Indian culture and religions have their own place and value in the country of cultural diversity. The region is also home to a variety of biosphere reserves. There are also many Biosphere Reserves in India that protect wildlife and tribal interests. We present the list of the top 10 biosphere reserves in India that not only preserve but also enhance mother nature.
1. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
Founders of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve wanted to protect and preserve wildlife. This area, located in Madhya Pradesh, is also a biosphere reserve without any use restrictions. Additionally, the Indian government created the conservation area in 1999. UNESCO also designated it a biosphere reserve in 2009. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve encompasses areas in Madhya Pradesh’s Hoshangabad, Betul, and Chhindwara districts. Moreover, Dhoopgarh is the highest peak in the region.
2. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
The reserve is also the largest of all the Biosphere Reserves in India. In the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills ranges of South India, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is also an International Biosphere Reserve. In 2012, UNESCO designated the Nilgiri sub-cluster as a World Heritage Site. As well as the national parks Aralam, Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Silent Valley, they include the wildlife sanctuaries of Wayanad and Sathyamangalam.
3. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve encompasses an extensive area (some 85%) of Great Nicobar, the largest of the Nicobar Islands in the states of Andaman and Nicobar. Further, Nicobar islands lie in the Bay of Bengal, eastern Indian Ocean, 190 km from Sumatra, Indonesia. There are 885 km2 of core reserve land, encircled by a forest buffer zone of 12 km. UNESCO enrolled it in its Man and Biosphere Program in 2013 to promote sustainable development through community efforts and sound science.
4. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
Among all the Biosphere Reserves in India, the Cold Desert is the most fascinating because of its preservation of Snow leopards. The Biosphere reserve is located in the western Himalayas within the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. It also claims to have over 669 other biosphere reserves throughout the world in over 120 countries.
5. Nanda Devi National Park: Biosphere Reserves In India
Located in northern India in Uttarakhand, in the heart of Nanda Devi National Park (7816 m). In addition to possessing many endangered species including Himalayan Black Bears, Snow Leopards, and Brown Bears, it is also noteworthy for being a favorite destination among mountaineers and trekkers.
6. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
Approximately 383,551 hectares (3835.51 km2) of the biosphere reserve is shared by Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The area also boasts the best flora and fauna in nature, as well as the Narmada, Johilla, and Son river systems.
In addition to being a part of Biogeographical Zone 6 and Biogeographical Province 6 A (the Deccan Peninsula and the Central Highlands), the reserve is also found in the northern part of Biogeographical zone 61.
7. Gulf Of Mannar: Biosphere Reserves In India
Located in southeastern India and lying on the west coast of Sri Lanka, the Gulf of Mannar is a shallow gulf formed by the Laccadive Sea and the Indian Ocean. The Gulf of Mannar is one of the richest coastal regions in Asia, known as one of the richest coastal regions in Asia. The Gulf of Mannar has 117 hard coral species. Sharks, dugongs, and dolphins are frequent visitors to the Gulf of Mexico. With 47 villages and around 50,000 residents, there is a problem of overharvesting of marine species in this area.
8. AgasthyaMalai Biosphere Reserve
In the southern part of India, the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is a unique site located in the Western Ghats. In the Biosphere Reserve, there are peaks reaching up to 1,868 meters above sea level and tropical forests that are home to about 2,254 species of plants (of which 400 are endemic).
9. Nokrek National Park: Biosphere Reserves In India
North-Eastern Meghalaya is home to Nokrek National Park. Many Asian elephants and tigers live in this reserve. This biosphere is also home to the Red Pandas in addition to its wildlife reserve. In spite of the existence of Red Pandas in the national park, it has been preserved.
National Park Nokrek, a core area of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, is located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India, approximately 2 km from Tura Peak. Furthermore, UNESCO named this park a Biosphere Reserve in May 2009. Nokrek is also a hotspot of biodiversity in Meghalaya along with Balphakram national park.
10. Sunderbans: Biosphere Reserves In India
Last but not least! Sunderbans – one of the famous biosphere reserves in India. With an area of around 10,000 square kilometers, it is the largest Bengal Tiger reserve in the world.
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