Biosphere Reserves - Concept, Reserves of India, Flora

Biosphere reserves play a crucial role in promoting the conservation of biodiversity, fostering sustainable development, and facilitating research and monitoring efforts.
These sites typically consist of three interconnected zones: a core area where conservation takes precedence, a buffer zone where sustainable activities are encouraged, and a transition zone where compatible development can occur.
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves continues to expand, with each site contributing to the collective efforts toward achieving global sustainability goals.

Here’s a list of Biosphere Reserves in India along with their establishment year, name, state(s) they are located in, and their respective areas:

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1986
- State: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
- Area: 5520 km²
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1988
- State: Uttarakhand
- Area: 5860 km²
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1989
- State: Tamil Nadu
- Area: 10500 km²
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1989
- State: West Bengal
- Area: 9630 km²
Manas Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1989
- State: Assam
- Area: 2837 km²
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1989
- State: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Area: 885 km²
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1988
- State: Meghalaya
- Area: 820 km²
Simlipal Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1994
- State: Odisha
- Area: 4374 km²
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1997
- State: Assam
- Area: 765 km²
Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1998
- State: Arunachal Pradesh
- Area: 5112 km²
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 1999
- State: Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 4982 km²
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 2000
- State: Sikkim
- Area: 2620 km²
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 2001
- State: Kerala, Tamil Nadu
- Area: 3500 km²
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 2005
- State: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
- Area: 3835 km²
Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 2008
- State: Gujarat
- Area: 12454 km²
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 2009
- State: Himachal Pradesh
- Area: 7770 km²
Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 2010
- State: Andhra Pradesh
- Area: 4755 km²
Panna Biosphere Reserve
- Year: 2011
- State: Madhya Pradesh
- Area: 543 km²

Here are the key fauna species found in some of the Biosphere Reserves of India:

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve:

Lion-Tailed Macaque (EN)
Nilgiri Tahr (EN)
Malabar Giant Squirrel (LC)
Nilgiri Langur (VU)

Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:

Snow Leopard (VU)
Musk Deer (EN)
Bharal or Blue Sheep (LC)

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve:

Dugong (VU)
Olive Ridley Turtles (VU)

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve:

Red Panda (EN)
Hoolock Gibbons (EN)
Red Giant Flying Squirrel (LC)

Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve:

Royal Bengal Tiger (EN)

Manas Biosphere Reserve:

Assam Roofed Turtle (EN)
Hispid Hare (EN)
Golden Langur (EN)
Pygmy Hog (EN)
Wild Water Buffalo (EN)
Bengal Florican (CR)

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve:

Royal Bengal Tigers
Wild Elephants (EN)
Gaurs (VU)
Chausingha (VU)

Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve:

Takin (VU)
Red Panda (EN)

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve:

Tiger
Gaur
Indian Giant Flying Squirrels (LC)

Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve:

Four-Horned Antelope (Chausingha – VU)
Indian Wild Dog (VU)

Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve:

Great Indian Bustard (CR)
Indian Wild Ass (NT)

Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve:

Snow Leopard (VU)
Himalayan Ibex (LC)

Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve:

Red Panda (EN)
Snow Leopard (VU)
Musk Deer (EN)
Great Tibetan Sheep (Argali – NT)

Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve:

Nilgiri Tahr (EN)

Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve:

Dugong (VU)
Saltwater Crocodile (LC)

Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve:

Bengal Tiger
Clouded Leopard (VU)
Gangetic Dolphin (EN)

Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve:

Red Sanders (NT)
Golden Gecko (LC – Endemic to Tirumala Hills)

Panna Biosphere Reserve:

Tiger (EN)
Chital (LC)
Chinkara (LC)
Sambar (VU)

Table of Contents

FAQs regarding biosphere reserves

1-Are Ramsar Sites legally protected in India?

A: Yes, Ramsar Sites in India are legally protected under national environmental laws and regulations. The designation as a Ramsar Site signifies the importance of the wetland ecosystem, and measures are put in place to ensure their conservation and sustainable use.

2-How are Ramsar Sites selected in India?

A: The selection of Ramsar Sites in India involves a comprehensive assessment of the wetland’s ecological importance, biodiversity value, and the services it provides. Criteria set by the Ramsar Convention are considered, and sites are nominated based on their significance for migratory birds, endangered species, water purification, flood control, and cultural heritage.

3-What threats do Ramsar Sites face in India?

A: Ramsar Sites in India face various threats, including habitat loss and degradation due to urbanization, agricultural expansion, pollution, invasive species, and unsustainable resource extraction. Climate change-induced impacts such as sea-level rise, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events also pose significant challenges to wetland ecosystems.

4-How are Ramsar Sites managed in India?

A: Ramsar Sites in India are managed through a combination of governmental agencies, local communities, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. Management plans are developed to address conservation objectives, sustainable resource use, monitoring and research, stakeholder engagement, and enforcement of regulations to ensure effective protection and management of the wetland.

5-Can visitors access Ramsar Sites in India?

A: Many Ramsar Sites in India are open to visitors, providing opportunities for eco-tourism, birdwatching, nature photography, and recreational activities. However, access and activities may be regulated to minimize disturbance to sensitive habitats and wildlife. Visitors are often encouraged to follow guidelines to minimize their impact on the wetland environment.

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Biosphere Reserves – Concept, Reserves of India, Flora and Fauna – UPSC Environment Notes