Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve UPSC

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is a protected area located in the southern Western Ghats of India. It is named after the Agasthyamala Peak, which is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats range.

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is known for its tropical evergreen forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered and endemic species. The region is renowned for its medicinal plants and is often referred to as the "cradle of traditional Indian medicine."

The biosphere reserve is of great ecological significance as it acts as a vital link between the high ranges of the Western Ghats and the low-lying plains of the southern tip of India. It serves as a habitat for numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Location

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is located in the southern Western Ghats of India, spanning the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve straddles the border of Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram Districts in Kerala and Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari Districts in Tamil Nadu.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is the Trivandrum International Airport, also known as Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala. The airport is approximately 40-50 kilometers away from the biosphere reserve, depending on the specific location within the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station serves as the primary railway station in Thiruvananthapuram. It is well-connected to major cities and towns across India. The distance between the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve varies depending on the specific entry point, but it is generally within a range of 30-50 kilometers.

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve History

What is the history of Agasthyamala?

The history of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is closely linked to the conservation efforts and recognition of the ecological significance of the region.

1. Pre-Conservation Era: The Agasthyamala region has been inhabited by indigenous communities for centuries. The native tribes living in and around the biosphere reserve have coexisted with the rich biodiversity of the area, utilizing its resources sustainably and preserving their traditional knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

2. Establishment of Wildlife Sanctuaries: In the early to mid-20th century, the Indian government recognized the need to protect the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats. As a result, several wildlife sanctuaries were established in the region to safeguard the diverse ecosystems. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary were created, forming the core area of what would later become the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.

3. Proposal for Biosphere Reserve Status: The idea of designating the Agasthyamala region as a biosphere reserve gained momentum in the 1990s. The Western Ghats, including the Agasthyamala region, was recognized as a biodiversity hotspot of global significance. The unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and the presence of several endemic and endangered species further supported the proposal for biosphere reserve status.

4. Designation as a Biosphere Reserve: In 2001, government of India declared Agasthyamala as a biosphere reserve.

5. Designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: In 2016, the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve was officially designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. UNESCO's designation is a significant recognition of the ecological importance and conservation value of the Agasthyamala region.

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Area

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve covers an approximate area of 3,500 square kilometers. This area includes the core zones as well as the buffer and transition zones. The reserve is spread across the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 1828 km2 is in Kerala and 1672.36 km2 is in Tamil Nadu.

Core area(s): 1,135
Buffer zone(s): 1, 445
Transition zone(s): 920
Total : 3,500

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve consist of-

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Hills

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is characterized by its hilly terrain as it is located in the southern Western Ghats of India. The biosphere reserve derives its name from the Agasthyamala Peak, which is one of the prominent hills in the region.

Agasthyamala Peak, also known as Agasthya Malai, stands at an elevation of approximately 1,868 meters (6,129 feet) above sea level. It is the highest peak in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve and one of the significant landmarks in the area.

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve River

Which river flows through Agasthyamalaa Biosphere Reserve?

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is traversed by several rivers and streams, which contribute to the diverse ecosystems and provide crucial water resources to the region. Here are some of the prominent rivers and water bodies associated with the biosphere reserve:

(1) Neyyar River:

The Neyyar River is one of the major rivers flowing through the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. It originates from the Agasthyamala hills and flows through the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Neyyar Dam, located on the river, forms a reservoir that provides water for irrigation and power generation.

(2) Karamana River:

The Karamana River is not directly within the boundaries of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve but is located in close proximity. It originates from the Agasthyakoodam Peak, which is part of the biosphere reserve. The river flows through Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala, passing by the outskirts of the reserve.

(3) Shendurney River:

The Shendurney River is another important watercourse in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. It originates from the Agasthyamala hills and flows through the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.

(4) Tamirabarani River:

The Tamirabarani River originates in the Agasthyamala Hills in the Western Ghats and flows through the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. It covers a total length of approximately 128 kilometers before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river is considered a lifeline for the region as it provides water for various purposes, including drinking water, irrigation, and agriculture. The Tamirabarani River supports the agricultural activities in the surrounding areas, and its water is utilized for paddy cultivation and other crops.

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Tribe

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is home to several indigenous tribal communities who have been residing in the region for centuries. These tribes have a unique cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and a deep connection with the land and its resources.

The Kani tribe is one of the prominent tribal communities in the Agasthyamala region. They are primarily found in the hilly areas of the biosphere reserve and have a rich knowledge of the local flora and fauna. The Kani tribe traditionally practiced hunting, gathering, and small-scale agriculture.

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Flora

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is known for its rich and diverse flora, comprising a wide range of plant species, including endemic and rare varieties. The region's location in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, contributes to its exceptional floral diversity.

Here are some notable flora found in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve:

(1) Evergreen Forests:

The biosphere reserve is characterized by dense evergreen forests that are home to a variety of tree species. These forests are dominated by trees such as Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), Indian Kino (Pterocarpus marsupium), Vateria (Vateria indica), and several species of Ficus.

(2) Medicinal Plants:

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its rich collection of medicinal plants. It is home to numerous species with medicinal properties, including Arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus), a rare herb known for its medicinal value.

(3) Orchids:

The region is also known for its diverse orchid species. Several orchid species, including the rare and endemic Agasthiella kanyakumariensis, can be found in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.

(4) Grasslands:

The biosphere reserve features extensive grassland habitats that support a unique assemblage of grass species. These grasslands play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of the region and provide habitat for several endemic plant species.

(5) Wetland Flora:

The biosphere reserve is also home to wetlands, which harbor a distinct flora. Wetland plants like reeds, sedges, and aquatic plants thrive in these habitats, providing critical ecosystems for waterbirds and other wetland-dependent species.

(6) Endemic Species:

The Agasthyamala region is recognized for its high endemism, meaning it has a significant number of plant species found only in that specific area. The biosphere reserve is known to host several endemic plant species, contributing to its conservation significance.

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Fauna (Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Animals)

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is home to a rich and diverse range of fauna, including various mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species. The region's varied ecosystems, ranging from evergreen forests to grasslands, support a wide array of wildlife.

Here are some of the notable fauna found in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Asian Elephant
Indian Leopard
Sloth Bear
Gaur (Indian Bison)
Sambar Deer
Spotted Deer
Nilgiri Langur
Lion-tailed Macaque
Indian Giant Squirrel
Common Palm Civet
Indian Porcupine

Birds:

Malabar Trogon
Great Pied Hornbill
Indian Pitta
White-bellied Blue Flycatcher
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
Black-and-Orange Flycatcher
Black Bulbul
Malabar Whistling Thrush
Malabar Parakeet
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher
Indian Cormorant
Painted Stork

Reptiles:

King Cobra
Indian Rock Python
Malabar Pit Viper
Common Vine Snake
Indian Monitor Lizard
Indian Chameleon
Green Keelback
Malabar Flying Frog
Travancore Tortoise
Mugger Crocodile