18 Biosphere Reserves in India: What are Biosphere Reserves? Biosphere reserves are the natural protected areas which aims to protect the genetic resources of flora and fauna found within the region in wild. The concept of Biosphere Reserve was introduced via Man and Biosphere (MAB) program of UNESCO in 1975.
Let’s discuss:
What is Biosphere?
The earth comprises of different layers such as:
a) Atmosphere
The layer of earth which is composed of air is called Atmosphere.
Example: Sky, Clouds
b) Lithosphere
The upper most layer of earth crust which is solid is called Lithosphere.
Example: Land, Soil
c) Hydrosphere
The layer of earth which is composed of water is called Hydrosphere.
Example: Ocean, River, Lake, Ponds
d) Biosphere
Biosphere is the part of earth where LIFE exists. The atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere meet at biosphere.
What are Biosphere Reserves?
UNESCO launched the Man and Biosphere (MAB) program in 1975 which introduced the concept of Biosphere Reserves.
Biosphere reserves are the protected areas which aims to preserve the genetic diversity of the ecosystem. It helps to protect not only the flora and fauna of the region, but also the inhabitants (tribal people) who live in the protected area.
They are included in IUCN Category V Protected Area. They remain under national government's jurisdiction.
A biosphere reserve generally included one or more national parks or wildlife sanctuaries.
A biosphere consists of three zone:
a) Core zone :
- Inner most part of biosphere reserve
- Legally protected,
- Completely undisturbed from human intervention
b) Buffer zone :
- surrounds core zone,
- research and educational activities are allowed
- Promote eco-tourism activities
c) Transition zone :
- outermost part of biosphere reserve
- there exist cooperation between local people and management of reserve.
- Human activities like cropping, afforestation, settlement, plantation of medicinal hers, soil conservation and recreation is allowed
How many Biosphere Reserves are there in India?
There are total of 18 Biosphere Reserves in India which comprises of:
a) 11 World Network of Biosphere Reserves
b) 7 domestic Biosphere Reserves
Location of Biosphere Reserves
List of Biosphere Reserves in India
A. World Network Of Biosphere Reserve
There are total of 11 Biosphere Reserves that are part of World Network Of Biosphere Reserve under Man and Biosphere (MAB) program of UNESCO.
S.No
|
Biosphere Reserve
|
State
|
Declaration Year
|
Key Fauna
|
1
|
Nilgiri
|
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala
|
2000
|
Nilgiri Tahr,
Lion-tailed Macaque
|
2
|
Gulf Of Mannar
(1st marine biosphere reserve)
|
Tamil Nadu
|
2001
|
Dugong
|
3
|
Sundarbans
|
West Bengal
|
2001
|
Royal Bengal Tiger
|
4
|
Nanda Devi
|
Uttarakhand
|
2004
|
Snow Leopard,
Himalayan Black Bear
|
5
|
Nokrek
|
Meghalaya
(Garo hills)
|
2009
|
Red Panda
|
6
|
Panchmarhi
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
2009
|
Giant squirrel,
Flying squirrel
|
7
|
Similipal
|
Odisha
|
2009
|
Gaur,
Royal Bengal Tiger
|
8
|
Achanakmar-Amarkantaka
|
Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh
[Maikal hills]
|
2012
|
4-horned Antelope,
Indian wild dog,
Sarus crane,
White-rumped vulture
|
9
|
Great Nicobar
|
Andaman & Nicobar
|
2013
|
Saltwater crocodile
|
10
|
Agasthyamala
|
Kerala, Tamil Nadu
|
2016
|
Nilgiri Tahr
|
11
|
Khangchendzonga
|
Sikkim
|
2018
|
Snow Leopard,
Red Panda
|
B. Domestic Biosphere Reserves
S.No
|
Biosphere Reserve
|
State
|
Year
|
Key Fauna
|
1
|
Manas
|
Assam
|
1989
|
Golden Langur,
Pygmy Hog
|
2
|
Dibru-Saikhowa
|
Assam
|
1997
|
Capped Langur,
White-winged wood duck,
Black-breasted parrot bill
|
3
|
Dihang-Dibang
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
1998
|
Musk Deer,
Mishmi Takin
|
4
|
Great Rann Of Kutch
[LARGEST B.R]
|
Gujrat
|
1999
|
Indian wild Ass
|
5
|
Cold Desert
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
2009
|
Snow leopard
|
6
|
Seshachalam Hills
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
2010
|
Slender Loris
|
7
|
Panna
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
2011
|
Chinkara,
Sambhar,
Chital
Sloth Bear
|
FACTS TO REMEMBER :-
1) How many biosphere reserves are there in India? 18
2) How many biosphere reserves are part of World Network of Biosphere Reserve? 11
3) Which is the first biosphere reserve in India? Nilgiri (1986)
4) Which Biosphere Reserve from India was most recently included in World Network of Biosphere Reserve? Khangchendzonga (2018)
5) Which is the smallest biosphere reserve in India? Panna
6) Which is the largest biosphere reserve in India? Rann Of Kutch
7) Which is the first marine biosphere reserve in India? Gulf Of Mannar
Note:
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Nice post
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