205 Questions
What percentage of the world's mangrove forests are found in India?
7%
What is the main difference between natural vegetation and planted vegetation?
Natural vegetation is left undisturbed over time, while planted vegetation is under human supervision.
What is the main reason for the remarkable diversity of life forms in India?
Great diversity of ecosystems
Which Indian region has the highest forest cover concentration according to the forest cover classification?
Region of high concentration
Which region of India is known for tropical rainforests?
Western Ghats and Andaman Nicobar Islands
What is the main aim of the forest policy mentioned in the text?
Maintaining environmental stability
Which type of forest is found in the foothills of the Himalayas?
Deciduous forests
What type of forests are found in the desert and semi-desert areas of Rajasthan?
Cacti forests
What type of trees are predominant in the higher hill ranges of northeastern India and West Bengal?
Oak and Chestnut
What is the difference between forest area and actual forest cover in India?
Forest area includes all land with trees, while actual forest cover is the area with canopy forests.
Which activity has caused an adverse effect on wildlife and its habitat?
Grazing by domestic cattle
Which of the following is NOT a purpose of social forestry as mentioned in the text?
Industrial forestry
Which states fall under the region of very low concentration in terms of forest cover?
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi
What type of forests are found in the deltaic regions of India?
Tropical rainforests
Which act provides the main legal framework for the conservation and protection of wildlife in India?
Wildlife Protection Act
Which tree is known for being a durable wood mainly used in construction activity in the Himalayan range?
Deodar
What do tribal people primarily rely on forests for?
Building houses
What is the forest cover percentage in the northeastern states of India?
More than 40%
At what altitude do Blue pine and spruce appear in the Himalayas?
2,225-3,048 m
How does the vegetation of India vary across different regions?
Based on climate and soil variations
Which category of social forestry emphasizes the promotion of agro-forestry and community-forestry?
Rural forestry
What is the primary objective of Project Tiger launched in 1973?
To conserve tiger populations
What do tribal districts account for in terms of the total forest cover of the country?
59.61%
Which tribes extensively use the pastures in the higher reaches of the Himalayas for transhumance?
Bhotiyas and Gaddis
What types of forests can be found in the Montane regions of India?
Montane forests
Which government initiative aims to conserve wild elephant populations?
Project Elephant
Which Indian states have forest cover percentages in the range of 10-20%?
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal
What is the main objective of farm forestry as mentioned in the text?
Growing trees for commercial and non-commercial purposes on farm lands
What was one of the reasons for the declining wildlife numbers mentioned in the text?
Hunting by the elite for sport
What type of vegetation is found at higher altitudes on the southern slopes of the Himalayas?
Alpine forests
What is the forest cover percentage in Lakshadweep according to the text?
0%
In what year was the Wildlife Act comprehensively amended to make punishments more stringent?
1991
Which type of forestry combines trees with agriculture to produce food, fodder, fuel, timber, and fruit?
Agro-forestry
'The actual forest cover in India is only 21.05%.' What does this statement imply?
'There is a slight difference between the notified forest area and the actual area with canopy forests.'
In which area of Peninsular India are temperate forests found closer to the tropics?
Western Ghats
What economic significance do magnolia, laurel, cinchona, and wattle trees hold?
Medicinal plants
'Most of the forests in Punjab and Haryana have been cleared for cultivation.' Why is this significant?
'It showcases the lack of importance given to forest conservation in those states.'
What is the purpose of community forestry as mentioned in the text?
Providing benefits to the community as a whole
How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in India according to the text?
535
What is protected as water-fowl habitats under the Ramsar Convention in India?
Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park
What is the aim of UNESCO’s ‘Man and Biosphere Programme’ according to the text?
Conservation of flora and fauna
What is one benefit that tribal communities derive from forests according to the text?
Nourishing roots and wild game
What type of plants grow in mangrove forests along coasts?
Salt-tolerant plants
Why has wildlife conservation been considered significant according to the text?
To preserve natural heritage for future generations
What does social forestry aim to achieve according to the text?
Environmental, social, and rural development
Which international programme recognises Biosphere Reserves?
UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme
When was the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve established?
1986
How many Biosphere Reserves are there in India?
18
Which state in India is the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve located in?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Which Biosphere Reserve is the southernmost in India?
