Mega Biodiversity of India

Dr R. K. Sahu
Zoo Superintendent
Ahmedabad Zoo

India is one of the 12 mega biodiversity countries in the world. The country is divided
into 10 biogeographic regions. The diverse physical features and climatic situations have
formed ecological habitats like forests, grasslands, wetlands, coastal and marine
ecosystems and desert ecosystems, which harbor and sustain immense biodiversity.
Biogeographically, India is situated at the tri-junction of three realms - Afro-tropical,
Indo-Malayan and Paleo-Arctic realms, and therefore, has characteristic elements from
each of them. This assemblage of three distinct realms makes the country rich and
unique in biological diversity.

The country is also one of the 12 primary centres of origin of cultivated plants and
domesticated animals. It is considered to be the homeland of 167 important plant
species of cereals, millets, fruits, condiments, vegetables, pulses, fibre crops and
oilseeds, and 114 breeds of domesticated animals.

About 4,900 species of flowering plants are endemic to the country. These are
distributed among 141 genera belonging to 47 families. These are concentrated in the
floristically rich areas of North-East India, the Western Ghats, North-West Himalayas
and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These areas constitute two of the 18 hot spots
identified in the world. It is estimated that 62 per cent of the known amphibian species
are endemic to India of which a majority is found in Western Ghats.

Approximately 65 per cent of the total geographical area has been surveyed so far.
Based on this, over 46,000 species of plants and 81,000 species of animals have been
described by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) established in 1890 and Zoological
Survey of India (ZSI) established in 1916, respectively. This list is being constantly
upgraded, especially in lower plants and invertebrate animals. The Forest Survey of
India established in 1981 assesses the forest cover with a view to develop an accurate
database for planning and monitoring purposes.

Conservation and sustainable use of biological resources based on local knowledge

systems and practices is ingrained in Indian ethos. The country has a number of
alternative medicines, like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathic systems which
are predominantly based on plant based raw materials in most of their preparations and
formulations. Herbal preparations for various purposes including pharmaceutical and
cosmetic purposes form part of the traditional biodiversity uses in India.

The strategies for conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity have

comprised providing special status and protection to biodiversity - rich areas by
declaring them as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, ecologically
fragile and sensitive areas. Other strategies include offloading pressure from reserve
forests by alternative measures of fuel wood and fodder need satisfaction by
afforestation of degraded areas and wastelands and creation of ex-situ conservation
1
facilities such as gene banks. For example, the Tura Range in Garo Hills of Meghalaya is
a gene sanctuary for preserving the rich native diversity of wild citrus and musa species.

Approximately, 4.2 per cent of the total geographical area of the country has been
earmarked for extensive in-situ conservation of habitats and ecosystems. A protected
area network of 85 national parks and 448 wildlife sanctuaries has been created. The
results of this network have been significant in restoring viable population of large
mammals such as tiger, lion, rhinoceros, crocodiles and elephants.

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) have identified 309
forest preservation plots of representative forest types for conservation of viable and
representative areas of biodiversity. Out of these plots, 187 area in natural forests and
112 are in plantations, covering a total area of 8,500 hectares.

A programme "Eco-development" for in-situ conservation of biological diversity involving

local communities has been initiated in recent years. The concept of ecodevelopment
integrates the ecological and economic parameters for sustained conservation of
ecosystems by involving the local communities with the maintenance of earmarked
regions surrounding protected areas. The economic needs of the local communities are
taken care under this programme through provision of alternative sources of income
and a steady availability of forest and related produce.

Programmes have also been launched for scientific management and wise use of
wetlands, mangroves and coral reef ecosystems. Twenty one wetlands, and mangrove
areas and 4 coral reef areas have been identified for intensive conservation and
management purposes. Mangroves conservation is one of the thrust areas of the
Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Six significant wetlands of India have been declared as "Ramsar Sites" under the
Ramsar Convention. Under the World Heritage Convention, five natural sites have been
declared as "World Heritage Sites".

To conserve the representative ecosystems, a Biosphere Reserve Programme is being

implemented. Twelve biodiversity rich areas of the country have been designated as
Biosphere Reserves applying the UNESCO/MAB criteria. These reserves aim at
conserving the biological diversity and genetic integrity of plants, animals and
microorganisms in their totality as part of the natural ecosystems, so as to ensure that
self-perpetuation and unhindered evolution of the living resources.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests constituted the National Afforestation and
Eco-development Board (NAEB) in August 1992. NAEB has evolved specific schemes for
promoting afforestation and management strategies which help the states in developing
specific afforestation and management strategies and eco-development packages for
augmenting biomass production through a participatory planning process of joint forest
management and micro planning.

