Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve — India's First Biosphere Reserve & UNESCO MAB Site


Key Facts

  • Located in the Western Ghats.

  • Spans:

    • Tamil Nadu

    • Kerala

    • Karnataka

  • Area → approximately 5,520 sq km.

  • India's first biosphere reserve, established in 1986.

  • UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) recognition → 2000.

Ecological Importance

  • High biodiversity.

  • High endemism.

  • Includes diverse ecosystems.

  • Important habitat for species such as:

    • Nilgiri tahr.

    • Asian elephant.

    • Lion-tailed macaque.

    • Nilgiri langur.

Tribal/Indigenous Communities

Associated communities include:

  • Todas.

  • Irulas.

  • Kurumbas.

  • Kattunayakan.

  • Paniya and others.

Prelims

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve → Karnataka + Kerala + Tamil Nadu.