Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve UPSC

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is a significant natural reserve located in the state of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, India.

It is named after two prominent landmarks within its boundaries: Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary and Amarkantak, which is considered a sacred place due to its association with the origin of several rivers.

The biosphere reserve holds cultural importance. The Amarkantak region is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus, as it is believed to be the meeting point of the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges and the origin of the holy rivers.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Location

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is located in the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, India. About 68.1% of this reserve lies in the Bilaspur district in Chhattisgarh. The other major portions of the reserve are in the Anuppur (16.20%) and Dindori (15.70%) districts of Madhya Pradesh.

This biosphere reserve extends over the Deccan plateau and Central highlands.

Reserve Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is the Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It is the primary airport serving the region and is located approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) away from the biosphere reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the Bilaspur Junction Railway Station is the most convenient option. It is situated in Bilaspur city, which is around 140 kilometers (87 miles) away from the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. The Bilaspur Junction is a major railway station and is well-connected to various cities across India.

Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve History

The history of the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is closely intertwined with the conservation efforts and recognition of the region's ecological and cultural significance.

1. Establishment of Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary: The conservation journey began with the establishment of the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975. This sanctuary was created to protect the diverse flora and fauna found in the region. The sanctuary was named after the Achanakmar hill, which is one of the prominent features within its boundaries.

2. Tiger Reserve Status: In 2009, Achanakmar Amarkantak Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger initiative. This designation recognizes the sanctuary's importance in conserving and protecting the critically endangered Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris).

3. Addition of Amarkantak Region: Later, the biosphere reserve was expanded to include the Amarkantak region, which is known for its religious significance as the origin of several important rivers, including the Narmada, Son, Johila, and Mahanadi rivers. This addition not only enhanced the protected area's ecological importance but also recognized its cultural and spiritual value.

4. Declaration as a Biosphere Reserve: The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve was declared as a biosphere reserve in 2005 by the Government of India. This is a 14th BR of the country and 2nd BR of Madhya Pradesh and 1st BR of Chhattisgarh.

5. Designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: In 2012, Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB).

Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Area

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve covers an approximate area of 3835.51 square kilometers (1,480.07 square miles). This vast expanse encompasses the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary and extends to include the Amarkantak region.

The Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve has been divided into core and buffer zones. The Achanakmar Sanctuary is designated as the core zone of the reserve covering an area of 551.50 km2, and the remaining area 3284.36 km2 serves as the buffer zone of the reserve. The buffer zone is spread across 2 states; an area of 1224.98 km2 lies in the Madhya Pradesh and the remaining area of 2058.98 km2 are in Chhattisgarh.

Core area(s): 551.50 km2
Buffer zone(s): 1,955.87 km2
Transition zone(s): 1,328 km2
Total : 3,835.51 km2

Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Hills

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is situated in the eastern part of the Maikal Hills. The Maikal Hills are a part of the larger Satpura Range, which stretches across central India.

Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve River

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is the source of three major river systems in India: the Narmada, Johilla, and Son rivers. These rivers hold great significance in the country and play vital roles in terms of water resources, agriculture, and cultural importance.

(1) Narmada River:

The Narmada River is one of the most important rivers in India. It originates from the Maikal Hills in the Amarkantak region, which is part of the biosphere reserve. The Narmada River flows westward through central India and eventually empties into the Arabian Sea. The river is considered holy by Hindus and is known for its cultural and religious significance.

(2) Johilla River:

The Johilla River also originates from the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. It is a tributary of the Son River and flows through the state of Chhattisgarh, ultimately joining the Son River.

(3) Son River:

The Son River, another major river in India, also originates from the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. It is a significant tributary of the Ganges River and passes through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The Son River plays a crucial role in irrigation and agriculture in the region it traverses.

Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Flora

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve boasts a diverse and abundant flora, with a wide variety of plant species. The reserve's vegetation is primarily characterized by tropical moist deciduous forests, covering a significant portion of the area.

In the southern part of the biosphere reserve, you can find tropical dry deciduous vegetation. These different vegetation types contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecological importance of the region.

Here are some key features of the flora in the biosphere reserve:

(1) Moist Deciduous Forests:

The biosphere reserve is dominated by moist deciduous forests, which consist of a variety of tree species. Moist deciduous forests constitute 63% of the area. These forests are known for their leafy canopy and diverse understory vegetation, providing habitat for a wide range of animal species.

(2) Tree Species:

The reserve is home to numerous tree species, including sal (Shorea robusta), teak (Tectona grandis), bamboo, mahua (Madhuca longifolia), tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), and many others. These tree species contribute to the structural and ecological integrity of the forest ecosystem.

(3) Understory Vegetation:

The forest floor of the biosphere reserve is adorned with a rich understory vegetation layer. It consists of shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, and climbers, adding to the overall biodiversity and providing resources for various animal species.

(4) Medicinal Plants:

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is also known for its abundance of medicinal plants. Traditional communities residing in the area often rely on these plants for their medicinal properties. Species such as neem (Azadirachta indica), amla (Emblica officinalis), and guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) can be found in the reserve.

(5) Endemic and Rare Species:

The biosphere reserve is home to several endemic plant species that are unique to the region. These species have adapted to the local environment and play a crucial role in the ecological balance of the area. Additionally, there are rare plant species that have limited distribution within the reserve, further enhancing its botanical significance.

Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Fauna (Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Animals)

Which animal is Achanakmar Amarkantak famous for?

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse fauna, providing a habitat for a wide range of animal species. The reserve's diverse ecosystems, including moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats, contribute to the remarkable biodiversity found within its boundaries.

Here are some key highlights of the fauna in the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve:

Mammals:

Tigers
Indian Leopard
Sloth Bear
Axis Deer
Sambar
Indian Muntjac
Indian Blackbuck
Chinkara
Four Horned Antelope
Indian Hog Deer
Gaur
Indian Wolves
Red Fox
Golden Jackal
Eurasian Wild Boar
Giant Squirrels
Indian Wild Dog
Hanuman Langur
Rhesus Macaque
Gray Langur
lion-tailed Macaque

Birds:

Saras Crane
Asian White-backed Vulture
Peafowl
Indian Roller
Crested Serpent Eagle
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
Oriental Magpie Robin

Reptiles:

Sacred Grove Bush Frog
Indian Cobra
Rat Snak
Indian Python
Monitor Lizard
Skinks
Geckos