To complement in-situ conservation, attention has been paid to ex-situ conservation

measures. According to currently available survey, central government and state
governments together run and manage 33 botanical gardens. Universities have their
2
own botanical gardens. There are 275 zoos, deer parks, safari parks and aquaria. A
Central Zoo Authority was set up to secure better management of zoos. A scheme
‘Assistance to Botanical Gardens’ provides one-time assistance to botanical gardens to
strengthen and institute measures for ex-situ conservation of threatened and
endangered species in their respective regions.

Formal policies and programmes for conservation and sustainable utilization of

biodiversity resources dates back to several decades. The concept of environmental
protection is enshrined in the Indian constitution in articles 48a and 51a (g).

Major central acts relevant to biodiversity include Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The
various central Acts are supported by a number of state laws and statutes concerning
forests and other natural resources. The policies and strategies directly relevant to
biodiversity include National Forest Policy amended in 1988, National Conservation
Strategy and Policy Statement for Environment and Sustainable Development, National
Agricultural Policy, National Land Use Policy, National Fisheries Policy, National Policy
and Action Strategy on Biodiversity, National Wildlife Action Plan and Environmental
Action Plan.

India is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The main objectives of
this convention are; conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of the
components of biodiversity and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the
utilization of genetic resources.

The main implementation measures for the CBD are through national strategies,
legislation, and administrative instruments to be developed in accordance with the
country’s conditions and capabilities.

Adopting a consultative process with the stakeholders, a national policy and action
strategy on biological diversity has been drawn up as a macro-level statement of
strategies. This plan aims at consolidating the on-going efforts of conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity, identifying gaps in various sectors and providing
a policy and programme regime to ensure attainment of the three objectives of the CBD.
This framework document provides the basis for developing detailed action at micro and
regional levels.

The Ministry has accessed funding from GEF for preparing detailed National Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) using participatory planning approach and is
currently being implemented.

Identifying the critically important areas and gaps in taxonomic work, an All India
Coordinated Project on Taxonomy (AICOPTAX) has been launched for prioritized
purpose-oriented capacity building in taxonomy. To encourage taxonomic work, Janaki
Ammal National Award in taxonomy has been instituted.

India’s richness in biological resources and related indigenous knowledge is well

recognized. One of the major challenges before the country lies in adopting an
instrument which help realize the objectives of equitable benefit sharing enshrined in
3
 the convention. India has worked out bio-diversity legislation. It aims at regulating
access to biological resources. The legislation has been prepared after extensive
consultations with concerned people and agencies.

Hot- spots of Biodiversity

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with a significant reservoir

of biodiversity that is threatened with destruction.
An area is designated as a hot spot when it contains at least 0.5% of plant species as
endemic.
There are 25 such hot spots of biodiversity on a global level, out of which two are
present in India.
These are:
⇒ Indo- Burma (earlier The Eastern Himalayas) and
⇒ The western Ghats & Sri Lanka
These hot spots covering less than 2% of the world’s land area are found to have about
50% of the terrestrial biodiversity.

Criteria for determining hot-spots:

⇒ No. of Endemic Species i.e. the species which are found no where else
⇒ Degree of threat, which is measured in terms of Habitat loss

Indo- Burma (Eastern Himalayas) Hotspot

⇒ The hotspot includes all of Cambodia, Vietnam & Laos, and nearly the entire areas of
Thailand, Myanmar & Bhutan as well as part of Nepal, far eastern India and extreme
southern China.
⇒ In addition, it covers several offshore Islands including Mainan Islands in the South
China Sea and Andaman & Nicobar Islands in Indian Ocean.
⇒ Indo-Burma is one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots, due to the rate of
resource exploitation and habitat loss.

Western Ghats and Sri Lanka:

⇒ Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, also known as the “Sahyadri Hills” encompasses the
mountain forests in the southwestern parts of India and on the neighboring Islands of
Sri Lanka.
⇒ The entire extent of hotspot was originally about 1,82,500 square kms, but due to
tremendous population pressure, now only 12,445 square Km or 6.8% is in pristine
condition.
⇒ The important populations include Asian elephant, Indian tigers and the endangered
lion tailed macaque.

