EnglishHindiPillar 1 Protected Area Network Mangrove Wetland BRs

Environment & Ecology- Handout by Sudarshan Gurjar
Preliminary Exam Syllabus Mains Exam Syllabus

▪ General issues on Environmental Ecology, GS Paper 1
Biodiversity and Climate Change(that do not ▪ Geographical features and their location- changes in
require subject specialization.) critical geographical features (including water bodies
▪ Current Affairs (Related to Biodiversity, and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of
conservation efforts, developments in the field, such changes.
etc.) GS Paper 3
▪ Conservation, Environmental pollution and
Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment
▪ Disaster and Disaster management
Sources & Books:
1. Environment & Ecology a. Ecology and Ecosystem- Concept, Meaning, Properties

b. Ecosystem and Its functioning- System’s Analysis Approach (Only
Basic needed to be mentioned in mains for extra marks) and
Understanding
Source: NCERT 12th class Biology chapter 14
c. Types of Ecosystem
i. Terrestrial Ecosystem
ii. Aquatic Ecosystem
d. Environment Pollution: Types, Genesis and Their Impact
e. Contemporary Environmental Issues and Future Challenges
f. Environmental Impact assessment
Source- NCERT 12th class Biology Chapter 16
2. Biodiversity and Conservation a. Biodiversity- Concept and Importance

b. Brief of Biodiversity in India: Extent of Endemism of biodiversity in
India
c. Legislations On biodiversity in India
d. Protected flora and Fauna- Glimpse of WPA1972
e. Animal Diversity in India and ZSI
f. Plant diversity in India and BSI
g. Marine Organism- Protected Global areas, Organization, and Effort
h. Protected area Network
i. Conservation Efforts
j. Concept Of Sustainable Development
Sources-
● Chapter 15 - NCERT 12th class Biology
(Sudarshan Gurjar’s Compiled Environment Handout → 1

● MoEF&CC website
● PIB/The Hindu
3. Climate Change a. Concepts

b. Impact of climate change- India
c. Ocean Acidification
d. Ozone Depletion
e. Mitigation Strategies
f. Climate Change vis-a-vis Developmental issues
g. India and Climate change- Legislation
h. Global Climate change-related Organizations and schemes
Sources-
● NIOS Environment Module 4 section Regular Current Affairs from
any authentic source
4. Biosphere: An Ecosystem a. Biosphere as an ecosystem

b. Trophic level and energy flow
c. Circulation of matter- Biogeochemical and sedimentary cycles
d. Hydrological cycle
e. Biogeographical Realms
Sources- NCERT 12th class Biology Chapter 14
5. Biomes a. Meaning and concept

b. Classification of Biomes and related socio-economic activities
Sources-
● Basic Study from Geography NCERTs
● Certified Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong Part
2- Chapter 13 to 25
6 Sustainable Development Source: Visit United Nations Sustainable Development Knowledge

2015- 2030 Platform https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/
7. Important Chapters of Source: Visit the Ministry of Finance’s following Website

Economic Survey Related to https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/
Environment Source
8. The Economics and Source: Regular Current Affairs from any authentic source
Geopolitics of Environment
9.Miscellaneous ● MoEFCC Website

● All the reports related to Environment and their publishing

authority
● Ecofeminism
● Module 8A and 8B of NIOS
● National Disaster Management Plan- NDMA and National Policy on
DM summary
Notes of the 3rd ARC report on 1. India’s Key Hazards, Vulnerabilities

Crisis Management 2. 12 Crisis Response Mechanism
3. Recommendations
Magazines
1. Only Yojana magazines released on environment issues
Table of Content
Protected Area Network 7

IUCN 7
IUCN and India 7
IUCN protected area categories: 7
IUCN Red List 8
IUCN criteria 9
IUCN Red list categories 9
Conservation Reserves and Community Reserve 10
Tillari Conservation Reserve 10
National Parks in India 11
Category II: National Park 11
Declaration of the Protected Area by the State government 👨 12
Declared By the Central government🧔 12
🐅Project Tiger 12
National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA) 13
Powers and functions of NTCA 13
Structure of a Tiger Reserve 13
Tiger Task Force 13
Tiger Census 14
Methods for Tiger Census 14
Tiger Census, 2014 15
Tiger Census, 2018 15
M-STrIPES 17
Protection Status: 18
Global Tiger Forum 18
Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) 19

Conservation Assured Tiger Standard Accreditation (CATS) 19
National Park & Tiger Reserve in India→ State wise 19
Jammu & Kashmir 20
Ladakh 20
Himachal Pradesh 21
Uttarakhand 21
Haryana 22
UttarPradesh 22
Rajasthan 22
Bihar 23
Assam 24
Arunachal Pradesh 25
Meghalaya 26
Nagaland 26
Manipur 26
Mizoram 27
Tripura 27
Sikkim 27
West Bengal 27
Jharkhand 28
Gujarat 28
Maharashtra 29
Karnataka 29
Orissa 30
Chhattisgarh 30
AndhraPradesh 31
Kerala 31
TamilNadu 32
Telangana 33
Goa 33
Jharkhand 33
MadhyaPradesh 33
Andaman & Nicobar 34
Biosphere Reserves 35
Introduction 35
Man And The Biosphere (MAB) Programme 35
Functions Of Biosphere Reserves 36
Structure and functions of BR 36

