Coconut grows in abundance on the islands and is the only commercial crop. Kanni, cholam, chavok, punna and cheerni are the locally known shrubs. Bread fruit tree is the state tree. Shrubs and runners play a significant role in preventing soil erosion. Cows, goats and ducks are common farm animals. Only a few islands have crows. There are no dogs or snakes on the islands. Most of the birds are found on Pitti Island—a bird sanctuary. Taratashi is the state bird.
Underwater life is abundant and colourful fishes draw ones attention by their interesting and curious behaviour. Their movements are unique, peculiar and captivating. Butterfly Fishes swim gracefully from place to place resembling butterflies in an underwater garden. Of the many varieties of Surgeons, the one commonly seen is the Powder Blue Surgeon Fish. They are called so because of a razor-like spine they carry near the tail.
Cute Damsel Fishes live among branching corals showing territorial behaviour. Porcupine Fishes, Puffer Fishes and Moray eels hunt by smell at night, and their enemy is the Octopus, as it also seeks the same dark resting places. Sedentary and slow moving creatures are sea cucumbers, shelled animals and Hermit crabs. A variety of crabs, lobsters and shrimps inhibit the crevices of corals. The Mar Choorai, or Tuna, is their chicken of the sea and is mainly caught using poles and lines, with live bait. Playful dolphins, turtles, rays and flying fishes are occasionally seen here.
Islands Of Lakshadweep | Flora and Fauna | Climate and Temperature
Languages and Customs | Folk Arts | Industry and Occupation | Things To Do