National Parks and Sanctuaries of India

4
India has a wealth of about 80 National Parks and 441 sanctuaries. Many of the wildlife
sanctuaries and a few national parks have been established in erstwhile private hunting
reserves of the British Raj and Indian aristocracy. Often, a park is better known for a
particular animal. Thus Gir (Gujarat) is famous for its Asiatic lions, the Indian
rhinoceros is the pride of Kaziranga (Assam), elephants steal the show in Periyar
(Kerala), and tigers are synonymous with Kanha (Madhya Pradesh) and Bandavgarh
(Madhya Pradesh).
The mangrove forests of Sunder bans are the unique habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
These are literally a living museum of nature's creations with a variety of animals,
plants, landscapes and rock formations.

Though the Indian subcontinent has a great variety of wildlife, but the thick and dense
forests account for poor visibility. The spotting of wild animals depends greatly on their
habit and distinct daily and seasonal patterns of activity. The frequency of wildlife
sightings in national parks and sanctuaries varies depending on the time of the year.

Note: We can include the following lists for information of script writers.

National park in India

1. Anshi National Park Karnataka
2. Balphakram National Park Meghalaya
3. Bandhavgarh National Park Madhya Pradesh
4. Bandipur National Park Karnataka
5. Bannerghatta National Park Karnataka
6. Vansda National Park Gujarat
7. Betla National Park Jharkhand
8. Bhitarkanika National Park Orissa
9. Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar Gujarat
10. Buxa Tiger Reserve West Bengal
Andaman and
11. Campbell Bay National Park
Nicobar
12. Chandoli National Park Maharashtra
13. Corbett National Park Uttarakhand
Jammu and
14. Dachigam National Park
Kashmir
15. Darrah National Park Rajasthan
16. Desert National Park Rajasthan
17. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Assam
18. Dudhwa National Park Uttar Pradesh
19. Eravikulam National Park Kerala
20. Fossil National Park Madhya Pradesh
Andaman and
21. Galathea National Park
Nicobar
22. Gangotri National Park Uttarakhand

5
23. Gir National Park Gujarat
24. Gorumara National Park West Bengal
25. Govind Pashu Vihar Uttarakhand
26. Great Himalayan National Park Himachal Pradesh
27. Gugamal National Park Maharashtra
28. Guindy National Park Tamil Nadu
29. Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park Gujarat
30. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Tamil Nadu
Jammu and
31. Hemis National Park
Kashmir
32. Hazaribag National Park Jharkhand
33. Indira Gandhi National Park (prev: Annamalai National
Tamil Nadu
Park)
34. Indravati National Park Chhattisgarh
35. Intanki National Park Nagaland
36. Kalesar National Park Haryana
37. Kanha National Park Madhya Pradesh
38. Kanger Ghati National Park (Kanger Valley) Chhattisgarh
39. Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park Andhra Pradesh
40. Kaziranga National Park Assam
41. Keibul Lamjao National Park Manipur
42. Keoladeo National Park Rajasthan
43. Khangchendzonga National Park Sikkim
Jammu and
44. Kishtwar National Park
Kashmir
45. Kudremukh National Park Karnataka
46. Madhav National Park Madhya Pradesh
47. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (prev: Wandur Andaman and
National Park) Nicobar
48. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Andhra Pradesh
49. Manas National Park Assam
50. Mathikettan Shola National Park Kerala
Andaman and
51. Middle Button Island National Park
Nicobar
52. Mollem National Park Goa
53. Mouling National Park Arunachal Pradesh
54. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan
Andaman and
55. Mount Harriet National Park
Nicobar
56. Mrugavani National Park Andhra Pradesh
57. Mudumalai National Park Tamil Nadu

6
58. Mukurthi National Park Tamil Nadu
59. Murlen National Park Mizoram
60. Namdapha National Park Arunachal Pradesh
61. Nameri National Park Assam
62. Nanda Devi National Park Uttarakhand
63. Nandankanan National Park Orissa
63. Navegaon National Park Maharashtra
64. Neora Valley National Park West Bengal
65. Nokrek National Park Meghalaya
Andaman and
66. North Button Island National Park
Nicobar
67. Orang National Park Assam
68. Palani Hills National Park Tamil Nadu
69. Panna National Park Madhya Pradesh
70. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh
71. Pench National Park Maharashtra
72. Periyar National Park Kerala
73. Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park Mizoram
74. Pin Valley National Park Himachal Pradesh
75. Rajaji National Park Uttarakhand
76. Rajiv Gandhi National Park (prev: Nagarhole National Park) Karnataka
Andaman and
77. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park
Nicobar
78. Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan
Andaman and
79. Saddle Peak National Park
Nicobar
Jammu and
80. Salim Ali National Park
Kashmir
81. Sanjay National Park² Chhattisgarh
82. Sanjay National Park² Madhya Pradesh
83. Sanjay Gandhi National Park a.k.a. Borivili National Park,
Maharashtra
Mumbai
84. Sariska National Park Rajasthan
85. Satpura National Park Madhya Pradesh
86. Silent Valley National Park Kerala
87. Sirohi National Park Manipur
88. Simlipal National Park Orissa
89. Singalila National Park West Bengal
Andaman and
90. South Button Island National Park
Nicobar
91. Sri Venkateswara National Park Andhra Pradesh

