national parks wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves in india upsc

India, situated towards the south of the world's largest mountains is surrounded by open water from other three sides. Such diverse terrain provides ideal habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Hence, the country has identified 18 biological reserves. Out of these 18, nine bio reserves are included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme list.
Here are a few details about the nine major bio reserves in India:
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: 
Location - Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills in South India
Fauna - 100 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 80 species of reptiles including Tiger, Asian elephant Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr. Nilgiri has the largest population of Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr, which are two endangered species
Flora - 3,300 species of flowering plants grow in Nilgiri and out of them, 132 are endemic to this region. Sholas or the local tropical forests hosts most rare plant species.

Image source: Thrillophilia 
2. Gulf of Mannar:
Location - Between India and Sri Lanka, forming part of the Laccadive Sea
Fauna - Sea turtles, Sharks, Dugongs, Dolphins, Whales. Pearl Oysters, Gorgorian Corals are also frequent in the reserve
Flora - Sea Grass, Sea Weed, Sea Cucumber.

Image source: The Travel Boss
3. Sundarbans:
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Location - Estuaries of River Ganges and River Brahmaputra. The reserve is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it is the largest mangrove forest area in the world
Fauna - The reserve is famous as the breeding ground of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Spotted deer, Rhesus Macaque, Salt Water Crocodile and Giant Adjutant Storks are some other attractions
Flora - World's largest mangrove forest hosts several endemic species of plants such as Garjan, Gewa, Goran, Keora and Sundari trees. The name Sundarbans refers to the abundance of Sundari trees in the area.

Image source: Wordpress 
4. Nanda Devi Biosphere: 
Location - Northeast of Uttarakhand. The Nanda Devi Bio-reserve is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Fauna -  Himalayan musk deer, Mainland serow and Himalayan tahr. The reserve is also known to host Snow Leopards, Himalayan Black Bear and Brown Bear, Langurs and Rhesus Macaque
Flora - Fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper are abundant here. Vegetation is scarce due to the dry, frosty environment.

Image source: Desichaap 
5. Nokrek National Park:
Location - West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
Area - 47.5 square kilometre
Fauna - A large population of Red Panda can be found in the reserve. Other mammals include Hoolocks, Stump-tailed Macaque, Flying Squirrel, Leopard and Pig-tailed Macaque
Flora - Grand rasamala, White meranti, Lali, Chempaka, Wild lemon are some of the endemic plants. The reserve is mainly famous for its wide vegetation of citrus plants such as lemons, oranges and lime.

Image source: Twitter
6. Pachmari Biosphere Reserve:
Location - Satpura Range, Madhya Pradesh
Area - 4,926 square kilometre
Fauna - Tigers, Leopard, Wild Boar, Indian Giant Squirrel, Indian Wolf, Chinkara, Nilgai, Chital Deer, Muntjac Deers, Sambar Deer, Bison and Rhesus Macaques
Flora - Two commercial trees Sal and Teak can be found in abundance. Other endemic flora include Wild Mango, Jamun, Silver Fern and Arjun.

Image source: Wikimedia 
7. Similipal Biosphere Reserve:
Location - Northeast Odisha
Area - 2,750 square kilometre
Fauna -  Around 42 species of mammals, 242 types of birds and 30 species of reptiles have been found in the reserve. Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Asian Elephant, Barking Deer, Gaur, Chausingha, Jungle Fowl, Hill Mynah and Crested Serpent Eagles comprise a large variety of animals and birds here
Flora - The tropical moist deciduous forest is famous for its wide range of orchids. As many as 96 species of orchids are found here. Other prominent vegetation include Eucalyptus and large grasslands.

Image source: Wikimedia 
8. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve:
Location - Chhattisgarh and Madha Pradesh
Area - 383,550 hectares
Fauna - Tigers, Panthers, Bears, Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Foxes, Wild Boar, Jackals and Bisons can be found in the biosphere. The area is also famous for hosting different species of frogs including Cricket Frog, Burrowing Frog, Tree Frog, Ornate Narrow Mouthed Frog, Toad and Bullfrog
Flora - Pine, Juniper, Cedar and Cypress can be found here. Some of the species of Pine and Cedar are endemic to the reserve.

Image source: Indian Wildlife 
9. Great Nicobar Island:
Location - Nicobar Islands

Area - 1,045 square kilometre
Fauna - Crab Eating Macaque, Nicobar Megapode, Giant Robber Crab,Nicobar Serpent Eagle, Giant Robber Crab, Palm Civet and Water Monitor Lizards are common in the reserve.
Flora -  Screw Pine, Nipa Palm, Ceylon Iron Wood can be found in abundance.

Image source: Indian Getaways 
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