Giant Clam

Giant Clams Tridacna sp. are key indicator species of coral reefs due to their selective ecological requirements and lifespan stretching well over 200 years in the wild! We have been studying them in the Lakshadweep Islands since 2004, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands since 2013. 

During 2017–18, large scale coral and giant clam bleaching was noticed, predicted due to strong El Nino, especially in Lakshadweep. Bleaching was relatively low in Andaman Islands. We continue to monitor Giant Clams in Lakshadweep for the 15th consecutive year and for the 6th in Andaman and Nicobar.