7
92. Sultanpur National Park Haryana
93. Sundarbans National Park West Bengal
94. Tadoba National Park Maharashtra
95. Valley of Flowers National Park Uttarakhand
96. Valmiki National Park Bihar
97. Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary Bihar
98. Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary Bihar
99. Van Vihar National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Year Name State Area (km²)
1 1979 Great Indian Bustard Maharashtra 8496.44
2 1986 Kutch Desert Gujarat 7506.22
3 1973 Wild Ass Gujarat 4953.7
4 ND Nelapattu Andhra Pradesh 404
5 1991 Dibang Valley Arunachal Pradesh 4149
6 1987 Changthang Jammu & Kashmir 4000
Nagarjunasagar
7 1978 Andhra Pradesh 3568
Srisailam
8 ND Karakoram Jammu & Kashmir 1800
9 1978 Kaimur Bihar 1342.22
10 ND Gundlabrahmeswaram Andhra Pradesh 1194
11 1965 Gir Gujarat 1153.42
12 1975 Noradehi Madhya Pradesh 1034.52
975.24
Kedarnath Wild Life
13 1972 Uttar Pradesh
Sanctuary
-
14 893
1965 Kawal Andhra Pradesh
-
879.3
15 1952 Pakhal Andhra Pradesh
-
16 861.95
1977 Pakhui Arunachal Pradesh
-
17 1979 Simlipal Orissa 845.7
8
 -
18 834.16
ND Dandeli Karnataka
-
19 803
1953 Eturnagaram Andhra Pradesh
-
20 800
1987 Lachipora Jammu & Kashmir
-
21 795.52
1976 Satkosia Gorge Orissa
-
22 783
1989 Kamlang Arunachal Pradesh
-
23 767
1976 Palamau Jharkhand
-
24 765.79
Narayan Sarovar
1981 Gujarat
(Chinkara)
-
25 688.79
1976 Ratapani Madhya Pradesh
-
26 681.9
1976 Bhimbandh Bihar
-
27 676
1983 Keladevi Rajasthan
-
28 673
1963 Kolleru Andhra Pradesh
-
29 655.41
1977 Kinnerasani Andhra Pradesh
-
30 655.32
1962 Sechu Tuan Nala Himachal Pradesh
-
31 635
1979 National Chambal Uttar Pradesh
-
32 ND Rollapadu Andhra Pradesh 614

9
 -
33 608.52
1978 Tamor Pingla Madhya Pradesh
-
34 607.7
1982 Schoolpaneshwar Gujarat
-
35 600
1988 Sunabema Orissa
-
36 599.93
1986 Askot Uttarakhand
-
36A 597.23
1985 Melghat Maharashtra
-
37 590.68
1978 Papikonda Andhra Pradesh
-
38 578.26
1971 Kumbhalgarh Rajasthan
-
39 567.38
ND Mundanthurai Tamil Nadu
-
40 553.36
1974 Sitanadi Madhya Pradesh
-
41 551.55
1975 Achanakmar Madhya Pradesh
-
42 542.08
1989 Balaram-Ambaji Gujarat
-
43 539.52
Biligiri Rangswamy
1987 Karnataka
Temple
- -
44 518.25
1977 Bori Madhya Pradesh
-
45 512
1981 Ghatigaon Madhya Pradesh
-
46 1983 Phulwari Rajasthan 511.41

10
 -
47 510.51
1987 Cauvery Karnataka
-
48 509.27
1986 Andhari Maharashtra
-
49 506.94
ND Srivenkateshwara Andhra Pradesh
-
500.75
50 1982 Kaimoor Uttar Pradesh
-
51 500
1985 Dampa Mizoram
-
52 500
1976 Pulicat Andhra Pradesh
-
53 495.27
1983 Todgarh Raoli Rajasthan
-
54 492.46
1974 Bhadra Karnataka
-
55 485.2
ND Srivilliputhur Tamil Nadu
-
56 481.04
1954 Govind Pashu Vihar Uttar Pradesh
-
57 478.9
1978 Bagdogra Madhya Pradesh
-
58 472
1950 Periyar Kerala
-
59 464.42
ND Srilanka Malleswara Andhra Pradesh
-
60 461.85
1977 Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh
-
61 1978 Valmikinagar Bihar 461.6