Criteria for World Network of Biosphere Reserves 37
Biosphere Reserve in India 38
Nilgiri Biosphere reserve 39
Nanda Devi BR 39
Gulf of Mannar BR 39
Pachmarhi BR 40
Achanakmar-Amarkantak BR 40
Cold desert BR 40
Dihang-Dibang BR 40
Simlipal BR 40
Agasthyamala BR 40
Dibru-SaikhowaNational Park 41
Biodiversity Hotspots 41
Hottest Hotspots: 42
Eight hottest hotspots: 42
Biodiversity Hotspots In India 42
Wetland 43
Introduction 43
National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) 44
Uses of wetlands 44
Ramsar Convention 45
International organization partners 45
A wetland can be considered to be internationally important if any of the following criteria apply
46
The Montreux Record (Use ⭐ symbol for Montreux record) 46
Ramsar Sites in India 47
Kerala 52
Tamilnadu 52
AndhraPradesh 52
Odisha 52
West Bengal 53
Maharashtra 53
Gujarat 53
Madhya Pradesh 53
Tripura 54
Manipur 54
Assam 54
Rajasthan 54

Uttarakhand 54
Bihar 54
J&k 54
Ladakh 54
Himachal Pradesh 55
Punjab 55
UttarPradesh 57
Haryana 57
Gujarat 57
🐘Project Elephant 58
Project Elephant 58
Objectives: 59
Elephant Corridor 59
MIKE Programme 59
Haathi Mere Saathi Campaign 60
🐘Odisha 60
🐘West Bengal 60
🐘Andhra Pradesh 60
🐘Chattisgarh 60
🐘Meghalaya 60
🐘Nagaland 60
🐘Assam 61
🐘Arunachal Pradesh 61
🐘Jharkhand 61
🐘UttarPradesh 61
🐘Karnataka 61
🐘Kerala 61
🐘TamilNadu 61
Shivalik Elephant Reserve 61
Nilgiri Elephant corridor 62
Mangrove 62
Introduction 62
Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) 63
Odisha 67
West Bengal 67
Andhra Pradesh 67
TamilNadu 67

Andaman & Nicobar 67
Kerala 67
Karnataka 67
Goa & Maharashtra 68
Gujarat 68
Importance of Mangroves 68
India State of Forest Report, 2019 68
India State of Forest Report, 2021 69
Mangroves for the Future (MFF) 69
Conservation of Mangroves 70
Protected Area Network
IUCN
➢ International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

➢ Established in 1948.
➢ It is involved in data gathering and analysis, research, field projects, advocacy, and education.
➢ It has a membership of over 1400 governmental and non-governmental organizations.

➢ IUCN has observer and consultative status at the United Nations, (and plays a role in the implementation
of several international conventions on nature conservation and biodiversity.
➢ It was involved in establishing the World Wide Fund for Nature and the World Conservation Monitoring
Centre.
IUCN and India
▪ India, a megadiverse country with only 2.4% of the world's land area, accounts for 7-8% of all recorded
species, including over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of animals.
▪ India became a State Member of IUCN in 1969
IUCN protected area categories:
▪ Category Ia – Strict Nature Reserve

▪ Category Ib – Wilderness Area
▪ Category II – National Park
▪ Category III – Natural Monument or Feature

▪ Category IV – Habitat/Species Management Area
▪ Category V – Protected Landscape/Seascape/Area
▪ Category VI – Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources
● In India,there are four major categories of Protected areas. These protected areas are constituted under
the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The four categories of protected areas are:
1.Wildlife Sanctuaries CAT 4
2.National Parks CAT 2
3.CommunityReserves CAT 6
4.Conservation Reserve CAT 5
● Apart From these protected areas,India also has the following:
•BiodiversityReserves
•TigerReserves
•ElephantReserves
NOTE-BIOSPHERE RESERVE – CAT 5 -UNESCO
● As of June 2021, there were 993 notified protected areas covering 5.59% of India’s land area. This is far
below Target 11 of the Aichi Targets – which states that by 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial and inland
water areas should be conserved under Protected Areas.
IUCN Red List
● The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List) was founded
in 1964.

● It has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation
status of animal, fungi and plant species.
● A series of Regional Red Lists are produced by countries or organizations.
IUCN criteria
● The IUCN system uses a set of five quantitative criteria to assess the extinction risk of a given species.
● In general, these criteria consider:
1. The rate of population decline.
2. The geographic range.
3. Whether the species already possesses a small population size (mature individuals only).
4. Whether the species population is very small or lives in a restricted area.
5. Whether the results of a quantitative analysis indicate a high probability of extinction in the wild.
IUCN Red list categories
● Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups:
1. Extinct (EX)– No known individuals remaining.
2. Extinct in the wild (EW)– Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its
historic range.
3. Critically endangered (CR)– Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild; Population decline- more than
90% in the last 10 years or three
generations.
4. Endangered (EN)– High risk of
extinction in the wild; Population
decline: >70% in the last 10 years or
three generations.
5. Vulnerable (VU)– High risk of
endangerment in the wild;
Population decline: >50% in the last 10 years.
5. Near threatened (NT)– Likely to become endangered in the near future.
6. Least concern (LC)– Lowest risk (Does not qualify for a more at-risk category; widespread and abundant
taxa are included in this category.)
7. Data deficient (DD)– Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction.

