General Knowledge about the Biosphere, List of Biosphere Reserves in India and PDF of list for free download. A Biosphere Reserve is a unique and crucial concept in the realm of conservation and sustainable development. These designated areas play a pivotal role in safeguarding biodiversity, conducting scientific research, and promoting sustainable practices.
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
A Biosphere Reserve is a specific type of protected area recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It serves as a model for harmonizing the conservation of biodiversity, fostering sustainable development, and promoting scientific research and environmental education. Biosphere Reserves are typically established in regions with significant ecological, cultural, scientific, and economic value.
Functions of Biosphere Reserves:
Conservation of Biodiversity: The primary function of a Biosphere Reserve is to conserve biological diversity. These areas serve as sanctuaries for a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many endangered or rare ones.
Scientific Research: Biosphere Reserves provide a platform for scientists to conduct research on various ecological processes, species interactions, and environmental changes. The data generated contributes to our understanding of ecosystems.
Promotion of Sustainable Development: Biosphere Reserves aim to promote sustainable development by harmonizing the needs of local communities with environmental conservation. This involves sustainable land and resource management practices.
Environmental Education: These reserves often serve as centers for environmental education and awareness programs. This help educate local communities and the public about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable living.
List of Biosphere Reserves in India
India is home to 18 Biosphere Reserves, each unique in its ecological, cultural, and geographical aspects. List of all 18 Biosphere Reserves in India with brief details:
- Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
- Location: West Bengal
- Area: 9,630 sq. km
- Designated Year: 1989
- Notable Features: World’s largest delta, Royal Bengal Tigers, vital coastal protection.
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka
- Area: 5,520 sq. km
- Designated Year: 1986
- Notable Features: Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque.
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Area: 5,860 sq. km
- Designated Year: 1988
- Notable Features: Nanda Devi peak, alpine flora, snow leopards.
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Tamil Nadu
- Area: 10,500 sq. km
- Designated Year: 1989
- Notable Features: Marine diversity, dolphins, dugongs, coral reefs.
- Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Area: 885 sq. km
- Designated Year: 1989
- Notable Features: Unique island biodiversity, Nicobar megapode, saltwater crocodile.
- Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Kerala and Tamil Nadu
- Area: 3,500 sq. km
- Designated Year: 2001
- Notable Features: Agasthyamalai hills, medicinal plants, tribal communities.
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 3,835 sq. km
- Designated Year: 2005
- Notable Features: Unique flora and fauna, tiger and leopard habitat.
- Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 4,926 sq. km
- Designated Year: 2009
- Notable Features: Satpura Range, diverse vegetation, wildlife.
- Simlipal Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Odisha
- Area: 5,569 sq. km
- Designated Year: 1994
- Notable Features: Bengal tigers, elephants, diverse forests.
- Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Sikkim
- Area: 2,619 sq. km
- Designated Year: 2000
- Notable Features: Khangchendzonga peak, snow leopards, red panda habitat.
- Manas Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Assam
- Area: 2,837 sq. km
- Designated Year: 1989
- Notable Features: Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, grasslands.
- Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Andhra Pradesh
- Area: 5,698 sq. km
- Designated Year: 2010
- Notable Features: Eastern Ghats biodiversity, sacred groves.
- Panna Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 5,998 sq. km
- Designated Year: 2011
- Notable Features: Tigers, leopards, and critical vulture habitat.
- Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Assam
- Area: 765 sq. km
- Designated Year: 1997
- Notable Features: Diverse wetland ecosystem, feral horses.
- Kachchh Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Gujarat
- Area: 12,454 sq. km
- Designated Year: 2008
- Notable Features: Rann of Kachchh, Greater and Lesser Flamingos.
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 3,835 sq. km
- Designated Year: 2005
- Notable Features: Unique flora and fauna, tiger and leopard habitat.
- Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Area: 7,770 sq. km
- Designated Year: 2009
- Notable Features: Cold desert ecosystem, snow leopards.
- Saddle Peak National Park
- Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Area: 32 sq. km
- Designated Year: 1989
- Notable Features: Tropical rainforests, Andaman wild pig, and the Andaman hill myna.
These Biosphere Reserves represent India’s commitment to preserving its rich natural heritage, fostering scientific research, and promoting sustainable development in harmony with the environment. Biosphere Reserves are vital components of global conservation efforts and stand as living examples of the coexistence of humans and nature.
Notable features of Biosphere Reserve
- First Biosphere Reserve in India: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
- The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, designated in 1986, was the first Biosphere Reserve to be established in India. It is renowned for its lush Western Ghats biodiversity, including the Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaque.
- Largest Biosphere Reserve in India: Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
- The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, covering an extensive area of 10,500 square kilometers, is the largest among India’s Biosphere Reserves. It is a marine paradise with diverse aquatic life and vibrant coral reefs.
- Only Island Biosphere Reserve: Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
- The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is unique as it is the only Biosphere Reserve in India that encompasses an entire island. It plays a crucial role in the preservation of island biodiversity and indigenous tribes.
- High-Altitude Biosphere Reserve: Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
- The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is notable for hosting the Nanda Devi peak, the second-highest mountain in India. It is a high-altitude reserve characterized by alpine flora and fauna, including snow leopards.
- Mangrove Marvel: Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
- The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve is world-famous for its vast mangrove forests. It is the largest mangrove ecosystem globally and is home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger.
- Cultural and Medicinal Heritage: Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
- The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is not only known for its ecological importance but also for its rich cultural heritage. It is a treasure trove of medicinal plants and supports indigenous tribal communities.
- Eastern Ghats Gem: Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve
- The Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve, situated in Andhra Pradesh, is a part of the Eastern Ghats. It is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna and is dotted with sacred groves.
- Himalayan Biodiversity: Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
- The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, located in Sikkim, is a Himalayan treasure. It is home to the majestic Khangchendzonga peak and supports snow leopards and red pandas.
- Unique Wetland Ecosystem: Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve
- The Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, located in Assam, is characterized by its diverse wetland ecosystem. It provides refuge to several avian species and is known for its feral horses.
- Desert Beauty: Kachchh Biosphere Reserve
- The Kachchh Biosphere Reserve, situated in Gujarat, showcases the stunning Rann of Kachchh. It is renowned for hosting Greater and Lesser Flamingos.
Download : List of Biosphere Reserves in India PDF
Name : List of Biosphere Reserves in India
Medium : English
Number of pages : 5