Agasthyamala joined the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Q.  Which of the following is the biosphere from India which recently joined the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
- Published on 22 Mar 16

a. Great Rann of Kutch
b. Cold Desert
c. Seshachalam Hills
d. Agasthyamala

ANSWER: Agasthyamala
 
  • Ten out of eighteen Indian biosphere reserves are part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
  • They are – Nokrek, Sunderbans, Nanda Devi, Gulf of Mannar, Simplipal, Panchmarhi, Achanakmar-Amarkantak and Agasthyamala
  • Located in the Western Ghats, in the south of the country, the Agasthyamala biosphere reserve includes peaks reaching 1,868m above sea level.
  • Consisting mostly of tropical forests, the site is home to 2,254 species of higher plants including about 400 that are endemic.
  • It is also a unique genetic reservoir of cultivated plants especially cardamom, jamune, nutmeg, pepper and plantain.
  • Three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney, Peppara, Neyyar and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve are included in the site.
  • A number of tribal settlements with a total population of 3,000 are located in the biosphere reserve. They largely rely on biological resources for their sustenance and recent projects have been set up successfully to reduce their dependence on the forests.

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