Complete List of Biosphere Reserves in India (2024) with Man and Biosphere Programme and Key Fauna
Biosphere Reserves in India: Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO recognised special area of land or in water which holds immense importance for the biodiversity and ecology of that place. Biosphere Reserves of a particular area have unique fauna, flora and other natural aspects that make that area special in terms of biodiversity and ecology. It is a protected area which is declared protected by UNESCO and managed and taken care of by the government of that country. The main objective is to set up the Biosphere Reserves to conserve and protect the biodiversity of a specific region while advancing sustainable development. There are a total 18 Biosphere Reserves in India in which 12 come under the World Network of Biosphere Reserves which is based on UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. The first Biosphere Reserves of India is Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Largest Biosphere Reserves of India is Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat.
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Biosphere Reserves in India 2024
After the two years of MAB-Man and Biosphere Programme in 1971, UNESCO made a list of Biosphere Reserves. These Reserves are connected with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). There are a total 18 Biosphere Reserves in India.
The first Biosphere Reserves of India is Nilgiri. It was established in 1986 in the state of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
After it the second and third Biosphere Reserves were set up in 1988, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.
Nanda Devi is located in Uttarakhand and it’s a part of western Himalayas. It is famous for snow leopard and Himalayan black bear.
Nokrek is in Meghalaya, in West Garo hills, which is a part of Western Himalayas. The Red Panda is famous in this region.
The next year four new Biosphere Reserves were set up in 1989. Gulf of Mannar, Sundarbans, Manas and the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserves.
The Gulf of Mannar is in Tamilnadu extended from Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari. It is famous for Dugong or Sea-Cow.
Sundarbans are famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger and located in West Bengal near the Gangetic Delta.
Manas Biosphere Reserve is in Assam in the eastern hills of Himalayas. It is famous for Asiatic Elephant, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Assam roofed turtle and Hispid Hare.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is situated in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is the Southernmost Island. It is famous for Saltwater Crocodiles.
In 1994 Similipal Biosphere Reserve was established in Deccan Peninsula of Odisha state. Main animals of this Biosphere Reserve are Gaur, Asian Elephant and Royal Bengal Tiger.
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve was established in 1997 in eastern hills of Himalayas in Assam. It is the smallest Biosphere Reserve of India. It is known for Capped Langur, White-Winged Wood Duck, Water Buffalo and Breasted Parrotbill.
In 1998 Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve was set up in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern hills of Himalayas. It is famous for Mishmi Takin and Musk Deer.
In 1999,2000 and 2001 respectively Pachmarhi, Khangchendzinga and Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserves were set up.
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve was established in Maikal hills, Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for White-Rumped Vulture, Four-horned Antelope, Sarus Crane and Sacred grove bush frog.
The Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve was made in 2008 in the desert area of Gujarat. It is the largest Biosphere Reserves of India. It is famous for Indian Wild Ass and Kharai Camel.
In 2009 Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve was established in Western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for Snow Leopard.
Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve was established in 2010 in Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for Slender Loris. It covers 4755.997 Square kilometers of area.
In 2010 Panna Biosphere Reserve was established in the Moist Deciduous Forest of Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for Sloth Beer, Sambhar Deer, Bengal Tiger and Nilgai. It covers 2998.98 Square kilometers of area.
List of Biosphere Reserves in India
| List of Biosphere Reserves in India | |||
| Sl.No. | Name of Biosphere Reserve | Year | Location (States) |
| 1 | Nilgiri | 1986 | Part of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka |
| 2 | Nanda Devi | 1988 | Uttarakhand |
| 3 | Nokrek | 1988 | Meghalaya |
| 4 | Great Nicobar | 1989 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 5 | Gulf of Mannar | 1989 | Tamil Nadu |
| 6 | Manas | 1989 | Assam |
| 7 | Sunderbans | 1989 | West Bengal |
| 8 | Simlipal | 1994 | Odisha |
| 9 | Dibru-Saikhowa | 1997 | Assam |
| 10 | Dehang-Dibang | 1998 | Arunachal Pradesh |
| 11 | Pachmarhi | 1999 | Madhya Pradesh |
| 12 | Khangchendzonga | 2000 | Sikkim |
| 13 | Agasthyamalai | 2001 | Kerala |
| 14 | Achanakamar – Amarkantak | 2005 | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh |
| 15 | Kachchh | 2008 | Gujarat |
| 16 | Cold Desert | 2009 | Himachal Pradesh |
| 17 | Seshachalam Hills | 2010 | Andhra Pradesh |
| 18 | Panna | 2011 | Madhya Pradesh |
Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme
The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme is an international scientific programme that is dedicated to improving the relationship between people and their surrounding nature. It aims to set up a scientific basis to establish the relationship between man and nature. It unites the environment and social sciences to enhance the livelihoods of humans and protection of nature while managing the ecosystem. It promotes the innovative approach to sustainable development that is culturally and socially appropriate and environmentally beneficial. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves is a spirited and interactive network of various sites that are socially and environmentally important. With these networks harmony between people and nature can be increased via participatory dialogues. The programme have the following features:
To manage and protect natural habitats with various diversities around the world.
To establish areas of high natural importance as Biosphere Reserves.
