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Preparis
Preparis
from Wikipedia

Preparis Island is an island which is part of the Yangon Region of Myanmar. Together, with the other Andaman Islands (the majority of which are a union territory of India), it marks the boundary between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The island has a population of 50 and a total area of 8.1 km2 (3.1 sq mi).

Key Information

The island is 133 km (83 mi) to the SSW of Cape Negrais, the nearest point on the Myanmar mainland and 340 km (210 mi) south of the capital, Yangon. The five Coco Islands (also part of Myanmar) are 77 km (48 mi) to the south.

History

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According to 19th century visitors, the island was uninhabited by humans, but many monkeys were observed. The island was host to the 78th Highlanders regiment of the British Army when on 5 November 1816 the regiment's transport ship Frances Charlotte hit an off-shore rock. Most passengers and crew survived on the island as a freshwater supply was discovered and their stay was brief.[1] The merchant ship Prince Blucher arrived on 10 November and between 11 and 14 November was able to rescue some 316 men, women, and children. The weather and damage to Prince Blucher prevented her from rescuing another hundred. The Government of Bengal then sent two cruisers that then rescued the remainder.[2]

Geography

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Preparis island makes up the northern end of the Andaman Islands chain. The island is 7.7 km (5 mi) long and has a maximum width of 1.8 km (1.1 mi). It is covered with dense forest and has gentle slopes rising to a maximum height of 81 metres (266 feet).[3]

Cow and Calf Islets

A group of 3 Flat-topped islets, 23 metres (75 feet), 3.4 km (2.1 mi) to the north.[4]

West Reef Islets

A group of 3 islets, 1 metre (3 feet), 4.2 km (2.6 mi) to the west.[4]

Preparis Pinnacle

A rock, 12 metres (39 feet) high, 3 km (1.9 mi) to the south.[4]

Flora and fauna

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The island is covered with low trees and bush. It has extensive flora coverage and area remains largely uncleared.[5]

Administration

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The island is subject to the Cocokyun township of Myanmar, along the Coco Islands.

Demographics

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The island has about 50 inhabitants who engage in very small scale farming and fishing, mainly for the local consumption; part of a military unit that inhabits remote border outposts.

Transportation

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Several beaches can cater for small supply craft. A small helipad serves the settlement.

See also

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Extreme points
Borders of Myanmar

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Preparis is a small, low-lying tropical situated in the northeastern at the boundary with the , approximately 133 kilometers southwest of Cape Negrais on the mainland. Administratively, it forms part of the of , specifically within the Cocokyun Township of the Yangon District. Covering an area of about 8.1 square kilometers with a maximum of 34 meters and a coastline of 18.4 kilometers, the features flat plains, a characterized by high rainfall and a short , and is predominantly covered by evergreen broadleaf forests. The island's history is tied to British colonial administration in the , with jurisdiction over Preparis transferred from the government of Bengal in Calcutta to that of in Rangoon via a notification order in , alongside nearby islands like the Coco group. It remained under Burmese control when separated from British India and became a self-governing in 1937, a status that persisted after Burma's independence in 1948. Strategically positioned as the northernmost of 's islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, Preparis holds military significance for , featuring off-limits installations such as military-style buildings and two helipads, with recent developments indicating its role in naval and defense operations. The supports a small , estimated at around 50 residents as of 2023, primarily associated with military or limited civilian activities, and lacks major public infrastructure like an or , with the nearest facilities located over 240 kilometers away on the mainland.

