Agasthyamala

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.

  • 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)


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