8. Not evaluated (NE)– Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria
🔢? The “Red Data Books'' published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN) contain list of: (UPSC CSE 2011)
1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
2. Threatened plant and animal species.
3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and3 (d) 3only
Conservation Reserves and Community Reserve
● Conservation Reserves and community reserves are terms denoting protected areas which typically act
as buffer zones too or connectors and migration corridors between established national parks,wildlife
sanctuaries, and reserved and protected forests ofIndia.
● Such areas are designated conservation areas if they are uninhabited, completely owned by the
Government of India but used for subsistence by communities, and community areas if part of the lands are
privately owned.
● These Protected Area categories were first introduced in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of
2002− the amendment to theWildlife Protection Act of 1972.
● Amendments to the Wildlife protection act in 2003, provided a mechanism for
recognitionandlegalbacking to the community initiated efforts in wildlife protection.
● It provides a flexible system to achieve wildlife conservation without compromising community needs.
These categories were added because of reduced protection and around existing or proposed protected
areas due to private ownership of land and land use.
● These categories roughly correspond to IUCN Category V (conservation reserves) and VI (community
reserves) protected areas.
Tillari Conservation Reserve
● The Maharashtra Government has declared 29.53 sq km area of Dodamarg forest range in Sindhudurg
district as‘Tillari Conservation Reserve’.(Jul 2020)
•Tillari is the seventh wildlife corridor in the state to be declared as a ‘conservation reserve’

•The area covering nine villages in the forest range is known to serve as a corridor and even as a habitat for
the population of tigers and elephants moving between the three states of Goa,Karnataka, and
Maharashtra
•It connects the Mhadei sanctuary in Goa and Bhimgad Karnataka.
•It has semi-evergreen forests,tropical moist deciduous forests, and a number of unique trees, butterflies,
and flowers.
National Parks in India
• National park has more restrictions as compared to a wildlife sanctuary. Their

boundaries are fixed and defined.
• Here, no human activity is allowed.They cannot be downgraded to the status of a
‘sanctuary’.National parks can be declared both by the CentralGovernment and State
governments.
• National parks in India are IUCN category II protected areas. India’s first national parkways
established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, now known as Jim Corbett National
Park,Uttarakhand.
•The Chief Wildlife Warden shall be the authority who shall control, manage, and maintain all
protected areas.
•No alteration of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without the approval of
the NBWL.
•National Board for Wildlife Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. chaired by the Prime Minister 47 members
including the Prime Minister. Among these, 19 members are ex-officio members.
•Other members include three Members of Parliament (two from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha),
five NGOs, and 10 eminent ecologists, conservationists, and environmentalists.
Category II: National Park
• Large natural or near natural areas set aside to protect large scale ecological processes, along with the
complement of species and ecosystems characteristic of the area, which also provide a foundation for
environmentally and culturally compatible spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor
opportunities.

Declaration of the Protected Area by the State government 👨
•Initial Notification: The State government may, by notification,declare its intention to constitute any area
within or outside any reserve forest as a sanctuary/national park ifit considers that such area is of adequate
ecological,faunal,floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance,for the purpose of protecting,
propagating or developing wildlife or its environment. •Final Notification: After the initial notification has
been issued and the period for preferring claims has elapsed,the State government may issue a notification
specifying the limits of the area which can be comprised within the sanctuary and declare the said area shall
be a sanctuary/national park from such date as may be specified thenotification.
Declared By the Central government🧔
•The Central Government may declare an area to be a sanctuary/national park if it is satisfied that the area
is of adequate ecological,faunal,floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance,for the purpose
of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment.
🐅Project Tiger
● 🧔Centrally sponsored scheme

launched in 1973.
● The project aims at ensuring a
viable population of tigers in their
natural habitats and protecting them
from extinction..
● Project Tiger is administered by the
National Tiger Conservation
Authority.

National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA)
● Boss? Ministry of Environment & Forest

● The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 provided for creating the National Tiger Conservation
Authority.
● The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body.
● The Minister of State for Environment and Forests is the Vice-chairperson.
Powers and functions of NTCA
● Approval of Tiger Conservation Plan prepared by States 👨🦲.

● Laying down normative standards for tiger conservation,
● Providing information on several aspects which include protection, tiger estimation, patrolling, etc.,
● Ensuring measures for addressing man-wild animal conflicts and fostering coexistence with local people,
● Preparing annual report for laying before Parliament,
● Ensuring agricultural, livelihood interests of people living in and around Tiger Reserves.
Structure of a Tiger Reserve
● Tiger reserves which are governed by Project Tiger have two zones:
1. Core zone:
● Critical inviolate tiger habitat areas
● It has the legal status of a national park or wildlife sanctuary
● It is kept free of all biotic and human disturbances
2. BufferZone:
● Surrounds core zone.
● It aims at promoting coexistence between wildlife and human activity.
● The livelihood, developmental, social and cultural rights of the local people are recognised in this zone.
[Note: The alteration of boundaries or denotification of Tiger Reserves can be done by state governments but
only with the prior approval of NTCA and National Board for WildLife.]
Tiger Task Force
•The implementation of Project Tiger over the years has highlighted the need for a statutory authority with
the legal backing to ensure tiger conservation.
•ESTD- 2005

•On the basis of the recommendations of the National Board for Wild Life, a Task Force was set up to look
into the problems of tiger conservation in the country.
•The recommendations of the Task Force include strengthening Project Tiger by giving it statutory and
administrative powers.
Tiger Census
● Indian Tiger Census is conducted by NTCA in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). (The
Wildlife Institute of India (WII), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment Forest and
Climate change, Government of India, was established in 1982.Dehradun)
● Conducted after every 4 years (2006, 2010, 2014 ,2018,2022) .
● In the case of tigers, every individual tiger will have a unique stripe pattern— just like our fingerprints.
(Camera trapping method scans stripes)
● Where the camera trappings are unavailable because of logistical constraints, DNA extracts from scat
(poop) samples are collected for analysis. (July 29th- Global Tiger Day)
● 2021 Theme of Global Tiger Day: “Their survival is in our hand”
Methods for Tiger Census
1. PugmarkTechnique:
● Most popular technique
● A tiger leaves a distinct pugmark on the ground, different from that of others in the big cat family.
● This is the cheapest technique and can assess the number, sex ratio and age (young or adult) of large cats
but it is not very reliable as its accuracy is not very good.
2. Camera trapping Method:
● Heat and motion sensitive cameras with night vision facilities are installed in tiger areas and left for several
days to capture images of individual tigers.
● Accuracy is almost the same as the Pugmark method.
● But it does not involve a labor survey done in the Pugmark method, therefore there is no local employment
generation.
● Also cameras cannot be installed at every place that is likely to have tigers.
● Also, there is no certainty that the tiger would walk into a camera range.
● Salty, hot and humid areas=> Damage to camera
● Costlier method than Pugmark.