Geography

Location and physical features

Preparis Island lies in the northern within the , at coordinates 14°52′30″N 93°37′48″E, forming part of Myanmar's . The island spans an area of 8.1 km², measuring 7.7 km in length and up to 1.8 km in width, with its longest axis oriented north-south. Its highest point reaches 81 m at a central hill, while the mean elevation is approximately 21 m. Positioned 133 km SSW of Cape Negrais—the nearest point on Myanmar's mainland—and 340 km south of , the island stands 77 km north of the . Nearby features include small islets such as those on the western reef extending from the island, along with a of partly submerged rocks up to 4 nautical miles to the south, and surrounding coral reefs including the Preparis Pinnacle. The consists of predominantly flat with gentle slopes, covered in dense that accounts for about 74% cover across six vegetation zones, and fringed by coral reefs, limited sandy beaches, and a coastline of 18.4 km. Geologically, Preparis forms part of the northern , associated with the system in the .

Climate

Preparis Island experiences a , classified under the Köppen system as Am, marked by consistently high levels exceeding 80% year-round. This classification reflects the region's equatorial proximity, resulting in warm conditions with little fluctuation across seasons. Relative to broader tropical zones, the island's atmosphere remains oppressively humid, fostering lush vegetation but also contributing to frequent misty conditions. Temperatures on Preparis typically show average daily highs of 30–32°C (86–90°F) and lows of 24–26°C (75–79°F), with the warmest periods occurring just before the onset in and May. These stable ranges stem from the island's location in the northern , where ocean moderation prevents extreme heat or cold. Annual mean temperatures hover around 28°C, underscoring the minimal seasonal variation typical of such low-latitude environments. Data for these metrics are derived from regional observations, as no dedicated stations exist on the sparsely populated island itself. Precipitation averages 2,500–3,000 mm annually, predominantly during the southwest from May to , when heavy downpours can exceed 500 mm monthly. The subsequent dry season from November to April sees reduced rainfall, though intermittent northeast showers and cyclones originating in the occasionally disrupt this pattern, delivering intense, short-duration storms. Climatological records, extrapolated from Andaman Sea buoys and nearby stations like , highlight this bimodal distribution, with over 70% of yearly rain concentrated in the wetter half. The island's climate renders it particularly susceptible to sea-level rise and tropical storms, with data through 2025 revealing a heightened frequency attributed to warming sea surface temperatures in the . These events exacerbate environmental challenges, including accelerated by intense monsoon rains on steep terrains and in surrounding reefs due to elevated ocean temperatures. Such impacts underscore Preparis's vulnerability within the broader Andaman archipelago, where projected sea-level increases of 0.3–1 meter by 2100 threaten low-lying coastal features.

Environment and biodiversity

Flora

The flora of Preparis Island is characterized by dense lowland covering much of the 8.1 km² land area, with mangroves fringing the coasts. This vegetation includes low trees and bush, contributing to the island's gentle and . The forest cover is estimated at approximately 74% evergreen broadleaf trees, reflecting the composition typical of the northern Andaman chain. Key plant species include dipterocarp trees in the interior forests, along edges, and diverse ferns in the , alongside coastal s such as species that aid in and sediment stabilization. These s were documented as present prior to the 2004 Indian Ocean , with evidence of dead mangrove vegetation indicating their prior extent following uplift events. The overall aligns with the broader Andaman archipelago's , where tropical rainforests and mangroves dominate 86.2% of the geographical area. Due to the island's remoteness and small, restricted human population primarily associated with activities, the primary experiences minimal anthropogenic impact, preserving much of the original . Mangroves in the Ayeyarwaddy coastal zone, including around Preparis, remain relatively intact compared to mainland areas affected by and . No dedicated protected areas for have been designated as of 2025, though the isolation limits threats; potential risks include invasive dispersed by migratory birds. Historical accounts from the describe the northern , including regions near Preparis, as covered in dense, uncleared jungle reaching the shoreline, a status echoed in recent assessments showing no significant alterations. The supports limited opportunistic agriculture by occasional visitors, primarily through naturally occurring fruit-bearing trees like coconuts.

