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UPSC Prelims 2005 · Environment · Wild Places
Which one of the following is not a Biosphere Reserve?
- (a) Agasthyamalai
- (b) Nallamalai
- (c) Nilgiri
- (d) Panchmarhi
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Nallamalai
Nallamala forest holds the Nagarjunsagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve, but it is not a biosphere reserve.
The idea
Know the 18 names and the odd one shows itself. Nallamala is a forest range of the Eastern Ghats that holds a tiger reserve. The Eastern Ghats do have a biosphere reserve, but it is Seshachalam.
Himalaya: Nanda Devi, Khangchendzonga, Cold Desert, Dehang-Dibang → North-East: Nokrek, Manas, Dibru-Saikhowa → Central: Pachmarhi, Achanakmar–Amarkantak, Panna, Simlipal → South: Nilgiri, Agasthyamalai, Seshachalam → Coast and islands: Sundarbans, Gulf of Mannar, Great Nicobar, Kachchh
Why the others are wrong
(a) Agasthyamalai is a biosphere reserve (2001).
(c) The Nilgiri was India’s first biosphere reserve (1986).
(d) Pachmarhi (MP) is a biosphere reserve (1999).
Also know
The first was Nilgiri (1986). The largest is Kachchh in Gujarat.
🔒 First BR: Nilgiri (1986). Pachmarhi, Agasthyamala = BRs. Nallamala = NSTR.