3.Poop/scat Method: Poop/scat (droppings of the tiger) is analyzed by DNA sampling to arrive at a more
accurate count.
4.Radio Collar Method: Tigers are captured and are fitted with a radio collar. (This method fails when the
concerned tiger enters the salty water)
5.Double-sampling Method: First count by Pugmark technique, then reconfirmation by Camera trapping
method;
India is home to 75% of the world’s tiger population. Recently, a report on the Status of Tigers in India
was released, indicating a growth in the tiger population to 3167 from 2226, thus a 42% increase in the
number of tigers, since 2014.
Highlights of the report:
• According to the Wildlife Institute of India’s (WII) 5th quadrennial tiger census, India’s
tiger population increased to 3,682 in 2022.
• The numbers in the report, revised from 3167 earlier, reflect a commendable annual
growth rate of 6.1% per annum.
• The largest tiger population of 785 is in MP, followed by Karnataka (563) and Uttarakhand
(560), and Maharashtra (444).
• The tiger abundance within the Tiger Reserve is highest in Corbett (260), followed by
Bandipur (150), Nagarhole (141), Bandhavgarh (135), Dudhwa (135),
• Central India and the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains witnessed a notable increase in
tiger population, while the Western Ghats experienced localised declines, necessitating
targeted monitoring and conservation efforts.
• Some states, including Mizoram, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Goa, Chhattisgarh and Arunachal
Pradesh, have reported disturbing trends with small tiger populations.
• Arunachal Pradesh lost around 70 per cent of its tigers — from 29 in 2018 to just 9 in 2022. The
number of tigers dropped from 28 to 20 in Odisha, from 5 to 1 in Jharkhand, from 19 to 17 in
Chhattisgarh and from 26 to 21 in Telangana. The count dipped from 6 in 2006 to nil in 2022 in
Mizoram and from 10 in 2006 to just 2 in 2022 in northern West Bengal.
New tiger reserves –

M-STrIPES
● M-STrIPES = Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status.

● Android software for collecting, archiving and analyzing data.
● Forest guards in tiger reserves are equipped with personal digital assistants and GPS devices to capture
data relating to tiger sightings, deaths, wildlife crime and ecological observations while patrolling.
● M-STrIPES maps the patrol routes of forest guards, and the resulting data are then analyzed in a geographic
information system.

🔢The term ‘M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC CSE 2017)
(a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
(c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways
Protection Status:
⚾⚾🎓✋Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) Red List: Endangered.
⚾⚾🎓✋Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
Appendix I.
Global Tiger Forum
• Global Tiger Forum is an Inter-Governmental international body working exclusively for the conservation
of Tigers.
• Established in 1994, the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) has its headquarters in New Delhi.
• The General Assembly of GTF meets after every three years.
• It utilizes cooperative policies, common approaches, technical expertise, scientific modules, and other
appropriate programs.
• The Global Tiger Forum was set up to promote a worldwide campaign to save the tiger, its prey, and its
habitat.
• The Global Tiger Forum has plans to promote a legal framework in the countries involved for biodiversity
conservation and to increase the protected area network of habitats of the tiger and facilitate their inter
passages in the range countries.
• It is the only Inter-Governmental body to save the tiger worldwide.
• 14 tiger range countries are its members. The UK , which is not a Tiger Range Country, recently joined the
GTF.
Global Tiger Initiative (GTI)
•The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) was launched in 2008 as a global alliance of governments, international
organizations, civil society, conservation, and scientific communities, and the private sector, with the aim of
working together to save wild tigers from extinction.

•The GTI’s founding partners included the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the
Smithsonian Institution, the Save the Tiger Fund, and International Tiger Coalition (representing more than
40 non-government organizations). The initiative is led by the 13 tiger range countries (TRCs).
Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP)
● Tigers are scattered among 13 Asian Tiger Range Countries (TRCs): Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China,
India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russian Federation, Thailand, andVietnam.
● To solve the tiger crisis, which represents the larger Asian biodiversity crisis, the TRCs, international
organizations, and civil society came together on a collaborative platform within the framework of the Global
Tiger Initiative (GTI) at St. Petersburg,Russia
● After a two-year process of sharing knowledge and best practices and developing a common vision, a GTRP
was developed, with the shared goal of doubling the number of wild tigers globally by 2022.
Conservation Assured Tiger Standard Accreditation (CATS)
● Launched in 2013, implemented across 125 sites including India’s 94 sites.

● It is a globally accepted tool for conservation of tigers & sets best practices and standards to manage tigers
and assessments to benchmark progress.
● Global Tiger Forum & WWF are implementing partners of NTCA for CATS.
● 14 TR:- Manas, Orang, Kaziranga, Satpura, Panna, Kanha, Pench, Anamalai, Mudumalai, Parambikulam,
Sunderban, Valmiki, Dudwa, Bandipur.
National Park & Tiger Reserve in India→ State wise
(#for Tiger Reserve 🐅be used)

Jammu & Kashmir
Salim Ali NP, Dachingham NP, Kishtwar NP (#पि#चम से पब

ु ा+ म, -लखा हुआ है )
❏ Dachigam National Park➡Marsar lake (Kashmiri Stug-CR; Snow Leopard-VU)
❏ Kishtwar National Park is a national park located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir,
India. It is bounded to the north by Rinnay river, south by Kibar Nala catchment, east by main divide of Great
Himalaya and west by Marwa river.
❏ Salim Ali National Park or City Forest National Park was a national park located in Srinagar.
(Himalayan Serow-VU)
Ladakh
❏ Hemis National Park is a high altitude national park in the eastern Ladakh Union Territory of the
Republic of India. Globally famous for its snow leopards.