Fauna

The fauna of Preparis Island reflects its remote location and small, restricted human population, resulting in low overall diversity, particularly among mammals. Reptilian life is similarly constrained, with the endemic Preparis Island Rock Gecko (Cnemaspis wicksi) being the only formally described species, a small diurnal inhabiting rocky terrains and noted for its restricted distribution. Insects, including pollinators like bees and , play a key ecological role in supporting the island's sparse vegetation, though specific inventories are lacking due to access restrictions. Avian species on Preparis are dominated by seabirds and migrants, leveraging the island's position along Andaman Sea flyways. Resident seabirds, such as terns and , nest on surrounding islets like the Cow and Calf Islets, utilizing low-lying rocky outcrops for breeding colonies during the . Migratory birds, including waders and shorebirds from Siberian and Southeast Asian routes, use the island as a seasonal stopover, arriving in winter months when rains subside. The absence of large predatory birds is attributed to scarce prey resources and the island's isolation, preventing establishment of raptors or forest specialists common elsewhere in the Andamans. Dependence on the region's influences breeding synchrony, with peak nesting aligned to post- periods. Marine fauna around Preparis is richer, centered on fringing coral reefs near Preparis Pinnacle, which support diverse fish assemblages including reef-associated species like groupers and snappers. , notably tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier) and thresher (Alopias vulpinus), frequent deeper waters off the island, drawn by migratory prey in the . Sea , primarily green turtles (Chelonia mydas), are inferred to nest on the island's beaches based on regional patterns, though exact numbers are undocumented due to access restrictions; nearby report significant nesting activity. Invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks abound in intertidal zones, forming the base of the food web. Preparis's fauna faces notable conservation challenges, including low mammalian diversity stemming from its isolation, which has limited events. The potential for undiscovered endemic exists, given the island's isolation, but remains unexplored. Threats include illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) in surrounding waters, which depletes fish stocks and disrupts marine food chains, as seen in broader disputes between and neighboring countries. Climate change exacerbates habitat loss through and rising sea levels, eroding nesting beaches and reefs critical for turtles and seabirds. Military presence on the island, including restricted civilian access, hinders surveys and monitoring efforts. Despite lacking formal protected status, international emphasizes enhanced monitoring amid Myanmar's ongoing political instability to safeguard this unique assemblage.

History

Early exploration and records

Preparis Island, located in the northern , lies along ancient maritime trade routes connecting and , which facilitated the exchange of goods such as spices, textiles, and metals from as early as the BCE; however, no confirmed references to the island itself appear in historical records, and archaeological evidence of early human activity remains absent. British surveys in the 19th century described Preparis as uninhabited by humans, populated solely by wildlife including birds and primates, underscoring its remote and isolated nature. The island's first notable recorded human encounter occurred on November 5, 1816, when the British transport ship Frances Charlotte, carrying six companies of the 78th Highlanders regiment under Major Macpherson, struck a submerged rock approximately 12 miles offshore and rapidly filled with water. Of the roughly 400 people aboard, including soldiers, women, and children, about 140 initially reached a nearby dry rock via raft before boats ferried the survivors to the island over the next three days; the ordeal resulted in 14 soldiers and 2 lascars drowning or succumbing to exhaustion. The castaways sustained themselves on scarce shellfish and discovered limited freshwater sources amid the island's rocky terrain, low trees, and brushwood, enduring harsh conditions until rescue on November 9 by the ships Prince Blucher and Po, which had spotted debris from the wreck. Early mapping efforts incorporated Preparis into British Admiralty charts of the , where it was highlighted as a navigational hazard due to surrounding reefs and shoals that contributed to maritime incidents like the 1816 wreck. Colonial logs from the period, including regimental accounts, referred to the island as "" owing to its abundant populations, which were observed in large numbers by the stranded Highlanders. No indigenous settlements were documented in these early records, reinforcing Preparis's status as one of the most isolated islets in the region, a consequence of its remote position far from major shipping lanes and continental landmasses.

