Context:
The Supreme Court has ordered the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Agasthyamalai biosphere reserve to identify encroachments and non-forestry activities.
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR):
- Location – Southernmost part of the Western Ghats, spanning Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Named after Agasthyamala Peak, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats.
- Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2001.
- Included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves
- Major rivers flowing through the Reserve – Neyyar River, Karamana River, Shendurney River, Tamirabarani River
- Protected Areas –
- Includes Peppara, Shendurney, and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala.
- Covers parts of the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
- Flora – Rich in tropical evergreen forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
- The region is also known for its diverse orchid species
- Fauna – Hosts species like tigers, Asian elephants, Nilgiri tahr, and lion-tailed macaques.
- Tribal Communities – Inhabited by the Kani tribe, one of the oldest surviving ancient tribes.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and NagarjunasagarSrisailam Tiger Reserve
Answer: (a)