposal to make Great Nicobar a free-trade port which, if implemented, will destroy the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