11
 -
62 461.02
ND Pulicat Tamil Nadu
-
63 428.2
1987 Sohagabarwa Uttar Pradesh
-
64 425
1987 Overa-Aru Jammu & Kashmir
-
65 423.55
1985 Koyna Maharashtra
-
66 422.94
1979 Sita Mata Rajasthan
-
67 419.48
1962 Tundah Himachal Pradesh
-
68 413.23
1974 Sharavathi Valley Karnataka
-
69 400.09
1976 Kateraniaghat Uttar Pradesh
-
70 399.05
1981 Kotgarh Orissa
-
71 395.6
1974 Shettihally Karnataka
-
72 391
1928 Manas Assam
-
73 389.54
1988 Gumti Tripura
-
74 371.88
1958 Radhangiri Maharashtra
-
75 368.62
1974 Gandhi Sagar Madhya Pradesh
-
76 1975 Sanjay (Dubri) Madhya Pradesh 364.69

12
 -
77 362.4
1976 Singhalila West Bengal
-
78 361.71
1986 Kalsubai Harishchandra Maharashtra
-
79 357
ND Kaundinya Andhra Pradesh
-
80 354.14
1982 Rupi Bhabha Himachal Pradesh
-
81 348.12
1983 Sardarpur Florican Madhya Pradesh
-
82 346.91
1985 Debrigarh Orissa
-
83 345
ND Kuno - Palpur Madhya Pradesh
-
84 344.68
Palpur - Kuno Wildlife
1981 Madhya Pradesh
Sanctuary
-
85 344.44
1973 Waynad Kerala
-
86 341.05
1986 Jaikwadi Maharashtra
-
87 340.35
1978 Samarsot Madhya Pradesh
-
88 330
1962 Kugti Himachal Pradesh
-
89 324.62
1986 Painganga Maharashtra
-
90 322.7
1983 Pong Dam Sanctuary Himachal Pradesh
-
91 ND Mudumalai Tamil Nadu 321.55

13
 -
92 320
1978 National Chambal Madhya Pradesh
-
93 308.97
1985 Chandoli Maharashtra
-
94 307
1982 Ramgarh Bundi Rajasthan
-
95 304.03
1988 Badrama Orissa
-
96 301.18
1987 Sonanandi Uttar Pradesh
-
97 300
1982 Jamwa Ramgarh Rajasthan
-
98 293.03
1980 Marine (Gulf of Kutch) Gujarat
-
99 288.84
1960 Mountabu Rajasthan
-
100 287.91
1976 Singhori (Sindhari) Madhya Pradesh
-
101 285
1973 Parambikulam Kerala
-
102 281.5
1980 Mehao Arunachal Pradesh
-
103 280
1983 National Chambal Rajasthan
-
104 277.82
1972 Gomardah Madhya Pradesh
-
105 272.75
1984 Kuldiha Orissa
-
106 1955 Darah Rajasthan 265.83

14
 -
107 262
1983 Pamed Wild Buffalo Madhya Pradesh
-
108 260.61
1986 Gautala Autramghat Maharashtra
-
109 259.48
1976 Gautam Buddha Bihar
-
110 251.89
1986 Buxa West Bengal
-
111 250
1988 Kanji Jammu & Kashmir
-
112 247.59
1983 Udanti Wild Buffalo Madhya Pradesh
-
113 247
1974 Mukambika Karnataka
-
114 245.84
1983 Panpatha Madhya Pradesh
-
115 244.66
1976 Barnawapra Madhya Pradesh
-
116 243.13
1962 Nargu Himachal Pradesh
-
117 239.47
1962 Bandli Himachal Pradesh
-
118 235.79
1978 Coringa Andhra Pradesh
-
119 230.31
1977 Ranipur Uttar Pradesh
-
120 229.14
1983 Bhensrodgarh Rajasthan
-
121 1972 Kishanpur Uttar Pradesh 227.12

