Biosphere reserves in india

Very Important for all Environment related and Civil Service Exams

1. BIOSPHERE RESERVES IN INDIA

2. Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) launched by UNESCO in 1971. It is an Intergovernmental Scientific Program that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. MAB combines the natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and the equitable sharing of benefits, and to safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable. Its World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently counts  701 sites in 124 countries  all over the world, including 21 trans boundary sites. Man and the Biosphere Programme

3. Biosphere reserves are areas comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Biosphere reserves are ‘Science for Sustainability support sites’ – special places for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity . Biosphere reserves have three interrelated zones that aim to fulfill three complementary and mutually reinforcing functions: The core area(s) comprises a strictly protected ecosystem that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation. The buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education. The transition area is the part of the reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable. Biosphere Reserves

4. Presently, there are 18 existing biosphere reserves in India.

5. This biosphere reserve represents a unique and threatened ecosystem in the tropics within the Western Ghats Mountain system. It is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and provides habitat for the probably largest South Indian populations of tiger, endangered lion tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr and other large mammals . Several ethnic groups inhabit the area, including the only surviving hunter-gatherers of the Indian subcontinent, the Cholanaikans who concentrate in the Nilambur area . Major ecosystem type- Mixed mountain and highland systems, moist, dry, evergreen and montane ( shola ) tropical forests. NILGIRI

6. Protected Areas of Nilgiri - Mudumalai National Park, Tamilnadu Mukurthi National Park, Tamilnadu Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala Silent valley National Park, Kerala Bandipur National Park, Karnataka Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka Rivers of Nilgiri - Pykara river originates in the Mukurthi peak and river ends at the Bhavanisagar dam. It is of sacred value to the Toda community .   Sigur River forms Kalhatti water falls and joins Moyar river . Bhavani River joins Moyar river at Bhavanisagar dam and then become a tributary of Kaveri river. Karimpuzha river drains into Arabian sea and Pandiar , Punnapuzha , Cherupuzha rivers are its tributaries. Siruvani River originates from the Siruvani Hills and is one of the tributaries of the Bhavani . Kabini River is a confluence of the Panamaram river and Mananthavady river, it also forms Kuruva island(950 acres).

7. People of the Nilgiri - The Betta Kurumbas live in northern parts of Gudalur , depend on wage labour and NTFP collection. Jenu Kurumbas concentrated in the Mysore and Kodagu districts in the Karnataka, skilled in honey collection. Irulas do hunting , food gathering and agriculture. Todas have left very few in number, approximately 1500 people, they are pastoralist. Their traditional huts, like igloos, are made of different products from the forest . The Cholanaickans live in the Karulai Forest Range of Nilambur in Kerala. They are the most primitive indigenous community with only 426 people, still in the pre-agricultural level of development. The people live in temporary shelters alongside rivers and shift to caves in the monsoons . The Malasars are found both in the district of Coimbatore and in the adjoining parts of Kerala. These people are a forest community, living on marginal cultivation (slash & burn), and collection of NTFPs . Kuruchiar s live in the forested Wyanad region, matriarchal society

8. The Kattunaicken get their name from the words ` kadu '(forests) & nayakan (leader/chief) and live in parts of Gudalur . The primary occupation of this community is based on hunting and gathering, especially honey.  The Mullu Kurumbas are concentrated in the Wyanad region, including parts of Gudalur . Known more for their hunting and bird catching traditions. The Kasavas live in the northern part of the Nilgiri District, hunting, gathering and cattle herding are their main economic activities. Chetties cultivate paddy. Paniyas are significant in the Wayanad region, many of them are bonded labourers . Kadukuruba s mainly lives in the Mysore district, they are good bamboo basket makers. Sholigas are hunter-gatherers are mainly located in the Karnataka. The Kotas are the artisanal adivasis of the Nilgiris . There are 7 Kota Villages in the hills. They are skilled as blacksmiths, silversmiths and carpenters . Muduvars considered to be at the top in the hierarchy of adivasis in this area, practice agriculture and have control over large areas of land for both cash and food crops.  

9. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, located in the Himalayan Mountains in the northern part of the country, in Uttarakhand . The Biosphere Reserve includes reserve forests, evam soyam (civil) forests, panchayat (community) forests, agricultural land, grassy slopes, alpine meadows ( bugiyals ) and snow-covered areas.  Seven endangered mammal species find refuge in the area such as the snow leopard ( Panthera unica ), Himalayan black bear ( Selenarctos thibetanus ), brown bear ( Ursus arctos ), musk deer ( Moschus chrysogaster ) and bharal /blue sheep ( Pseudois nayaur ).   Protected Areas of Nanda Devi - Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand (Both are World Heritage Sites) Nanda Devi

10. Rivers of Nanda Devi- The Alaknanda River , a tributary of river Ganga, rises to the north of Badrinath Puri and joined by the Saraswati just below the village of Mana . It is called Vishnu Ganga from its origin till the confluence with Dhauli Ganga at Vishnu Prayag . The Dhauli Ganga or White River is a principal tributary of the Alaknanda . It rises in pargana Malla Painkhanda near the Niti Pass and unites with the Vishnu Ganga at Vishnu Prayag . Rishi Ganga is the longest river (29 km) of the reserve. It is one of the major tributaries of Dhauli Ganga, which emerges from the South Nanda Devi glacier and South Rishi glacier. Pindari River is one of the major tributaries of river Alaknanda , originates from Pindari glaciers.  

11. People of the Nanda Devi- Indo-Mongoloid: These people are known as Bhotia . The Bhotia are further divided into Tolcha , Marchas , Nitiwal , Johri , Darmi , Chandansi and Byansi . The Bhotia inhabit the higher reaches of valleys. They belong to Tibeto-Burman language group and follow religious practices akin to Buddhism. Indo-Aryan: This group includes Brahmins, Rajputs and Scheduled Castes (artisans, carpenters, masons, etc .). Tourist Destinations- Badrinath Temple Hemkund Sahib Satopanth Lake Vyas cave Vasudhara Fall Panch Dharas

12. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the northeast of India on the Tura Range, which forms part of the Meghalaya Plateau (average altitude: 600 metres ). The entire area is mountainous and Nokrek is the highest peak of the Garo hills, rising up 1,412 metres . The north of the reserve embraces rather gently undulating hills, while steep slopes characterize the south.  The tropical climate is characterized by high humidity, monsoon rains (April–October) and high temperatures. Evergreen and semi-evergreen deciduous forests dominate the landscape. Highly vulnerable and threatened fauna species in Nokrek include the Slow Loris,  Petaurista philippensis (Giant flying squirrel) and  Macaca leonina  (Pig-tailed macaque), Hoolock gibbons (most endangered apes in India). Another special feature of the area is the abundant natural occurrence of Citrus indica and other species of Citrus plants. Nokrek

13. Protected Areas of Nokrek - Nokrek National Park Rivers of Nokrek - Simsang river is the longest and largest river of Nokrek . Dareng river originates from the southern peaks. Ganol river flows westward into the Brahamputra River. People of the Nokrek Garo tribes dominate the area and refer to themselves as  Achik mande  (man of hills ). Jhum (shifting) cultivation is the main means of livelihood of the people . O ther tribes, such as the Banias or Hajjons , also exist in the area.

14. Manas Manas Biosphere Reserve (MBR) is located along the Himalayan foot hills on the north of Brahmaputra Valley and belongs to Tropical Humid Forest Biome under Burma Monsoon Forest Biogeographical Province. The area has a unique distinction of being Natural World Heritage site, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve and an Important Bird Area. Manas gets its name after the serpent Goddess ‘ Manasa ’ ( Durga ). Two major biomes are represented in Manas : the grassland biome (Savannah and Teri) and the forest biome (Bengal rain forests ). Hispid hare, pigmy hog and golden langur are some of the endemic species, apart from tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, wild buffalo, wild boar, sambhar , swamp deer, and hog deer. During winter Manas is full of migratory birds like the riverchats , forktails , cormorants and ducks like the Ruddy Shell-Duck. Regular woodland birds like the Indian Hornbill and Pied Hornbill are also found here.