❏ The park is bounded on the north by the banks of the Indus River, and includes the catchments of
Markha river.
Himachal Pradesh
Inderkilla NP
Khirganga NP
Pin valley NP
Great Himalayan NP
Simbalbara NP
❏ Great Himalayan NP, is one of India's national parks, is located in Kullu region in the state of
Himachal Pradesh. Tirthan flows through Great Himalayan National Park in H.P. (Himalayan Tahr-NT;
Himalayan Brown bear-CR)
❏ Simbalbara NP is a national park in India, located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour District,
Himachal Pradesh, along its border with Haryana. The vegetation consists of dense Sal forests.
❏ Pin Valley NP is a National park of India located within the Lahaul and Spiti district, in the state of
Himachal Pradesh, in far northern India. within the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve.
Uttarakhand
Govind Pashu Vihar NP

Gangotri NP
Valley of Flower NP
Nanda Devi NP
🐅
Rajaji NP
🐅
Corbett NP
❏ Rajaji NP ➡three wildlife sanctuaries in the area namely, Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji sanctuaries
were merged into one. three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. The Ganga
and Song rivers flow through the park. (Asian Elephant-EN) (Corbett 🐅 Reserve@Ramganga
River;Motichur, Chilla, Rajaji WLS)
❏ Valley of Flower NP is an Indian national park, located in North Chamoli, in the state of
Uttarakhand and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora.
(Sambar,Slag-VU; Asean Black Bear- VU)

❏ Govind Pashu Vihar NP situated in the Uttarkashi district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This
is the place from which the Indian Government has inaugurated the Snow Leopard Project 2009.
(Bearded vulture-NT)
❏ Gangotri NP ➡nearby Kedarnath WLS, Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary. (White Bellied Musk Deer-
EN)
❏ Corbett NP is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park
to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is located in Nainital district and Pauri Garhwal district
of Uttarakhand and was named after Jim Corbett. #MAX TIGER DENSITY
Haryana
Kalesar NP
Sultanpur NP
❏ Kalesar NP is a popular destination for leopards, panthers, and elephants. (Siberian Crane-CR;
Great White Pelican & Flemingo- LC)
UttarPradesh
🐅
Dudhwa Reserve is a protected area in Uttar Pradesh that stretches mainly across the Lakhimpur Kheri
and Bahraich districts and comprises the Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The protected area is home for tigers, leopards, Asiatic black bears, sloth
bears, Swamp deer, rhinoceros, elephants & Pilibhit 🐅 Reserve (T×2 Award)
Rajasthan
🐅
Sariska NP
Desert NP
🐅
Ranthambore NP
🐅
Mukundra hills NP @Darrah NP
❏ Desert NP➡Great Indian Bustard- CR – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Pakistan, Heaviest of the flying bird
(State bird of Rajasthan)
❏ Ranthambhore was established as the Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of
India and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. known for its Bengal tigers. Other fauna
include the Indian leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, striped hyena, sloth bear,

❏ Sariska NP ➡Alwar district, Rajasthan, Apart from the Bengal tiger, the reserve includes many
wildlife species including Indian leopard, jungle cat.
❏ Keoladeo NP or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. (siberian Crane-CR; Great Spotted Eagle-VU; Sarus Crane-VU)
⇒Feb,2021- Bansi Paharpur sandstone-Pink coloured, high in demand. Illegal mining since 2016 has
Damaged area. So, the Rajasthan state government shifted the boundary of Bharatpur's Bandh Baretha
wildlife sanctuary to make room for mining. These stones are also to be used for Ram Mandir, Ayodhya.
⇒Oct,2020- A month and half long special drive to uproot the invasive lantana bushes in the famous
Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district has helped in ecological restoration of
grasslands and saved biodiversity. The sanctuary is famous for Long-billed vulture, commonly known as
the Indian vulture (Critically Endangered).
🔢Which of the following are the tiger reserve?
1. Nanda Devi NP
2. Rajaji NP
3. Keoladeo NP
4. Darrah NP
5. Sariska NP
(a) 1&2 (b) 1,3 & 5 (c) 2,4 & 5 (d) 1,2,3 & 5
🔢With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?
1.It is spread over two districts.
Keoladeo NP
2.There is no human habitation inside the Park.
3.It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
Select the correct answer using the code given below; UPSC CSE 2017
1.1 and 2 only 2.2 und 3 only 3.1 and 3 only 4.1, 2 and 3
Bihar
Valmiki NP, Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the India-Nepal border in the West
Champaran district of Bihar, India on the bank of river Gandak. The Harsha – Masan River system originates
from the Valmiki Forests and forms Burhi Gandak River down south. River Pandai flows into Bihar (India)
from Nepal in the eastern end of the Sanctuary and meets Masan. ( Bengal tiger-EN,Indian rhinoceros-VU)