15
 -
122 223.58
ND Kalakkadu Tamil Nadu
-
123 217
1989 Eaglenest Arunachal Pradesh
-
124 216.51
1990 Jaldapara West Bengal
-
125 211.7
1987 Spike Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
-
126 211.03
1978 Lawalang Bihar
-
127 206.4
1985 Nakti Dam Bihar
-
128 204
1986 Kabar Bihar
-
129 202.21
1981 Karera Madhya Pradesh
-
130 202.02
1975 Intanki Nagaland
-
131 194.81
ND Krishna Andhra Pradesh
-
132 193.22
1976 Dalma Jharkhand
-
133 192.76
1985 Baretha Rajasthan
-
134 192.31
1979 Barda Gujarat
-
135 191.06
1978 Hadgarh Orissa
-
136 1978 D'ering Memorial Arunachal Pradesh 190

16
 -
137 188.24
1975 Abohar Punjab
-
138 186.25
1976 Hazaribagh Jharkhand
-
139 186
1987 Gulmarg Jammu & Kashmir
-
140 185.87
1985 Lakhari Valley Orissa
-
141 184.8
1989 Yagoupokpi Lokchao Manipur
-
142 181.29
1974 Bramhagiri Karnataka
-
143 180.66
1978 Jessore Gujarat
-
144 177.95
1985 Koderma Jharkhand
-
145 177.52
1969 Yawal Maharashtra
-
146 175.79
1982 Chandaka Dampara Orissa
-
147 175
1934 Sonai Rupai Assam
-
148 170.56
1987 Trishna Tripura
-
149 168.35
1981 Baisipalli Orissa
-
150 160.84
1990 Purna Gujarat
-
151 1970 Nagzira Maharashtra 152.81

17
 -
152 150
1991 Ngengpui Mizoram
-
153 148.52
1967 Bhagwan Mahavir Goa
-
154 147.66
1992 Karlapat Orissa
-
155 140.3
1978 Itanagar Arunachal Pradesh
- -
156 138.95
1983 Bhairamgarh Madhya Pradesh
- -
157 137.07
1985 Nameri Assam
- -
158 136.02
1980 Pranahita Andhra Pradesh
- -
159 134.78
1986 Chaprala Maharashtra
- -
160 133
1985 Interview Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
161 130.78
1985 Bhimashankar Maharashtra
- -
162 130.38
1990 Jambughoda Gujarat
- -
163 130
1952 Pocharam Andhra Pradesh
- -
164 128
1958 Neyyar Kerala
- -
165 127.22
1976 Murti Wildlife West Bengal
- -
166 1958 Peechi Vazhani Kerala 125

18
 - -
167 134.778
1955 Kheoni Madhya Pradesh
- -
168 120.82
1969 Nal Sarovar Gujarat
- -
169 120.67
Gobind Sagar & Naina
1962 Himachal Pradesh
Devi
- -
170 119
1974 Ranebennur Karnataka
- -
171 116
1982 Khalasuni Orissa
- -
172 113.96
1987 Chautala Haryana
- -
173 110.24
1983 Fensatallite Madhya Pradesh
- -
174 110.04
1976 Chail Himachal Pradesh
- -
175 110
1987 Hirpora Jammu & Kashmir
- -
176 107
ND Sundha Mata Rajasthan
- -
177 105.46
1949 Gamgul Siahbehi Himachal Pradesh
- -
178 105
Talakaveri Wildlife
1987 Karnataka
Sanctuary
- -
179 105
1984 Chimony Kerala
- -
180 105
1968 Bhagwan Mahavir Goa
- -
181 1975 Badankhoh Madhya Pradesh 104.35

19
 - -
182 103.25
1984 Sawai Mansingh Rajasthan
- -
183 102.59
Pushpagiri Wildlife
1987 Karnataka
Sanctuary
- -
184 100.32
1984 Shenduruny Kerala
- -
185 100.12
1986 Nandpur Madmeshwar Maharashtra
- -
186 100
1989 Sessa Orchid Arunachal Pradesh
- -
187 100
1980 Jawahar Sagar Rajasthan
- -
188 98.71
1983 Shergarh Rajasthan
- -
189 98.71
1962 Darlaghat Himachal Pradesh
- -
190 90.44
1984 Chinnar Kerala
- -
191 88.4
1974 Someswara Karnataka
- -
192 82.94
1986 Aner Dam Maharashtra
- -
193 78.46
ND Mukkurthi Tamil Nadu
- -
194 78
1957 Chandra Prabha Uttar Pradesh
- -
195 77
1976 Idukki Kerala
- -
196 1988 Katepurna Maharashtra 73.69