15. Protected Areas of Manas - Manas National Park Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary Rivers of Manas - The Manas River is the largest Himalayan tributary of the Brahmaputra ,flows through Mathanguri site of the Park, where it splits into three rivers and joins the Brahmaputra. Sankosh and Dhansiri rivers are in the east of the Manas . Hakua , Bispani are perennial rivers. People of the Manas - Bodo tribe forms major part of population. Economic activites include includes cattle grazing, timber, firewood , thatch, wild vegetables and fruits, fish and occasional wild animals hunting for meat. Other communities are Assamese, Bengali, Nepalese , Rabha-Hasang , Koch- Rajbongshi and a negligible number of Adivasis .

16. Great Nicobar Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands Archipelago.  The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve harbours a wide spectrum of ecosystems comprising tropical wet evergreen forests, mountain ranges reaching a height of 642 m (Mt. Thullier ), and coastal plains. The tract is rich in plant diversity and fosters a number of rare and endemic species, including  Cyathea albosetacea  (tree fern) and  Phalaenopsis speciosa  (orchid ). To date, 11 species of mammals, 32 species of birds, 7 species of reptiles and 4 species of amphibians have been found to be endemic. Of these, the well-known Crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Tree Shrew, Dugong, Nicobar Megapode , Serpent Eagle, salt water crocodile, marine turtles and Reticulated Python are endemic and/or endangered.

17. Protected Areas of Great Nicobar- Campbell Bay National Park Galathea National Park Rivers of Great Nicobar- Five perennial rivers Alexandra, Dogmar , Amrita kaur , Jubilee and Galathea constitute the main drainage system of the island. People of the Great Nicobar- The Mongoloid Shompen Tribe , about 200 in number, live in the forests of the biosphere reserve particularly along the rivers and streams. They are hunters and food gatherers, dependent on forest and marine resources for sustenance. Another Mongoloid Tribe, Nicobarese , about 300 in number, used to live in settlements along the west coast. 

18. Gulf of Mannar The Gulf of Mannar is a large shallow bay forming part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean. It lies between the west coast of Sri Lanka and the southeastern tip of India, in the Coromandel Coast region.  The Gulf of Mannar endowed with three distinct Coastal ecosystems namely coral reef, seagrass bed and mangroves. Most of the islands have luxuriant growth of mangroves on their shorelines and swampy regions. The sea bottom of the inshore area around the islands are carpeted with seagrass beds which serve as ideal feeding ground for Dugong dugon , the endangered herbivorous marine mammal . Seagrass beds serve as nursery and spawning grounds for diverse biota and habitat for macro and micro algae as epiphytes. This area is also the last refuge of an invertebrate, the unique ‘living fossil’ Balanoglossus that links vertebrates and invertebrates.

19. Protected Areas of Mannar - Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Rivers of Mannar - The Malvathu River of Sri Lanka T he estuaries of  Thamirabarani River  and  Vaipar River  of South India drain into the Gulf. People of the Mannar - The inhabitants are mainly Marakeyars , local people principally engaged in fisheries. There are about 47 villages along the coastal part of the biosphere reserve.  The famous pilgrim centre , Rameswaram , which finds place in the epic Ramayana is situated in the gulf on the island of Pamban . 

20. Sundarbans Sunderban is the largest contiguous mangrove area in the world and one of the World Heritage Sites of India designated by the World Heritage Convention. This biosphere reserve is located in the vast Delta of the Ganges, in West Bengal. Tropical humid forest and mangroves are the major ecosystem types of the reserve . It represents the largest mangal diversity in the world with 81 mangal plant (Mangroves) species and it provides habitat for the threatened Royal Bengal tiger ( Panthera tigris tigris ).  Animal species include Tiger, Saltwater crocodile , Fishing Cat, Indian Leopard cat, Yellow monitor lizard, Olive ridley sea turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle and Green sea turtle. Lohachara Island and New Moore Island/South Talpatti Island have disappeared under the sea, and  Ghoramara Island is half submerged due to rise in sea level.

21. Protected Areas of Sunerbans - Royal Bengal Tiger Reserve , Sundarban National Park Sundarbans West Wildlife Sanctuary Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary Sundarbans South Wildlife Sanctuary Sajnekhali wildlife sanctuary Lothian Island wildlife sanctuary Holiday Island wildlife sanctuary Rivers of Sunderbans - The Indian Sunderban is bound on the west by river Muriganga and on the east by rivers Harinbhahga and Raimangal . Other major rivers flowing through this eco-system are Saptamukhi , Thakuran , Matla and Goasaba .