Great Nicobar
Which Biosphere Reserve is famous for being the first one established in India?
Nilgiri
Which Biosphere Reserve includes parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka?
Nanda Devi
Which Biosphere Reserve is located in the delta of Ganges and Brahmaputra river system?
Sunderban
In which year was the Manas Biosphere Reserve established?
1988
Which Indian state is not home to any Biosphere Reserve from the list provided?
Himachal Pradesh
Which type of forest is characterized by trees reaching great heights up to 60 m or above and appear green all year round?
Tropical Evergreen Forests
Which type of forest is found in areas with an annual precipitation of over 200 cm and a mean annual temperature above 22°C?
Semi Evergreen Forests
Which species would you likely find in the Moist Deciduous forests of India?
Teak, Sal, Amla
Which forests in India are known as the monsoon forests due to their widespread distribution?
Tropical Deciduous Forests
In which regions do Dry Deciduous forests cover vast areas in India?
Plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Which forest type is characterized by plants remaining leafless for most of the year and having a scrub vegetation appearance?
Tropical Thorn Forests
Which forest type occurs in mountainous areas due to the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude?
Montane Forests
What is the main difference between Moist and Dry Deciduous forests in terms of rainfall?
Moist Deciduous: rainfall between 100-200 cm; Dry Deciduous: rainfall between 70-100 cm
Which region in India receives less than 50 cm of rainfall and has Tropical Thorn Forests?
Punjab and Haryana
Which habitat type is predominant in the Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve?
Mangrove forests
What is the major forest type found in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve?
Temperate forests
Which endangered animal species is not mentioned as inhabiting the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?
Snow leopard
Which biosphere reserve in India has the highest altitude range?
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Which biosphere reserve is known for being one of the world’s richest regions from a marine biodiversity perspective?
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
What is a significant threat to the ecosystem in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?
Forest fires
Which of the following animals is not listed as an inhabitant of the Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve?
Snowcock
What is a key characteristic of the mangrove forests in the Sunderbans?
Safe homes for a large number of species
What distinguishes the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve from others in terms of its biodiversity?
Presence of sea cow
What makes the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve distinct in terms of altitude?
Highest altitude range in India
What distinguishes natural vegetation from planted vegetation?
Natural vegetation is undisturbed over a long time to adjust to climate and soil conditions.
In which forest type would you expect to find trees reaching great heights of 60 meters or more and staying green throughout the year?
Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen forests
Which region in India is known for its cacti, a wide variety of bushes, and thorny vegetation?
Rajasthan
What vegetation type characterizes the forest cover in Punjab and Haryana?
Deciduous forests
What factor leads to the variation in India's vegetation from one region to another?
Altitude
Which forest type is predominant in the deltaic regions of India?
Littoral and Swamp forests
What percentage of India's land area is covered by forests according to state records?
23.28%
What is the primary difference between forest area and actual forest cover in India?
Existence of trees
Which region in India is categorized by forest cover concentration of 10-20%?
Southern states (Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
What is the range of forest cover percentage in the northeastern states of India?
>30%
Why is forest conservation considered vital according to the text?
To maintain ecological balance
In what year did the Government of India adopt a forest policy emphasizing sustainable forest management?
1988
Which state has zero per cent forest area according to the text?
Lakshadweep
What is the forest cover percentage in Jammu and Kashmir according to the text?
<10%
What is the main purpose of social forestry as mentioned in the text?
To involve communities in tree-raising and provide benefits to the community
What is the primary focus of farm forestry according to the text?
Encouraging small and medium farmers to grow trees for commercial and non-commercial purposes
Which type of forestry combines agriculture with raising trees on the same land?
Agro-Forestry
What does community forestry involve according to the text?
Raising trees on public or community lands for the benefit of the community
How does farm forestry differ from social forestry based on the information provided?
Social forestry encourages agro-forestry, while farm forestry focuses on tree-growing by farmers
Which type of forests are predominant in the higher hill ranges of northeastern India and hilly areas of West Bengal?
Coniferous forests
At what altitudes do blue pine and spruce trees typically appear in the Himalayas?
2,225-3,048 m
What type of forests are found in the foothills of the Himalayas?