20
 - -
197 72.6
1985 Orang Assam
- -
198 71.72
1984 Balukhand Konark Orissa
- -
199 71.19
1962 Shikari Devi Himachal Pradesh
- -
200 70.14
1979 Laokhowa Assam
- -
201 70
1975 Bhitarkanika Orissa
- -
202 69.79
1986 Phansad Maharashtra
- -
203 68.25
1976 Tirthan Himachal Pradesh
- -
204 63.25
1976 Mahuadaur Bihar
- -
205 61.57
1954 Kanawar Himachal Pradesh
- -
206 61.1
1970 Bor Maharashtra
- -
207 59.93
1955 Van Vihar Rajasthan
- -
208 57.19
1974 Narsingarh Madhya Pradesh
- -
209 56.59
1985 Churdhar Himachal Pradesh
- -
210 55.65
1982 Ratanmahal Gujarat
- -
211 1991 Kane Arunachal Pradesh 55

21
 - -
212 55
1984 Aralam Kerala
- -
213 53
1983 Peppara Kerala
- -
214 52
1956 Jaisamand Rajasthan
- -
215 51.76
Barsey Rhododendron
1984 Sikkim
Sanctuary
- -
216 51.76
1984 Fambong Lho Sikkim
- -
217 50
1980 Nahargarh Rajasthan
- -
218 49.82
1974 Melkote Temple Karnataka
- -
219 49.23
1984 Parasnath Bihar
- -
220 49
ND Pabha Assam
- -
221 45.59
1988 Binsar Uttarakhand
- -
222 45
1981 Ken Gharial Madhya Pradesh
- -
223 43
1982 Harike Lake Punjab
- -
224 41.8
1981 Sone Gharial Madhya Pradesh
- -
225 41
1991 Khawnglung Mizoram
- -
226 1989 Dipor Beel Assam 40

22
 - -
227 39.63
1989 Paniya Gujarat
- -
228 39.58
1981 Surinsar-Mansar Jammu & Kashmir
- -
229 38.88
1976 Senchal West Bengal
- -
230 38.83
Pobitora Wildlife
1987 Assam
Sanctuary
- -
231 38.27
1962 Raksham Chitkul Himachal Pradesh
- -
232 38
1976 Lothian Island West Bengal
- -
233 37.19
1962 Naina Devi Himachal Pradesh
- -
234 36.29
1978 Siwaram Andhra Pradesh
- -
235 36.16
1962 Talra Himachal Pradesh
- -
236 35.84
1978 Rajgir Bihar
- -
237 35.34
1987 Maenam Sikkim
- -
238 33.72
1981 Nandini Jammu & Kashmir
- -
239 32.5
1984 Shingba Rhododendron Sikkim
- -
240 32.37
1987 Overa Jammu & Kashmir
- -
241 1962 Majathal Himachal Pradesh 31.64

23
 - -
242 31.27
1954 Manali sanctuary Himachal Pradesh
- -
243 30.69
1949 Kalatop & Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh
- -
244 30.41
1970 Tansa Maharashtra
- -
245 30.32
1974 Nugu Karnataka
- -
246 29.78
1974 Ghataprabha Karnataka
- -
247 29.53
1962 Lippa Asrang Himachal Pradesh
- -
248 29.48
1987 Landfall Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
249 29.12
1987 Malvan Marine Maharashtra
- -
250 29
1981 Nongkhyllem Meghalaya
- -
251 27.01
1962 Daranghati Himachal Pradesh
- -
252 26.22
1980 Barnadi Assam
- -
253 26
1987 Limber Jammu & Kashmir
- -
254 25.42
[[]] Sukhna Chandigarh
- -
255 25
1983 Thattekkad Bird Kerala
- -
256 1983 Crocodile (Lohabrrack) Andaman & Nicobar Islands 22.21

24
 - -
257 20.73
1986 Hastinapur Uttar Pradesh
- -
258 20
ND Tongri Jammu & Kashmir
- -
259 20
1978 Manjira Andhra Pradesh
- -
260 18.53
1987 Sepahijala Tripura
- -
261 17.6
1954 Khokhan Himachal Pradesh
- -
262 17.26
ND Point Calimere Tamil Nadu
- -
263 17.2
1958 Simbalbara Himachal Pradesh
- -
264 15.53
1987 Chilka Lake (Nalaban) Orissa
- -
265 15.01
1988 Rampura Gujarat
- -
266 13.5
1985 Arabithittu Karnataka
- -
267 13.2
ND Indira Priyadarshini Delhi
- -
268 12.96
1983 Sailana Florican Madhya Pradesh
- -
269 12.9
1981 Ramnagar Jammu & Kashmir
- -
270 12.2
1954 Kais Himachal Pradesh
- -
271 1975 Bir Shikargarh Haryana 10.93