22. Simlipal Located in Odisha , the Similipal Biosphere Reserve lies within two biogeographical regions: the Mahanadian east coastal region of the Oriental realm and the Chhotanagpur biotic province of the Deccan peninsular zone. Volcanic sedimentary rocks are aligned in three concentric rings and accentuate the area’s geologic formations. The highest peak in the Similipal hill range is Khairiburu (1,168 metres ). The vegetation types are tropical semi evergreen, tropical moist deciduous hill forest, grassland and savannah. The biosphere reserve has the largest zone of Sal in all of India . Two endemic Orchid species are  Eria meghasaniensis  and  Tainia hookeriana . The important species are elephant, tiger and leopard, fishing cat, four horned antelope, ruddy mongoose, red breasted falconets and grey headed fishing eagle.

23. Protected Areas of Simlipal - Simlipal Tiger Reserve Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary Nato and Satkoshia Reserve Forests Rivers of Simlipal - Budhabalang , Baitarani and Subarnarekha. W ater falls are Barehipani (400 mts ) and Joranda (150 mts ). People of the Simlipal - Kharias , a primitive tribe inside the sanctuary subsist on collection of non-timber forest products . Other common tribes are Gonds , Bhumija , Bathudi , Kolha , Gonda , Santhal and Mankadia .

24. Dihang-Dibang The Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve is situated in the districts of West Siang, Upper Siang and Dibang valley of Arunachel Pradesh. This reserve is almost totally forested, having villages and cultivated lands located on lower slopes and terrace. The vegetation types that occur in the Reserve are sub-tropical broad-leaved, sub-tropical pine, temperate broad-leaved, temperate conifer, sub- alphine woody shrub, alpine meadow ( monton ), bamboo brakes and grassland. The Reserve forms a part of the world’s “Biodiversity Hot Spots ”. The rare orchid, Vanda strangeana , lives here as do over 50 species of rhododendrons.  It is a shelter for saprophytes like Monotropa uniflora (Indian pipe) and Epipogium spp. ( Widerbart ) parasitic plants are found here . T he pale-capped pigeon, a globally threatened species, others include Purple cochoa , Nepal cutia and pale blue flycatcher, The Wedged billed wren-babbler, one of the rarest members of the Laughing thrush and babbler family ( Timaliidae ), has been found here. New species such as the water pipit, Japanese bush warbler, isabeline wheatear are reported here . Mammals include leopard, snow leopard, golden cat, jungle cat, marbled cat and leopard cat. The critically endangered musk deer also lives at these elevations. Other mammals include gaur, serow , Himalayan black bear, sloth bear, Indian wild dog, red fox, deer, Assamese macaque, otter, squirrel, Red Panda and civet.

25. Protected Areas of Dihang-Dibang – Mouling National Park Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Rivers of Dihang-Dibang – Dibang river Siang river People of the Dihang-Dibang – The approximately 10,000 people who live here are primarily of the Adi , Buddhist and Mishmi tribes with ten sub tribes including the Paris, Padams , Karkos , Pangis , Simongs , Ashings , Tangams , Komkars , Millangs , Dalbings , Membas , Khambas and Idu Mishmis .

26. Pachmarhi The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located in the biogeographical region of the Deccan Peninsula and the Biotic Province of Madhya Pradesh . The Satpura mountain ranges cross India from west to east and Pachmarhi lies directly in its centre . The highest peak is the Dhoopgarh (1352m). The Pachmarhi Plateau is also known as the ‘Queen of Satpura ’, because it contains valleys, marshes, streams and waterfalls. Tropical moist deciduous forests, tropical dry deciduous and central Indian sub-tropical hill forests are the major ecosystem types within Pachmarhi . Tectona grandis  (Teak) and  Shorea robusta  (Sal) are the most common and unique flora species found in the forests, with the latter found nowhere else in India . The largest wild herbivores found in the reserve are  Gaura , which together with bears, tigers and leopards,  Ratufa indica  (Giant Squirrel) and  Spilornis cheela  (Crested serpent eagle) are rare and endangered.