Deciduous forests
Which tree species grows mainly in the western part of the Himalayan range and is highly valued for its durable wood used in construction activity?
Deodar
In which altitude zone are temperate grasslands also found in the Himalayan region?
1,000-2,000 m
What distinguishes Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen forests in terms of their height and appearance?
They reach great heights up to 60 m or above and appear green all year round.
Which forest type is prevalent in areas with annual precipitation above 200 cm and mean annual temperature above 22°C?
Tropical Evergreen Forests
Which forests are found in regions with rainfall between 70-200 cm and include species like Teak, Sal, and Shisham?
Tropical Deciduous Forests
What is a common characteristic of Dry Deciduous forests in India?
Trees remain leafless during the dry season.
Which forest type is characterized by plants remaining leafless for most of the year and a scrub vegetation appearance?
Tropical Thorn Forests
In which regions of India would one primarily find Tropical Thorn Forests?
South west Punjab and Madhya Pradesh
What is the main distinction between Moist Deciduous and Dry Deciduous forests in India?
Annual precipitation levels
Which forest type is more pronounced in regions receiving rainfall between 100-200 cm?
Moist Deciduous Forests
What is the primary indicator for the distribution of Montane forests in India?
Temperature gradient with altitude
What distinguishes Semi-Evergreen forests from Tropical Evergreen forests in terms of their location?
More common in regions with less rainfall
What is the main purpose of the Wildlife Act enacted in India?
To provide legal support for wildlife conservation areas
What significant step has the government taken to conserve tiger populations in India?
Project Tiger
What is the primary objective of Project Elephant launched by the Indian government?
To assist states with wild elephant populations
What is the main aim of UNESCO's 'Man and Biosphere Programme' in collaboration with India?
To preserve areas of biological importance as natural heritage
Which initiative focuses on conserving wild elephant populations in India?
Project Elephant
What is the significance of the comprehensive amendment to the Wildlife Act in 1991?
Strengthened punishments and added conservation provisions
Which initiative focuses on ensuring viable tiger populations in India?
'Project Tiger'
What is the primary goal of 'Project Tiger' initiated by the Indian government?
'Ensure maintenance of viable tiger population'
'Project Elephant' assists states with which type of population?
Wild elephant populations
What major purpose does the Wildlife Act serve in India?
Protect endangered species and conservation areas
What is the main aim of a Biosphere Reserve as per the text?
Protecting identified viable populations of specific species
Which Biosphere Reserve is known for encompassing sanctuary complexes and forested hill slopes in India?
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
In which state of India is the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve located?
Tamil Nadu
Which Biosphere Reserve is famous for being the first established in India?
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
What does UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme aim to achieve?
Conserving natural ecosystems globally
Where is the Panna Biosphere Reserve located?
Madhya Pradesh
Which Biosphere Reserve is situated in parts of Sikkim?
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
What is the primary objective of a Biosphere Reserve within the framework of UNESCO's MAB Programme?
'Facilitating conservation and sustainable development'
Which type of forests characterize the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve according to the text?
Dry and moist deciduous forests
Among the plants and animals listed, which species is NOT specifically mentioned as found in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?
Snow leopard
Which Biosphere Reserve is characterized by mangrove forests, swamps, and forested islands?
Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve
What is the primary difference between the biodiversity focus of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve compared to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?
Presence of sea cow (Dugong dugon)
In which Indian state is the Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve located?
West Bengal
Which of the following describes the vegetation found in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve?
Temperate forest
'Temperate forest' is an example of what type of vegetation found in biosphere reserves according to the text?
'Deciduous forest'
'Thorny forest' is most likely to be found in which type of biosphere reserve based on the text?
'Tropical Thorn Forests'
'Sea cow (Dugong dugon)' is a species associated with which biosphere reserve from India?
'Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve'
Which biosphere reserve is known for hosting nearly 200 Royal Bengal tigers?
Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve
What type of forests are characterized by plants remaining leafless for most of the year and having a scrub vegetation appearance in India?
Tropical Thorn forests
In which altitude zone are temperate grasslands also found in the Himalayan region of India?
Above the montane forests
Which forest type characterizes the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve according to the text?
Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen forests
What economic significance do magnolia, laurel, cinchona, and wattle trees hold in India's forest ecosystem?
