Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve UPSC

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, also known as the Seshachalam Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. The biosphere reserve is named after the Seshachalam Hills, a range of hills that form part of the Eastern Ghats.

The biosphere reserve is of significant cultural and religious importance as well. The sacred Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati ,one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, is located within the Seshachalam Hills. The temple attracts millions of devotees each year and contributes to the region's cultural heritage.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile
Amphibians

UPSC Questions

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Location

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is located in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. It spans across parts of the Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh. The reserve is situated in the southern part of the Eastern Ghats, near the border with Tamil Nadu.

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northwest of Tirupati, a major city in Andhra Pradesh. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which is within the biosphere reserve, is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Tirupati.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is the Tirupati Airport (also known as Renigunta Airport). It is located approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) east of the biosphere reserve. The Tirupati Airport serves as the main gateway for air travel to the region and offers domestic flights to major cities in India.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the Tirupati Railway Station is the most convenient option. It is located in the city of Tirupati, approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) southeast of the biosphere reserve. The Tirupati Railway Station is well-connected to various cities in India and serves as a major railhead for travelers visiting the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve History

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, located in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India, has a long and storied history. This article explores the historical significance of the region and the journey that led to its establishment as a biosphere reserve.

1. Cultural and Religious Significance: The Seshachalam Hills, where the biosphere reserve is situated, hold immense cultural and religious importance. The hills have been revered and worshipped for centuries, primarily due to the presence of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. This Hindu pilgrimage site attracts millions of devotees each year, contributing to the region's cultural heritage.

2. Ancient Origins and Dynastic Influence: The region encompassing the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve has a history that dates back to ancient times. The hills are mentioned in historical and religious texts, and the area has witnessed the influence of various dynasties and kingdoms, including the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara Empire. These dynasties contributed to the cultural and architectural development of the region.

3. Creation of the Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1985, recognizing the need to protect the region's diverse flora and fauna, the Seshachalam Wildlife Sanctuary was established. This sanctuary aimed to conserve the natural resources and biodiversity of the area, laying the foundation for future conservation efforts.

4. Biosphere Reserve Designation: In 2010, the Indian government elevated the status of the Seshachalam Wildlife Sanctuary to that of a biosphere reserve. This designation aimed to promote sustainable development, safeguard the cultural heritage, and conserve the natural resources within the region. The biosphere reserve status highlights the ecological importance of the Seshachalam Hills.

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Area

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve covers an extensive area in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. The biosphere reserve spans approximately 4,755 square kilometers (1,835 square miles). This significant expanse of land showcases the diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity found within the Seshachalam Hills.

Core Area: The core area of the biosphere reserve covers approximately 750 square kilometers (290 square miles). Srivenkateshwara National Park forms a part of core zone. This zone is typically the most strictly protected, focusing on conserving the most ecologically sensitive and critical habitats within the reserve.

Buffer Zone: The buffer zone surrounding the core area extends over an area of about 1,865 square kilometers (720 square miles). This zone acts as a transition area between the core and the surrounding human-influenced landscapes. Here, certain sustainable activities may be allowed, such as controlled tourism and limited resource utilization, with a focus on maintaining ecological integrity.

Transition Area: The transition area, also known as the outer or experimental zone, encompasses an area of approximately 2,140 square kilometers (830 square miles). This zone represents the wider surroundings of the biosphere reserve and includes areas where human activities and land uses are more prevalent. The transition area aims to balance conservation with sustainable development, promoting practices that ensure the well-being of both the local communities and the natural environment.

Total Area: When combining the core area, buffer zone, and transition area, the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve has a total area of approximately 4,755 square kilometers (1,835 square miles).

Core- 750 km2
Buffer- 1865 km2
Transition Area- 2140 km2
Total- 4755 km2

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Hills

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is predominantly characterized by the Seshachalam Hills, which lend their name to the reserve. The Seshachalam Hills are a range of hills located in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India.

The Seshachalam Hills hold significant cultural and religious significance. The hills are home to the sacred Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which attracts millions of devotees each year. The temple is an integral part of the religious landscape and adds to the spiritual aura surrounding the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.

Note- Srivenkateshwara National Park is also located in Seshachalam Hills.

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Tribe

The native population within the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve includes the Yanadi tribe. The Yanadis are an indigenous tribal community that resides in the region surrounding the biosphere reserve, particularly in the Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The Yanadi tribe has a distinct cultural heritage and a unique way of life. They have traditionally been dependent on the surrounding forests and natural resources for their livelihood, engaging in activities such as hunting, gathering, and small-scale agriculture. The Yanadis have a deep knowledge of the local ecosystems and possess traditional wisdom regarding the use of medicinal plants and sustainable resource management.

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Flora (Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Forest Type)

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve boasts a rich and diverse flora, with various plant species thriving in its diverse ecosystems. The flora of the biosphere reserve includes a combination of dry deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, scrublands, and grasslands.

Here are some notable plant species found in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve:

(1) Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus):

This tree species is endemic to the Eastern Ghats region and is highly valued for its red-colored timber. Red Sanders is an iconic species of the biosphere reserve and has been subjected to conservation efforts due to illegal logging and trade.

(2) Shorea species:

Several species of the Shorea genus, such as Shorea tumbuggaia and Shorea talura, can be found in the biosphere reserve. These are large canopy trees commonly found in the semi-evergreen and deciduous forests.

(3) Terminalia species:

Terminalia tomentosa (Asan) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) are common tree species in the biosphere reserve. These trees are important for their medicinal properties and ecological significance.

(4) Bamboo species:

Different species of bamboo, including Dendrocalamus strictus (Bamboo), Bambusa arundinacea, and Bambusa bambos, are found in the biosphere reserve. Bamboo provides habitat and food sources for various animals and plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil.

(5) Albizia species:

Albizia lebbeck (Sirisa) and Albizia amara (Ponaganti) are among the prominent Albizia species found in the biosphere reserve. These trees have attractive flowers and provide shade in the forests.

(6) Acacia species:

Acacia nilotica (Babul) and Acacia leucophloea (Vepa) are common Acacia species found in the biosphere reserve. These trees have adaptations to withstand dry conditions and play an essential role in ecosystem restoration.

(7) Grasses and herbs:

The grasslands and scrublands of the biosphere reserve support a variety of grass species, including Imperata cylindrica (Cogon grass) and Saccharum spontaneum (Wild sugarcane). Numerous herbaceous plants, shrubs, and climbers also contribute to the overall flora diversity.

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Fauna (Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Animals)

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna, with numerous animal species inhabiting its varied ecosystems. The reserve's forests, grasslands, and scrublands support a rich biodiversity, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Here are some notable fauna species found in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopard
Indian Elephant
Sambar Deer
Spotted Deer
Wild Boar
Indian Pangolin
Indian Giant Squirrel
Bonnet Macaque

Birds:

Indian Roller
Peafowl
Painted Stork
Crested Serpent Eagle
White-bellied Woodpecker
Indian Robin
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
Yellow-throated Bulbul

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Indian Cobra
Russell's Viper
Indian Monitor Lizard
Common Skink

Amphibians:

Malabar Gliding Frog
Indian Bullfrog
Wrinkled Frog
Common Indian Toad