27. Protected Areas of Pachmarhi - Satpura National Park Bori Sanctuary Pachmarhi Sanctuary Rivers of Pachmarhi - Dudhi River forms eastern boundary Tawa river on which tawa dam has been constructed forms western boundary. Chitrewa river in southern boundary Denwa river originates from Dhoopgarh and joins Tawa river. People of the Pachmarhi - Gond tribes accounting for 50% to 90% of the tribal population . Korkus tribes introduced the cultivation of potatoes and made use of honeycombs to produce honey in significant quantities for commercial use . There are a large number of cave shelters of great archaeological interest, with rock paintings of several thousands years old.

28. Dibru-Saikhowa This reserve is situated in the south bank of the river Brahmaputra in the extreme east of Assam state. Bio-geographically, the area exhibits the properties of both the Indian and the Malayan sub-regions . The forest types of the reserve comprises of semi-evergreen, deciduous, littoral and swamp forest and patches of wet evergreen forest . Threatened and endangered medicinal plants of the Reserve are serpentine wood, Chaulmoogra tree, Conessi tree, Spiral ginger, Winged yam and Air potato vine. Small Indian civet, small Asian mongoose, common mongoose, common otter, Malayan giant squirrel, Pallas’ squirrel, Himalayan hoary bellied squirrel, common giant flying squirrel, Indian hare, pangolin, Himalayan mole, ground shrew, Gangetic dolphin, slow loris , capped langur , H olock gibbon, Asian elephant, feral horses, wild boar, sambar , hog deer, barking deer and Asiatic water buffalo are the larger mammals found in the Reserve . Bayer’s pochard , greater spotted eagle, Bengal Florian, pale capped pigeon, great pied hornbill, marsh babbler, Jordon's babbler, black breasted parrot bill are some endangered birds. It is a Important Bird Area by BNHS and Birdlife International.

29. Protected Areas of Dibru Saikhowa - Dibru - Saikhowa National Park Dibru - Saikhowa wildlife sanctuary Rivers of Dibru Saikhowa - Brahmaputra on the western boundary Dibru river on the eastern side and joins Brahmaputra Lohit river on the north east boundary People of the Dibru Saikhowa - Laika and Dhadiya are the two forest village belonging to Mishing community approximate population of 10,500 people, located in the westernmost part of the Reserve. The buffer zone is inhabited by Assames , Bengali, Bihari and Tea Garden laborers.

30. Khangchendzonga Located in the state of Sikkim, bordering Nepal to the west and Tibet (China) to the north-west. T his biosphere reserve is one of the highest ecosystems in the world, reaching elevations of 1,220 to 8,586 metres above sea level. The site is one of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots . The forest types of the Reserve are sub-tropical broad leaved hill forest, Himalayan wet temperate forest, and temperate broad leaved forest, mixed coniferous forest, sub-alpine a forests and dry alpine forest . Snow leopard,Himalayan red panda, musk deer, nayan or the Tibetan sheep, bharal or blud sheep, Himalayan tahr , marco polo sheep, marmots and monkeys are a few rare animals found here. This reserve also harbours many species of birds. The pheasants include monal , trogopan and blood pheasant. The other species are Tibetan snow cock, Himalayan snow cock, snow partridge, Lammergier , forest eagle owl, Tibetan horned eagle etc.

31. Protected Areas of Khangchendzonga - Khangchendzonga National Park Mainam Wildlife Sanctuary Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary Water Bodies of Khangchendzonga - Lhonak Glacier Tista river forms eastern boundary People of the Khangchendzonga - The reserve is surrounded by a number of tiny villages. The population consists of Lepcha , Bhutia and Nepalese . The rural economy of the area mostly depends on traditional farming, horticulture and animal husbandry, apart from a few openings through tourism.

32. Agasthyamala The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO W orld Heritage Site) is located in the southernmost end of the Western Ghats and incorporates peaks towering 1,868 m above sea level. It covers 3,500 km2 and encompasses tropical forest ecosystems that fall within the Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu and the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts of Kerala, Southern India . The reserve includes the Indian Ecoregions of South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests, South Western Ghats montane rain forests and Shola . It is also a unique genetic reservoir of cultivated plants, in particular cardamom, jamune , nutmeg, pepper and plantain. Threatened animal species found in this reserve are tiger, lion-tailed macaque, great pied hornbill and slender loris .