⇒ Union minister of state for environment, forests, and climate change Ashwini Kumar Choubey on
Thursday said the second🐅 reserve in Bihar would be set up in Kaimur. · The state forest department
had first spotted a tiger through camera traps in the Kaimur wildlife sanctuary on March 26, 2020.
Assam
Raimona NP, Manas NP,Orang NP, Nameri NP, Kaziranga NP, Dibru-Saikhowa NP, Dihing Patkai NP
❏ Raimona NP is bounded on the west by the Sankosh river and the Saralbhanga river on the east.
Both the rivers are tributaries of Brahmaputra. The Pekua river defines Raimona’s southern boundary. It is
famous for Golden Langur(IUCN-EN), an endemic species which has been named as the mascot of Bodoland
region.
❏ Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary: Recently, Rhinoceros translocation study was carried out in the
sanctuary. Brahmaputra River flows through the sanctuary, Sonitpur district of Assam. An ideal habitat for
the Bengal florican (IUCN, Critically Endangered). Important fauna here includes Indian-one horned
rhinoceros, Asiatic water buffalo and Bengal tiger. It forms an integral part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori
ecosystem and is a notified buffer of the Kaziranga Tiger reserve.
❏ Manas NP (Bengal florican-CR; Assam roofed turtle-EN; Hispid hare-EN; Gee’s Golden Langur-
EN; Pygmy Hog-CR; ⇒ Mar,2021-Recently Himalayan Serow(VU) seen in this region.
❏ Kaziranga NP which hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses-VU,The park
area is circumscribed by the Brahmaputra River, which forms the northern and eastern boundaries, and the
Mora Diphlu, which forms the southern boundary. Other notable rivers within the park are the Diphlu (Wild
Water Buffalo-EN; Barasingha(swamp deer)-VU)
❏ Orang NP→ It has a rich flora and fauna, including great Indian rhinoceros, pygmy hog, Asian
elephant, wild water buffalo and Bengal tiger. Pachanoi river, Belsiri river and Dhansiri River border the park
and join the Brahmaputra river.
❏ Dihing Patkai NP Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts. Dehing is the name of the river that flows
through this forest and Patkai is the hill. Recently Assam govt notified it as 7th National park of the state
under World Life Protection Act, 1972 section 35. The Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as the
Jeypore Rainforest. White winged Wood duck-EN
❏ Nameri NP - Elephant

❏ Nameri National Park is a national park in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in the Sonitpur
District of Assam, India. Nameri shares its northern boundary with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
of Arunachal Pradesh, The main Rivers are Jia- Bhoroli and Bor Dikorai. Other tributaries of these
two rivers are: Diji, Dinai, Nameri, Khari, Upper Dikiri
❏ Dibru Saikhowa NP is a national park in Assam, India, located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts.
The park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and Dibru river in the south.
Species include Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, clouded leopard, jungle cat, sloth bear.
⇒ Assam now has the third most National Parks after the 12 in Madhya Pradesh and nine in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Arunachal Pradesh
Mauling NP
Namdapha NP🐅
Kamlang WLS🐅
Pakki/Pakhui
🐅 Reserve
❏ Namdapha NP is located between the Dapha bum range of the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range
with a wide elevation. Noa dihing, tributary of brahmaputra. (Namdapha Flying Squirrel-CR; Clouded
Leopard-VU)
❏ Mauling NP is a national park located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, spread primarily
over the Upper Siang district and parts of the West Siang and East Siang districts. The Siyom river flows along
the Western fringes of the park and several small rivers such as the Siring, Krubong, Semong and Subong
drain into the Siang river near the eastern boundary of the park.
🔢A particular State in India has the following characteristics: (UPSC CSE 2012)
1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes the Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Assam
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Uttarakhand

🔢In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located? (UPSC CSE 2017)
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Manipur
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Nagaland
Meghalaya
Nokrek NP, Balpakram NP

❏ Nokrek NP, the core area of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, is a national park nearTura Peak in West
Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. All important rivers and streams of the Garo Hills region rise from the
Nokrek Range, of which the river Simsang, known as Someshwari when it emerges into Bangladesh at
Baghmara, is the most prominent. Rongbang Dare WaterFall. Nokrek is also an important habitat of the
Asian elephant. (Red panda-EN; Stump-tailed macaque-VU)
❏ Balpakram NP is a national park in the south of Garo Hills in Meghalaya, India. Gyaneshwari River,
Indian elephant.
Nagaland
Itanki NP➡Among the species that inhabit the park are the rare hoolock gibbon-EN, golden langur, hornbill.
Manipur
Sirohi NP
Keibul Lamjao NP
❏ Sirohi NP famous shirui lily (Lilium maclineae).
❏ Keibul Lamjao national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally
called phumdis. (Sangai deer/dancing deer-EN)
🔢Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports
a rich biodiversity? (UPSC CSE 2015)
(a) Bhitarkanika National Park
(b) Keibul Lamjao National Park
(c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park
(d) Sultanpur National Park

Mizoram
Murlen NP
Phawngpui NP
❏ Murlen NP is a national park located in the Champhai district Mizoram in India. Tupui River.
❏ Phawngpui NP provides habitat for a range of birds including the rare Blyth's tragopan-VU, Mrs.
Hume's pheasant-NT, which is the Mizoram state bird.
Tripura
Clouded leopard NP
Rajbari NP
❏ Rajbari NP is a national park in the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura, India. (Trishna WLS)
🔢Consider the following pairs (UPSC CSE 2014)
1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland
Which of the above pairs is /are correctly matched?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3only C. 1 and 3only D. 1, 2 and 3
⇒ Malayan Giant Squirrel found in parts of NE, could vanish post-2050 due to Jhum poaching. says
Zoological Survey of India. "Near-Threatened" in the IUCN list.
Sikkim
Kangchenjunga NP→ Asian Wild Dog-EN
West Bengals
🐅
Singalila NP, Neora valley NP, Gorumara NP, Jaldapara NP, Buxa NP( )
🐅
Sunderban Reserve
❏ Jaldapara NP→ Torsa river, joins kaljani and meets Brahmaputra→ Chilapata Forests is an
elephant corridor → The park holds the largest rhino population in India after Kaziranga National Park in
Assam
❏ Neora Valley NP is situated in the Kalimpong district, West Bengal→ Neora River→ It is the land
of the elegant red panda.