Medicinal plants
What is the main aim of UNESCO’s ‘Man and Biosphere Programme’ according to the text?
To ensure sustainable development using local knowledge and resources
Why has wildlife conservation been considered significant in India according to the text?
To maintain biodiversity and ecological balance
Which vegetation type is predominant between 1,500-1,750 m in the higher hill ranges of northeastern India and hilly areas of West Bengal?
Wet temperate type of forests
At what altitude do pine forests, with Chir Pine as a prominent commercial tree, develop in the higher hill zones?
1,500-1,750 m
Which species of trees are known to sustain the famous Kashmir handicrafts and belong to the zone discussed in the text?
Deodar and walnut
At what altitude range do Alpine forests and pastures start transitioning in the mentioned region?
3,000-4,000 m
Which tribes extensively use pastures in the higher reaches of the Himalayas for transhumance according to the text?
Bhotiyas and Gaddis
Which forest type is characterized by a significant presence of Blue pine and spruce at altitudes of 2,225-3,048 m?
Alpine forests
'Sholas' are primarily associated with which hill ranges in India?
Nilgiris
Which forest type in India is found in areas with an annual precipitation of over 200 cm and a mean annual temperature above 22°C?
Tropical Evergreen Forests
What distinguishes Semi-Evergreen forests from Tropical Evergreen forests in terms of their location?
The Semi-Evergreen forests are located in the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and Odisha.
At what altitudes do blue pine and spruce trees typically appear in the Himalayas?
Above 2000 meters
What is the primary focus of farm forestry according to the text?
Combining agriculture with raising trees on the same land
Which region in India is known for its cacti, a wide variety of bushes, and thorny vegetation?
Western Rajasthan
Which habitat type is predominant in the Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve?
Mangrove Forests
What significant step has the government taken to conserve tiger populations in India?
Introducing stricter penalties for wildlife offenses
What distinguishes Semi-Evergreen forests from Tropical Evergreen forests in terms of their tree structure?
Semi-Evergreen forests have well-stratified layers closer to the ground.
In which regions do Dry Deciduous forests cover vast areas in India?
Peninsular plateau and northern Indian plains
Which forest type is characterized by plants remaining leafless for most of the year and having a scrub vegetation appearance?
Tropical Thorn Forests
What is the primary difference between forest area and actual forest cover in India?
Forest area refers to the total land area covered by forests, while actual forest cover refers to the area occupied by forests with canopy.
Which state in India has the highest forest cover concentration according to the forest cover classification?
Himachal Pradesh
What is the significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in terms of forest cover in India?
They have the highest forest cover in India.
Which region in India is classified as having very low concentration of forest cover?
< 10%
What is the primary objective of the Government's forest policy as mentioned in the text?
To emphasize sustainable forest management for conservation and expansion of forest reserves.
What is the percentage of actual forest cover in India according to the India State of Forest Report 2011?
21.05%
Which Indian state has zero percent forest area according to state records?
Lakshadweep
What is the main purpose of the Government's forest conservation policy?
To conserve and expand forest reserves while meeting local needs.
Which region in India would be classified under 'the region of medium concentration' based on forest cover percentage?
20-40%
In which states would one find forests with a canopy according to the definition provided in the text?
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal
What was the main focus of the comprehensive amendment to the Wildlife Act in 1991?
To impose stricter penalties for wildlife-related offenses
Why is it significant that the Project Tiger was initially launched in nine tiger reserves?
To focus conservation efforts in specific core areas
Which of the following is NOT an objective of Project Elephant launched in 1992?
To promote elephant hunting as a sport
What is the main purpose of UNESCO's 'Man and Biosphere Programme' in collaboration with India?
To conserve wildlife and promote sustainable development
What significant action has the Government of India taken in collaboration with UNESCO's 'Man and Biosphere Programme'?
Launching projects to conserve wildlife and habitats
Why is it crucial for every individual to understand the significance of wildlife conservation according to the text?
To raise awareness and promote conservation efforts
What is the primary impact of human activities on the habitat and numbers of wildlife species?
Disturbing habitats and decreasing wildlife numbers significantly
What is the main purpose of social forestry as mentioned in the text?