33. Protected Areas of Agasthyamala - Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala Shendumey Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve, Tamilnadu Rivers of Agasthyamala - It is a river sanctuary with 14 rivers, including Manimuthaaru , Kodumudiaaru and Mayilaaru , and 11 dams such as the Karaiyaar .  The perennial  Thamirabarani River  originates from the eastern side of the Agasthyarkoodam peak. People of Agasthyamala - The reserve is home to Kanikkaran tribes from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which number in total approximately 30,000 inhabitants. The community uses a wide variety of biological resources for sustenance but is rarely involved in their commercialization.  Agastyarkoodam is a peak of 1868 m in the Western Ghats. It is a pilgrim centre , where devotees come to worship sage Agasthyar . Agasthyar was a Dravidian sage, and is considered to be one of the seven Rishis ( Saptarishi ) of Hindu mythology.

34. Achanakamar -Amarkantak The Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is the most dramatic and ecologically diverse landscape in the Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh states of India . The Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is located at the junction of hill ranges, with topography ranging from high mountains, shallow valleys and plains . It is very rich in flora and fauna due to its tropical moist deciduous vegetation. The Biosphere Reserve is home of 67 threatened faunal species like Four horned antelope, Indian wild dog, Saras crane, Asian white-backed vulture, Sacred grove bush frog. The geology of the area is unique and varied from schists and gneisses with granite intrusions, to sand stones, shales , limestone, basaltic lava and bauxite . Maikal hill ranges together with Vindhya and  Satpura  lie within the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.

35. Protected Areas of Achanakmar-Amarkantak - Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary Rivers of Achanakmar-Amarkantak - The situation of biosphere reserve on trijunction of major mountain ranges of central India is advantageous in formation of hilly terrain throughout interspersed with perennial streams, rivulets and origin of three sacred rivers, the Narmada, Johilla and Son . People of Achanakmar-Amarkantak - Twenty seven tribal and non-tribal communities inhabit 418 villages living on agriculture (including production of medicinal plants) and non-timber products produced in the buffer zone and transition areas.

36. Kachchh Biosphere Reserve Kachchh Biosphere Reserve (KBR) spread over area of 12,454 km 2  covering parts of four districts namely Kachchh , Rajkot, Surendranagar and Patan districts of Gujarat state, India. The reserve is mainly composed of two major land units known as Great Rann of Kachchh (GRK) and Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK).  KBR is one of the largest saline and marshy tracts of the world. Rann of Kachchh is an admixture of saline, marshy and coastal desert where water and soils are extremely saline . In the eastern border of Banni grassland, inside the GRK a place locally known as Shrawan Kavadia , there is a land-locked patch of Mangrove ( Avicinnia marina)  forest of about 2 ha surviving without any direct connection with sea water. This patch is mainly surviving due to micro-environmental conditions created by saline Rann and Banni grassland. The GRK also well known for established nesting and breeding ground of Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Avocet in India . KBR provides shelter to Indian wild ass ( Equus hemionus khur ), a threatened sub species of Asiatic wild ass . At night, an unexplained strange dancing light phenomenon known locally as  Chir Batti  (ghost lights) occurs in the Rann .  

37. Protected Areas of Kutch- Wild Ass Sanctuary Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary Rivers of Kutch- The  Luni River , which originates in Rajasthan, drains into the desert in the northeast corner of the Rann . Other rivers feeding into the marsh include Rupen  from the east and the  West Banas River from the northeast .   Nara Canal or Puran river which is a  delta channel  of Indus River empties during floods into  Kori Creek located in the Great Rann of Kutch .

38. People of Kutch- Jats Tribe : Jats are  Sunni Muslims  who are thought to have migrated to Kutch via Sindh in Pakistan from Iran. Ahir Tribe: Ahirs are Hindus migrated from Mathura to Kutch and neighbouring   Saurashtra . Traditionally they were cattle herders and produced dairy products. Rabari Tribe: The Rabari’s lifestyle is completely different from any other tribe. Rabari people are a mystery of Kutch. The story of their origin is likely related with Lord Shiva.   Mutwa Tribe:   The Mutwas are a small group of Muslim cowherds who live in a small cluster of 11 villages in the Banni district of Kutch. They are culturally distinct, and claim to have migrated from the Middle East.