❏ Buxa NP→ Raidak and Jayanti river, tributaries of brahmaputra→Indian leopard, Bengal tiger,
clouded leopard, giant squirrel.
❏ Gorumara NP→ The park is located on the floodplains of the Murti River The major river of the
park is the Jaldhaka river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra river system. The park is rich in large herbivores
including Indian rhinoceros, gaur, Asian elephant, sloth bear, chital, and sambar deer.
❏ Singalila NP→ River Rammam and River Sirikhola flow through the park.
🔢Consider the following areas: (UPSC CSE 2012)
1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sundarbans
Which of the above are Tiger Reserves?
(a) 1 and 2only (b) 1, 3 and 4only (c) 2, 3 and 4only (d) l, 2, 3 and 4
Jharkhand
Betla National Park is a national park located on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the Palamu district of
Jharkhand, India.
Gujarat
Marine NP, Gir NP, Blackbuck NP, Vansda NP

❏ Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir.Shetrunji River→ The four
reservoirs of the area are at four dams, one each on Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including
the biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam, dubbed 'the lifeline of Gir’.(Asian lion-EN)
❏ Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is situated in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat state, India.
(Macqueen Bustard-VU)
❏ Vansda NP → Ambika River
❏ Marine NP in the Gulf of Kutch is situated on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch, There are
42 islands on the Jamnagar coast in the Marine National Park, most of them surrounded by reefs. The best
known island is Pirotan Island.
⇒ Recently Naliya Great Indian Bustard sanctuary in Kutch, Gujarat is in News as forest Fire is there.

🔢A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators
in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following
could be that animal? (UPSC CSE-2011)
(a) Indian wild buffalo
(b) Indian wildass
(c) Indian wild boar
(d) Indian Gazelle
🔢With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements:
1. The country’s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as
compared to other States.
2. In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of wetlands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2012)
(a) 1only (b) 2only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Maharashtra
🐅
Sanjay Gandhi NP, Chandoli NP, Gugamal NP, Pench NP, Tadoba NP( ), Navegaon NP
🐅
reserve:- Melghat, nagzira, Sahyadri, Bor
❏ Tadoba NP →Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve→ It is Maharashtra's oldest national park. the
Andhari River. the Moharli and Kolsa ranges. Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaur, nilgai,
❏ Gugamal NP is part of Melghat Tiger Reserve. The area is rich in wild mammals including Bengal
tiger, Indian leopard
❏ Chandoli NP lies between the Radhanagiri and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuaries and forms the southern
part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Warna river.
❏ Pench NP → Pench River→ Satpura range. The Bengal tiger is the main cat species.
⇒ 10 Apr, 2021- Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra= Some miscreants started a forest fire.
Karnataka
🐅
Anshi NP
Kudremukh NP
Bannerghatta 🐅
NP
Nagarhole NP

Bandipur NP🐅
Kali NP🐅
🐅
Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple WLS
Bhadra TR🐅
❏ Anshi / Kali Tiger Reserves→ Kali River, Dandeli WLS

❏ Nagarhole NP is a national park located in Kodagu district and Mysore district in Karnataka, India.
It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. the Brahmagiri hills. Kapila River, Lakshman Tirtha river.
❏ Bandipur NP part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.Kabini river, species like Indian elephants,
gaurs, tigers, sloth bears
❏ Kudremukh NP Three important rivers, the Tunga, the Bhadra, and the Nethravathi. (Lion tailed
Macaque-EN)
Orissa
Simlipal NP
🐅
Bhitarkanika NP
🐅
Satkosia NP
❏ Bhitarkanika NP→ Brahmani, Baitarani, Pathsala & Dhamra River. Gahirmatha beach. (Olive
Ridley sea turtle-VU)
❏ Simlipal NP→ Barehipani falls; Hadgarh, Kuldiha WLS. (Mugger Crocodile-VU)
🔢Two important rivers —one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and
another, with its source in Odisha —merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal
before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.
Which one of the following could be this? (UPSC CSE 2011)
(a) Bhitarkanika (b) Chandipur-on-sea (c) Gopalpur-on-sea (d) Simlipal
Chhattisgarh
Guru Ghasidas NP
🐅
Indravati NP
Kanger Ghati NP

Achanakmar TR🐅
Udanti & Sitanadi TR🐅
❏ Indravati NP is a national park located in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh state of India. It is home
to one of the last populations of rare wild buffalo. Reported from the area are gaur (Indian bison), nilgai,
blackbuck, chausingha (four-horned antelope). Wild buffalo-EN
❏ Kanger Ghati NP→ Kolab River
❏ Guru Ghasidas & Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
approved the Chhattisgarh‟s proposal to declare the combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park &
Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve. The 11th Technical Committee of the NTCA approved
the proposal under the Section 38V (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. [Section 38V (1) of WPA, 1972
(Tiger Conservation Plan) - The State Government shall, on the recommendation of the NTCA, notify an area
as a tiger reserve.] It is located in the northern part of Chhattisgarh, bordering Madhya Pradesh and
Jharkhand. Both Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary and Guru Ghasidas National Park were identified as reserve
forests. Turning Guru Ghasidas into a Tiger Reserve is important as it provides a corridor for tigers to move
between Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand). Tamor
Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary. Rihand River flows in the western boundary. The sanctuary experiences a warm
and temperate type of climate. It is a part of the Sarguja Jashpur Elephant Reserve since 2011.
AndhraPradesh
Sri Papikonda NP
Sri Venkateshwara NP
🐅
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
❏ Sri Venkateshwara NP is located near Seshachalam hills, Tirumala hills. (White Backed vulture-
CR; Yellow throated bulbul-VU)
❏ Papikonda NP→ Black-beiled tern-EN; Pale-capped pigeon-VU: oriental darter-NT
Kerala
Silent valley NP
Anamudi NP
Eravikulam NP