To make rules and regulations for the restricted movements and other activities of man in certain areas and make sure everyone follows them.
To conduct various research programmes to increase the understanding about nature and various fauna and flora.
To promote Conservation of Biodiversity in designated areas.
Encourage sustainable development and allow educational programmes and interdisciplinary research.
UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves
| UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserve | ||
| Year | Name | State |
| 2000 | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve | Tamil Nadu |
| 2001 | Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve | Tamil Nadu |
| 2001 | Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve | West Bengal |
| 2004 | Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve | Uttarakhand |
| 2009 | Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve | Madhya Pradesh |
| 2009 | Nokrek Biosphere Reserve | Meghalaya |
| 2009 | Simlipal Biosphere Reserve | Odisha |
| 2012 | Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve | Chhattisgarh |
| 2013 | Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve | Great Nicobar |
| 2016 | Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve | Kerala and Tamil Nadu |
| 2018 | Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve | Part of North and West Sikkim districts |
| 2020 | Panna Biosphere Reserve | Madhya Pradesh |
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: First Biosphere Reserve in India
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is located in the Nilgiri Mountains of Western Ghats. It is the largest protected forest of India. The name Nilgiri is taken from the Sanskrit word Neelam means blue and giri means mountain. A shrub named Kurinji (Strobilanthes Kunthiana) or Neelam Kurinji gave rise to the name Nilgiris. It is spreaded in the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. It is included the parts of Mudumalai National park Tamilnadu, Mukurthi National Park Tamilnadu, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary Tamilnadu, Nagarhole National park Karnataka, Bandipur national park Karnataka, Silent valley national park Kerala, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala, and Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala. It was established in 1986 by UNESCO under the Man and Biosphere Programme. It covers an area approx 5,670 square kilometers. This Biosphere Reserve is famous for the Nilgiri Pipit, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri tahr, golden jackal etc.
Biosphere Reserve Zones
The Biosphere Reserve is divided in 3 zones:
Core Zone:
It is the central main area of the reserve.
In the core Zone human intervention is strictly prohibited. This zone is to preserve biodiversity and its natural ecosystem.
To determine the preservation of environmental quality and sustainability of activities in surrounding areas data taken from these areas.
The main function of the core Zone is to protect endangered species and their habitats and maintain the ecosystem’s integrity.
Buffer Zone:
As the name suggests in this area humans can come for educational purposes or conduct research as long as these activities are not interfering with the conservation goals of the core area.
This area surrounds the core Zone. In this area, tourism and recreation activities are also allowed to a certain limit.
Studies of activities like Fisheries, Agricultural activities, management of natural vegetation activities are also allowed in this zone.
Transit Zone:
Transit Zone is the area surrounding the buffer zone. It is on the periphery of the Biosphere Reserve.
In this zone cropping, Forestry, recreation, and settlements are allowed with the collaboration of local people and Reserve management.
People like scientists, local communities, conservation organizations and cultural groups can work in this zone.
Key Fauna in various Biosphere Reserves of India
| Name | Key fauna |
| Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve | Lion Tailed Macaque (EN), Nilgiri Tahr (EN), Malabar Giant Squirrel (LC), Nilgiri Langur (VU) |
| Nanda Devi | Snow Leopard (VU), Musk Deer (EN), Bharal Or Blue Sheep (LC) |
| Nokrek | Red Panda (EN), Hoolock Gibbons (EN), Red Giant Flying Squirrel (LC) |
| Great Nicobar | Dugong (VU), Saltwater Crocodile (LC) |
| Gulf of Mannar | Dugong (VU), Olive Ridley turtles (VU) |
| Manas | Assam Roofed Turtle (EN), Hispid Hare (EN), Golden Langur (EN), Pygmy Hog (EN), Wild Water Buffalo (EN), Bengal florican (CR) |
| Sunderbans | Royal Bengal Tiger (EN) |
| Simlipal | Royal Bengal Tigers, Wild Elephants (EN), Gaurs (VU – Indian Bison), Chausingha (VU) |
| Dibru-Saikhowa | Bengal Tiger, Clouded Leopard (VU), Gangetic Dolphin (EN) |
| Dehang-Dibang | Takin (VU), Red Panda (EN) |
| Pachmarhi | Tiger, Gaur, Indian Giant Flying Squirrels (LC) |
| Khangchendzonga | Red Panda (EN), Snow Leopard (VU), Musk Deer (EN), Great Tibetan Sheep (Argali – NT) |
| Agasthyamalai | Nilgiri Tahr (EN) |
| Achanakamar – Amarkantak | Four Horned Antelope (Chausingha (VU)), Indian Wild Dog (VU) |
| Great Rann of Kutch (Kachchh) | Great Indian Bustard (CR), Indian Wild Ass (NT) |
| Cold Desert | Snow Leopard (VU), Himalayan Ibex (also referred to as Siberian Ibex – LC) |
| Seshachalam Hills | Red Sanders (NT), Golden Gecko (LC – Endemic To Tirumala Hills) |
| Panna | Tiger (EN), Chital (LC), Chinkara (LC), Sambar (VU) |
Biosphere Reserves In India Map
