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Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
  Agasthyamalai BR
Agasthyamalai BR (India)
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| Location: | Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Tirunelveli Districts |
| Coordinates: | |
| Area: | 900 km² |
| Established: | 2001 |
| Total Visitation: | # People (in year) |
| Governing body: | Ministry of Environment & Forests |
The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR) was Established in 2001 and includes 1701 km2.[1]
Contents |
ABR straddles the border of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram Districts in Kerala and Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari Districts in Tamil Nadu, South India at the southern end of the Western Ghats. Central location is . It is composed of Neyyar[2], Peppara[3] and Shendurney[4] Wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas of Achencoil [5], Thenmala, Konni[6], Punalur, Thiruvananthapuram Divisions and Agasthyavanam Special Division in Kerala[7]. Inclusion of ajoining areas of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu is under consideration.
ABR includes the Indian Ecoregions of South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests, South Western Ghats montane rain forests and Shola. It is the habitat for 2,000 varieties of medicinal plants, of which at least 50 are rare and endangered species. Rare animals include the tiger, Asian Elephant, and Nilgiri Tahr. Agastyamalai is also home to the Kanis[8][9], one of the oldest surviving ancient tribes in the world.[10]. Ecotourism is popular in the area.
A local committee and a state level Biosphere Management Committee co-ordinate the activities of various departments in the ABR area and ensure the scientific management of the ABR according to guidelines of the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests. [11] [12]. ABM is awaiting approval as participant in the UNESCO-Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme[13].
- ^ Kerala Forests & Wildlife Dept, Biosphere Reserves, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.[1]
- ^ Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary[2]
- ^ Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary[3]
- ^ Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary[4]
- ^ Achencoil, Kerala[5]
- ^ Konni, Kerala[6]
- ^ AGASTHYAVANAM BIOLOGICAL PARK, Kerala[7]
- ^ Anuradha, R.V., "SHARING WITH THE KANIS, A case study from Kerala, India" [8]
- ^ Ministry of Forests and Environment-Report Ch10 Biodiversity/Kanis[9]
- ^ The Hindu, 'Environment Ministry to soon declare Agastyamalai a biosphere reserve", Jan 3, 2006.[10]
- ^ Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department[11]
- ^ Wildlife Institute of India[[12]
- ^ UNESCO, Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme list[13]