Colonial period

Preparis Island came under British control as part of the following surveys in the early . The island served primarily as a navigational in the , aiding maritime routes between and , rather than as a site for significant settlement or economic exploitation due to its remote location and lack of . Administratively, Preparis fell under the jurisdiction of the Syriam District in the Division, established in the wake of the to govern coastal territories, though its isolation meant minimal direct oversight, with occasional patrols originating from district headquarters to monitor navigation and security. In , jurisdiction over Preparis was transferred from the to the Burma administration via a government notification, along with nearby islands like the Coco group. Governance was light-touch, focusing on hydrographic and strategic needs rather than civil administration, as the island's uninhabited status and harsh conditions deterred permanent presence. During the mid-19th century, British interest in Preparis intensified through surveys conducted by the Indian Marine Survey Department, including a detailed examination of the North Preparis Channel in 1855–1856 by Lieutenants A. D. Taylor and Ward, which assessed navigational hazards and potential infrastructure like to improve safety for shipping lanes—though no lighthouse was ultimately constructed on the island. The island also witnessed occasional shipwrecks, such as those involving vessels navigating the treacherous currents, prompting rescues coordinated by British naval patrols from nearby ports. Strategically, Preparis held value during the (1839–1842 and 1856–1860) as a monitoring point for British sea lanes to China, where control of the helped secure trade routes against potential disruptions from regional powers. The island played a supporting role in broader British hydrographic efforts, with surveys contributing data to the mapping of the that informed the updated 806 (, ) published around 1890, enhancing navigational accuracy for transoceanic voyages.

Post-independence developments

Following Myanmar's independence from Britain on January 4, 1948, Preparis Island remained under the control of the newly formed Union of Burma, retaining its status as part of the Yangon administrative division with no significant changes to its remote, sparsely populated character. The island experienced minimal civilian development in the initial decades, as Burma's post-independence priorities focused on mainland consolidation amid civil unrest, leaving peripheral territories like Preparis largely isolated. Military presence on Preparis began to solidify in the mid- for border security purposes, evolving into a small and naval contingent by the late 20th century to monitor maritime approaches in the . In the , reports emerged of conducting naval exercises and upgrading facilities in the region, including potential enhancements to surveillance capabilities on islands like Preparis, amid broader modernization of the with reported Chinese technical assistance. Geopolitical tensions have persistently shaped Preparis's role, particularly due to its proximity to the , where unconfirmed allegations of Chinese interest in establishing posts have raised concerns about spillover effects on Preparis monitoring activities. As of 2025, has denied any involvement in the area, but the island's position within Myanmar's "Metal Chain" of outposts—linking it strategically to Hainggyi and —underscores its importance for and control over key shipping lanes. Recent from 2023 revealed -style buildings and helipads on Preparis, indicating ongoing but limited focused on defense rather than civilian use. The 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census integrated remote islands like Preparis into national data collection efforts, recording its inclusion within the Region's total enumerated population of approximately 7.3 million, though specific island-level figures highlighted its tiny resident base of and families. The 2021 military coup exacerbated political instability across , restricting access to outlying territories such as Preparis and halting any nascent exploration of non-military uses, including potential amid Indo-Pacific rivalries. By 2025, no major infrastructure projects had materialized on the island, with strategic monitoring of routes continuing amid regional tensions involving , , and other powers.

Administration and governance

Administrative structure

Preparis Island forms part of Cocokyun Township within the of . Cocokyun Township administers both the and Preparis Island, comprising two wards that reflect its rural and isolated character. Governance at the township level is handled by the Cocokyun Township General Administration Department, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with a 15-member Township Administration Committee led by the Township Administrator. The remote nature of the area results in ad-hoc administrative support from military and naval units, integrated into Myanmar's broader framework. Since the 2021 coup, oversight has intensified under the , emphasizing centralized control and development initiatives without local electoral processes in such peripheral locales.