39. Cold Desert Cold Desert falls within the state boundaries of Himachal Pradesh along the western Himalayas . The region constitutes a Cold Desert biome with harsh climatic conditions because off it’s location on the leeward side of the Himalayas, which makes it a rain-shadow zone and very high elevation (ranging from 3000 – 5000m) that adds to the coldness in its environment . Cold Desert is characterized by alpine pasture or dry alpine Scrub Forest. Juniper & Birch trees are on the verge of extinction. The area is very rich in medicinal herbs and spices . Among the faunal elements, Woolly Hare, Tibetan Gazzle , Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Ibex, Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Red Billed Chough, ChukarPatridge , Snow Patridge , Blue Rock Pigeon, Snow Pigeon, Himalayan Snowcock , Lammergeier , Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle, Rosefinches , et al are found in the area.

40. Protected Areas of Cold Desert- Pin Valley National Park Kibber Sanctuary Sarchu Sanctuary Chandratal W ildlife Sanctuary Rivers of Cold Desert- Pin Rievr The river Spiti originates at the base of the Kunzam range and flows eastward to join the Sutlej at Khab in Kinnaur . People of Cold Desert- The local residents in the whole reserve conists of scheduled tribes belonging to Buddhist community. There is a famous Gompa in the Kungri vilage which is situated on the buffer zone. The Chham dance and Buchen dance by the Lamas of this Gompa are very famous dances in the valley.

41. Seshachalam Hills The Seshachalam Hills are hilly ranges part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh.  Seshachalam biosphere is spread over  Chittoor and Kadapa districts.  The altitude of Seshachalam hill ranges varies from 168 to 1187m above MSL. The highest hill peak is Tellaralla penta (1187m ). The forests of the Seshachalam can be broadly categorized into three types : dry deciduous mixed type with patches of moist deciduous forests and scrub type. It is home to a number of endemic species including the famous Golden Gecko and Slender Loris, Bonnet monkey, Mouse deer. R ed sanders, red sandalwood, and saunderswood , is a species of Pterocarpus endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. This tree is valued for the rich red color of its wood.

42. Protected Areas of Seshachalam - Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary Sri Venkateswara National Park Rivers of Seshachalam - Kunderu river which forms Nandyal valley Tributaries of the  Penneru River  drain the region . People of Seshachalam - The native population of the reserve includes the tribes of  Yanadis . The hills contain seven peaks namely, Anjanadri Garudadri , Narayanadri , Neeladri , Seshadri ,  Venkatadri  and Vrishabhadri . The seven peaks are said to represent the seven hoods of Lord Adisesha , the king of serpents in Hindu mythology.  Tirupati , a major Hindu pilgrimage town is located in the hills.

43. Panna Panna BR is located in Panna & Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. The area represents unique ecosystem within narrow belt of table top mountains of ‘ Vindhyan Hill Ranges’ and part of ‘ Bundelkhand ’ region. This includes the traditional agro-ecosystems, dry deciduous forests of Teak, Salai , Kardhai , bamboo and mixed type of forests. It falls under bio-geographic zones of Deccan Peninsula and covering the Biotic Province of Central highlands. As many as 34 mammalian species have been reported in area of Panna BR. These habitats also suit at least 2 species of lesser cats viz., Siyah Gosh ( Felis caracal) and Jungle cat ( Felis chaus ), Black buck ( Antilope cervicapra ). Gharials (long snouted crocodiles) and muggars (marsh crocodiles) can be found in River Ken. 

44. Protected Areas of Panna - Panna Tiger Reserve Panna National Park Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Ken- Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary Rivers of Panna - Ken river (a tributary of the Yamuna River) flows through the reserve . Shyamri river is a tributary of Ken People of Panna - The reserve is inhabited by tribes like Gond ( Rajgond , Nandgond and Saurgond ) and Khairuas and Yadavas . The economy of the people residing in Panna BR is mostly based on agriculture, cattle rearing, milk yield, etc. The area has Mesolithic rock/cave paintings at Vrihaspati Kunda and Barachh , of the prehistoric man as well as the best sculptural & architectural imprints of the Gupta period.

45. There are  11  biosphere reserves in India in UNESCO’s MAB Program: Nilgiri NandaDevi Gulf of Mannar Sunderban Nokrek Pachmarhi Simlipal Achanakar-Amarkantak Great Nicobar Agasthyamala Khangchendzonga