Enhancing environmental, social, and rural development
How do tribal communities primarily benefit from forests?
By using forests as a source of food and materials for livelihood
What type of forestry involves the raising of trees on public or community land for the benefit of the entire community?
Community forestry
What is the primary aim of farm forestry based on the information provided?
To encourage farmers to grow trees on their lands for various purposes
How does community forestry differ from farm forestry according to the text?
Community forestry involves public or community land, while farm forestry involves individual farm lands.
Which activity is NOT a part of social forestry projects based on the classification provided by the National Commission on Agriculture?
Industrial logging
What distinguishes agro-forestry from community forestry based on their objectives?
Agro-forestry combines agriculture with tree planting, while community forestry targets public lands.
What makes urban forestry different from rural and farm forestry according to the National Commission on Agriculture's classification?
Urban forestry targets city areas for tree planting, while rural and farm forestry focus on rural development.
What role do tribal communities play in forest conservation?
Protecting forests through traditional knowledge and participation in conservation efforts
Which type of forests are found in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve according to the text?
Dry and moist deciduous forests
What distinguishes the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve's major forest types?
Temperate characteristics
Which of the following animals is NOT mentioned as inhabiting the Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve?
Snow leopards
What is the primary characteristic of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve's marine biodiversity?
Rich coral reefs
Which Biosphere Reserve houses the largest known population of Lion-tailed macaque according to the text?
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
What is distinctive about the vegetation in the Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve?
Mangrove forests
Which specific animal species is adapted to the saline and fresh water environment in the Sunderbans?
Dugong
"Heritiera fomes" is a species valued for its timber found in which Biosphere Reserve?
Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve
What distinguishes the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve from the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in terms of flora?
"Rhododendron" orchids found in Nilgiri BR vs. temperate forests in Nanda Devi BR
Which habitat type is NOT mentioned as present in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve according to the text?
Alpine forests
What was the primary objective of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve as mentioned in the text?
To conserve viable population of elephants in their natural habitat
Which of the following is NOT a Biosphere Reserve located in Tamil Nadu?
Panna
Where is the Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve located as per the text?
Arunachal Pradesh
Which Biosphere Reserve covers the southernmost island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Great Nicobar
What makes the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve unique according to the text?
It extends from Rameswaram island to Kaniyakumari in Tamil Nadu
In which state is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve located?
Himachal Pradesh
What is the main emphasis of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve based on the text?
Conservation of forested hill slopes
Which Biosphere Reserve is known for being situated in parts of Chittoor and Kadapa Districts?
Seshachalam
What sets the Kachchh Biosphere Reserve apart based on the text?
It encompasses desert and semi-desert areas
Which project focuses on conserving Himalayan Musk deer populations?
Project Hangul
Study Notes
Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests
- Found in the western slope of the Western Ghats, hills of the northeastern region, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Require warm and humid areas with an annual precipitation of over 200 cm and a mean annual temperature above 22°C
- Characterized by multiple layers, with shrubs and creepers near the ground and tall trees above
- Trees can reach heights of up to 60 m or more
- No definite time for trees to shed leaves, flower, or fruit, making them appear green all year round
- Species found include rosewood, mahogany, aini, ebony, etc.
Semi-Evergreen Forests
- Found in less rainy parts of the regions mentioned above
- Mixture of evergreen and moist deciduous trees
- Undergrowth provides an evergreen character to these forests
- Main species are white cedar, hollock, and kail
Tropical Deciduous Forests
- Most widespread forests in India, also known as monsoon forests
- Found in regions receiving rainfall between 70-200 cm
- Divided into moist and dry deciduous forests based on availability of water
- Moist deciduous forests found in northeastern states, foothills of Himalayas, eastern slopes of Western Ghats, and Odisha
- Species found include teak, sal, shisham, hurra, mahua, amla, semul, kusum, and sandalwood
- Dry deciduous forests found in drier areas of the Peninsula and the plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
- Species found include tendu, palas, amaltas, bel, khair, axlewood, etc.
Tropical Thorn Forests
- Found in areas receiving rainfall less than 50 cm
- Composed of a variety of grasses and shrubs
- Species found include babool, ber, wild date palm, khair, neem, khejri, palas, etc.