25
 - -
272 10.87
1985 Sagershwar Maharashtra
- -
273 10.49
1987 Defence Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
274 10
ND Hokarsar Jammu & Kashmir
- -
275 9.51
1987 Cinque Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
276 9.36
1987 Flat Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
277 9.33
1987 Buchaan Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
278 8.1
1977 Barren Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
279 8
1987 Kyd Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
280 8
1972 Bondla Wildlife Goa
- -
281 7.85
1987 Shearme Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
282 7.36
1987 Paget Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
283 6.83
1985 Tilanchang Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
284 6.81
1977 Narcondum Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
285 6.4
1987 West Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
286 1987 East Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands 6.11

26
 - -
287 5.95
1976 Halliday Island West Bengal
- -
288 4.26
1987 Ranger Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
289 4.09
1987 Swamp Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
290 3.55
1987 East (Inglis) Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
291 3.48
1977 North Reef Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
292 3.46
1987 Benett Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
293 3.21
1987 Talabaicha Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
294 3.07
1987 Point Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
295 3
1987 Baltal Jammu & Kashmir
- -
296 2.55
1987 Bondoville Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
297 2.29
1987 Table (Delgarno) Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
298 2.23
1985 Battimalve Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
299 2.1
1987 James Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
300 1.8
Dr Salim Ali Bird
1979 Goa
Sanctuary
- -
301 1987 Reef Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1.74

27
 - -
302 1.69
1987 Table (Excelsior) Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
303 1.61
1977 South Sentinel Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
304 1.58
1987 Sandy Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
305 1.46
1987 Roper Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
306 1.37
1987 Pitman Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
307 1.24
1987 South Brother Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
308 1.17
1987 South Reef Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
309 1.14
1987 Bluff Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
310 1.06
1987 Sir Huge Rose Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
311 1.04
1987 Temple Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
312 1.01
1987 Ross Island Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- -
313 0.67
ND Ranganthittu Karnataka
- -
314 ND
ND Bir Motibagh Punjab
- -
315 ND
ND Bhagmara Meghalaya
- -
316 ND Tal Chappar Rajasthan ND

28
 - -
317 ND
ND Renuka Himachal Pradesh
- -
318 ND
ND Shilli Himachal Pradesh
- -
319 ND
ND Bir Bunnerheri Punjab
- -
320 ND
ND Bassi Rajasthan
- -
321 ND
ND National Garhial Rajasthan
- -
322 ND
ND Khijadiya Gujarat
- -
323 ND
ND Bir Gurdialpura Punjab
- -
324 ND
Asan Bradge Bird
ND Uttar Pradesh
Watching
- -
325 ND
ND Chilla Uttar Pradesh
- -
326 ND
ND Mahavir Swamy Uttar Pradesh
- -
327 ND
ND Nawabganj Uttar Pradesh
- -
328 ND
ND Samaspur Uttar Pradesh
- -
329 ND
ND Dhakna Kolkaz Maharashtra
- -
330 ND
ND Gandhari Maharashtra
- -
331 ND Wainganga Maharashtra ND

29
 - -
332 ND
ND Dhumkhal Gujarat
- -
333 ND
ND Ushakothi Orissa
- -
334 ND
ND Chandra Prabha Bihar
- -
335 ND
ND Topchanchi Bihar
- -
336 ND
ND Bibhutibhushan West Bengal
- -
337 ND
ND Bethudahari West Bengal
- -
338 ND
ND Ballabhpur West Bengal
- -
339 ND
ND Chapramari West Bengal
- -
340 ND
ND Gorumara West Bengal
- -
341 ND
ND Jore Pokhri West Bengal
- -
342 ND
ND Mahananda West Bengal
- -
343 ND
ND Parnadhan West Bengal
- -
344 ND
ND Ramnabagan West Bengal
- -
345 ND
ND Raiganj West Bengal
- -
346 ND Kyongasia Alpine Sikkim ND

30
 - -
347 ND
ND Garampani Assam
- -
348 ND
ND Siju Meghalaya
- -
349 ND
ND Pulebatze Nagaland
- -
350 ND
ND Fakim Nagaland
- -
351 ND
ND Charilam Tripura
- -
352 ND
ND Lanjamadugu Andhra Pradesh
- -
353 ND
ND Karikili Tamil Nadu
- -
354 ND
ND Vedantangal Tamil Nadu
- -
355 ND
ND Vettangudi Tamil Nadu
- -
356 16.41
ND Vallanadu Tamil Nadu
- -
357 ND
ND Kumarakom Kerala
- -

31