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UPSC Prelims 2019 · Environment · Wild Places
Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
- (a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendumey Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
- (b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
- (c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
- (d) Kawai and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagaijunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendumey Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Agasthyamala BR (Kerala–TN border) includes Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney sanctuaries and Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
The idea
A biosphere reserve is a large umbrella area, and several sanctuaries, parks and tiger reserves sit inside it. Agasthyamala is the southern tip of the Western Ghats, where Kerala and Tamil Nadu meet. So its parts must be from the far south of both States.
Kerala side: Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney sanctuaries → Tamil Nadu side: Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve → Together: Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
Why the others are wrong
(b) These form the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
(c) These are in Andhra Pradesh and the Nilgiris.
(d) These are in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The trap
Option (b) is a real biosphere reserve too — the Nilgiri one.
Also know
It is named after the Agasthyarkoodam peak. The Kani tribe lives here; their knowledge of the arogyapacha plant led to a herbal drug and one of the world’s first benefit-sharing arrangements with a community. The Thamirabarani river rises in these hills.
🔒 Agasthyamala BR: Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney + KMTR; UNESCO list 2016.