- Tussocky grass grows up to a height of 2 m as undergrowth
Montane Forests
- Found in mountainous areas, changing with altitude
- Himalayan ranges show a succession of vegetation from tropical to tundra with increasing altitude
- Deciduous forests found in foothills of Himalayas
- Wet temperate forests found between 1,000-2,000 m
- Evergreen broadleaf trees like oak and chestnut found in higher hill ranges of northeastern India
- Pine forests found between 1,500-1,750 m
- Deodar, a highly valued species, grows in the western part of the Himalayan range
Littoral and Swamp Forests
- Mangrove forests found along coasts, growing in salt marshes, tidal creeks, mudflats, and estuaries
- Composed of a number of salt-tolerant species of plants
- Found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Sunderbans of West Bengal
- Other areas of significance include the Mahanadi, Godavari, and Krishna deltas
Forest Cover in India
- According to state records, forest area covers 23.28% of the total land area of the country
- Actual forest cover is 21.05% of the total land area
- Forest area and forest cover vary from state to state
- Lakshadweep has zero percent forest area, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands have 86.93%
- Most of the states with less than 10% forest area lie in the north and northwestern part of the country
Forest Conservation
- Forests have an intricate interrelationship with life and environment
- Provide numerous direct and indirect advantages to the economy and society
- Conservation of forest is vital for the survival and prosperity of humankind
- Government of India proposed a nation-wide forest conservation policy in 1952, modified in 1988
- Aims to conserve and expand forest reserves, maintain environmental stability, and restore forests where ecological balance was disturbed### Conservation of Elephants and Other Projects
- The Project Elephant was launched to ensure the long-term survival of viable elephant populations in their natural habitats, implemented in 17 states.
- Other projects launched by the Government of India include the Crocodile Breeding Project, Project Hangul, and conservation of Himalayan Musk deer.
Biosphere Reserves
- A Biosphere Reserve is a unique and representative ecosystem of terrestrial and coastal areas, recognized internationally within the framework of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
- The Biosphere Reserve aims to achieve three objectives:
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Sustainable development
- Logistic support for research and monitoring
- There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India, recognized by UNESCO.
List of Biosphere Reserves in India
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (established in 1986, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka)
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (established in 1988, Uttarakhand)
- Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (established in 1988, Meghalaya)
- Manas Biosphere Reserve (established in 1989, Assam)
- Sunderban Biosphere Reserve (established in 1989, West Bengal)
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (established in 1989, Tamil Nadu)
- Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (established in 1989, Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
- Similipal Biosphere Reserve (established in 1994, Odisha)
- Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (established in 1997, Assam)
- Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve (established in 1998, Arunachal Pradesh)
- Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (established in 1999, Madhya Pradesh)
- Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (established in 2000, Sikkim)
- Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (established in 2001, Tamil Nadu and Kerala)
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (established in 2005, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh)
- Kachchh Biosphere Reserve (established in 2008, Gujarat)
- Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (established in 2009, Himachal Pradesh)
- Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve (established in 2010, Andhra Pradesh)
- Panna Biosphere Reserve (established in 2011, Madhya Pradesh)
Features of Select Biosphere Reserves
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve:
- Covers 5,520 sq. km.
- Possesses different habitat types, including dry scrubs, dry and moist deciduous, semievergreen, and wet evergreen forests.
- Includes the largest known population of Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque.
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:
- Located in Uttarakhand.
- Major forest types are temperate.
- Rich fauna, including snow leopard, black bear, brown bear, musk deer, snowcock, golden eagle, and black eagle.
- Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve:
- Located in West Bengal.
- Covers 9,630 sq. km.
- Home to nearly 200 Royal Bengal tigers.
- Mangrove forests, swamps, and forested islands.
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve:
- Covers 105,000 hectares.
- One of the world's richest regions from a marine biodiversity perspective.
- Comprises 21 islands with estuaries, beaches, forests, and coral reefs.
- Globally endangered species, including sea cow (Dugong dugon).
Explore the initiatives for wildlife conservation in India, including Biosphere Reserves and projects like Crocodile Breeding Project, Project Hangul, and conservation of Himalayan Musk deer. Learn about the objectives and significance of Biosphere Reserves in protecting natural habitats.
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