Political status

Preparis Island is administered as part of Myanmar's , with sovereignty firmly established under Myanmar's territorial claims since the island's separation from British in 1937. There are no active territorial disputes over the island, though its proximity to India's —approximately 77 kilometers north-northeast of Great Coco Island—has prompted periodic bilateral discussions on border clarification, including maritime delimitations in the . The most recent notable talks occurred in the context of the 1987 India-Myanmar maritime boundary agreement, with no reported conflicts since the 2010s. Strategically, Preparis serves as a key outpost in Myanmar's "Metal Chain" defense network, linking islands like Hainggyi, Preparis, and Coco to monitor approaches to the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, including routes toward the Malacca Strait. The island hosts military installations, including radar facilities, patrol bases, and two helipads, supporting sea-denial operations and surveillance amid regional tensions. Post-2021 military coup developments have integrated Preparis into Myanmar's enhanced island defense strategy, with upgrades to military-style buildings to bolster coastal security. Concerns have arisen in 2025 regarding potential Chinese naval access through Myanmar's alliances, though official assurances emphasize no foreign basing on nearby Coco Islands, extending similar denials to Preparis. Internationally, Preparis falls under the Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), with Myanmar depositing coordinates for straight baselines encompassing the island in 2008 to define its territorial sea and maritime zones, generating no reported (EEZ) conflicts with neighbors. Myanmar's adherence to environmental treaties, such as the (CBD) ratified in 1994, applies to Preparis, though local enforcement remains limited due to the island's remote status and minimal presence. The island receives limited mention in diplomatic forums, primarily highlighting its role in regional maritime stability and Myanmar's non-alignment policy.

Demographics and society

Population and settlement

The population of Preparis Island is estimated at 50 residents as of 2014. This results in a low of about 6.2 persons per square kilometer, reflecting the challenges of sustaining larger communities in such an isolated environment. on the island is concentrated in a single small village, consisting primarily of and their families with no evidence of urban development or expansion. Access restrictions imposed for security reasons have constrained growth and civilian settlement.

Ethnic composition and culture

The ethnic composition of Preparis Island is predominantly Bamar. No significant ethnic minorities are present, as the population consists mainly of and their families. Cultural and religious life aligns with broader Burmese traditions, dominated by .

Economy and infrastructure

Economic activities

The economy of Preparis Island centers on military-related logistics, supporting the island's small contingent of personnel and contributing indirectly to Myanmar's defense infrastructure. The island, strictly off-limits to civilians, hosts military-style buildings and helipads that facilitate operational activities, with no significant civilian economic engagement reported. Marine resources around Preparis form a key component of regional fishing efforts, particularly for sea cucumbers, which mainland fishermen target as distant grounds due to overexploitation of nearshore stocks. These harvests, conducted seasonally from November to February using snorkeling or scuba methods, are processed into dried products for export to markets in China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan, generating foreign exchange for Myanmar. Local consumption of marine resources remains limited, with no evidence of large-scale aquaculture, mining, or tourism development as of 2025. Trade and supply chains to the island are minimal, relying on periodic naval resupply from . The island's overall GDP contribution to is negligible, reflecting its remote location and strategic military focus. Economic isolation has been further intensified by on since 2021, ongoing as of 2025, limiting broader resource development and external investment.

Transportation and access

Access to Preparis Island is severely limited due to its remote position in the and its designation as a outpost under Myanmar's control. The island is strictly off-limits to civilians and unauthorized personnel, with restrictions intensified following the 2021 military coup, which imposed broader controls on remote and strategic areas across the country. Sea access relies on small beaches suitable for , as no dedicated harbor exists on the island. Supplies are transported irregularly by naval vessels from Myanmar's . All maritime operations are highly weather-dependent, as the experiences frequent tropical cyclones that disrupt shipping schedules and endanger navigation. Air facilities are confined to two helipads used exclusively for military helicopters, with no civilian airstrip available. Occasional rotary-wing flights from , approximately 340 km north, take 2–3 hours under favorable conditions. Internal movement on the island is primarily by foot along forest paths, as no extensive road network or vehicles exist. Travel between Preparis and nearby islets requires small boats.

References

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