Pampadum shola NP
Mathikatton Shola NP
Periyar NP🐅
Parambikulam TR🐅
❏ Eravikulam NP→ Lakkam waterfalls. (Nilgiri Tahr-EN; Nilgiri Langur-VU; Raorchestes

resplendens-CR; Nilgiri Marten-VU)
❏ Silent Valley NP is part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Kunthipuzha River (Indian Pangolin-EN; Black
footed gray langur-VU)
❏ Anamudi Shola NP is located in Idukki district, Kerala.
❏ Periyar NP is located near Cardamom, Pendulum hill. Periyar, Pamba River. (Indian Elephant-EN;
Salim Ali fruit bat-EN)
TamilNadu
Guindy NP
Mudumalai NP
🐅
Mukurthi NP
🐅
Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai TR
🐅
Anamalai NP
Gulf of Mannar NP
🐅
Sathyamangalam TR
🐅
Kalakad Mundanthurai TR
❏ Mudumalai NP Indian vulture-CR; White-Rumped vulture-CR

❏ Gulf of Mannar NP→ Thoothukudi & Dhanushkodi. (Dugong/Sea Cow-VU; Indo pacific bottlenose
dolphin-NT)
❏ Guindy NP→ Indian star tortoise-VU; Blackbuck
⇒ Feb,2021-Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai TR recently added. It is the 51st TR. near Meghamalai Mountain.
Meghamalai commonly known as the High Wavy Mountains, is a mountain range located in the Western
Ghats. The Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary can be an excellent buffer to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and
Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary which can immensely strengthen the conservation in the southern
Western Ghats – the range of hills south of the Palakkad Gap.

🔢With reference to "dugong", a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. It is found along the entire coast of India.
3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below. UPSC CSE 2015
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2only (c) 1 and3 (d) 3 only
Telangana
Mrugavani NP
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali NP
Nagarjunsagar Srisailam🐅
Kawal TR🐅
Amravati TR🐅
Goa
Mollen NP
Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary
Jharkhand
Betla NP(#Palamu NP)

🐅
Hazaribagh TR
MadhyaPradesh
🐅
Sanjay NP
🐅
Bandhavgarh NP
🐅
Panna NP
Mandla Plant fossil NP
🐅
Kanha NP
🐅
Satpura NP
Van Vihar NP
Omkareshwar MP

Dinosaur NP
Madhav NP
Pench NP🐅
Kunho – Cheetah Conseervation
❏ Kanha TR → also called Kanha-Kisli National Park, is one of the tiger reserves of India and the
largest national park of Madhya Pradesh. The park has a significant population of the Royal Bengal tiger,
Indian leopards, the sloth bear, barasingha and Indian wild dog. “the Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling ⇒ ⇒
Nascot of NP- Bhoorsingh the Barasingha.
❏ Bandhavgarh NP- Before Corbett highest Tiger density.
❏ Panna TR→ Kenghariyal WLS, Ken River.
❏ Satpura NP → Panchmari
⇒ Mar-2021- Night Safari start at Bandhavgarh, Kanha & Pench NP
🔢If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?
(UPSC CSE 2017)
(a) BhitarkanikaMangroves
(b) Chambal River
(c) Pulicat Lake
(d) Deepor Beel
Andaman & Nicobar
Saddle peak NP
North button NP
Middle button NP
South button NP
Rani Jhansi Marine NP
Mt. Harriet NP
Mahatma Gandhi MAine NP
Campbell NP
Galathea NP

Highest number of National Park:
Madhya Pradesh(12)
Andaman & Nicobar (9)
Assam (7)
Biosphere Reserves
Introduction
• Biosphere Reserves are large areas of biodiversity where flora and fauna are protected.
• These regions of environmental protection roughly correspond to IUCN Category V Protected areas.
• The Indian government has established 18 Biosphere Reserves of India, which protect larger areas of
natural habitat (than a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary).
• Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by UNESCO for representative parts of natural and
cultural landscapes extending over large area of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination
thereof
• The Indian government has established 18 biosphere reserves in India.
• 12 of the eighteen biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on
the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme list.
• Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an intergovernmental scientific programme.
• launched in 1971 by UNESCO,
• aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their
environments.
Man And The Biosphere (MAB) Programme
● Launched in 1971 by UNESCO.

● It provides a platform for cooperation on research and development, capacity building and networking
to share information, knowledge and experience on three interlinked issues:

❏ Biodiversity loss,
❏ Climate change and
❏ Sustainable development.
● For implementation of its interdisciplinary work on the ground, MAB relies on the World Network of
Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
There are currently 714 biosphere reserves in 129 countries, including 21 transboundary sites, that belong
to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Criteria For Designation Of BRs
● A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature
conservation.
● The core area should be typical of a bio-geographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations
representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem.
● Areas having rare and endangered species and indigenous varieties of biota.
● Areas having potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of
the environment.
Functions Of Biosphere Reserves
● Conservation of genetic resources, species, ecosystems and landscapes preserving the traditional lifestyle
and resources of the local people.
● Sustainable economic, cultural, social and ecological developments.
● Restoration of any damage caused to ecosystems and habitats.
● Generation of a lot of scientific information for specific scientific studies and research.
● Helps in sharing knowledge through site specific training and education.
● Development of community spirit in the management of natural resources.
Structure and functions of BR
• Core Zone : Core zone must contain suitable habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including
higher order predators.
• contain centers of endemism.
• Core areas often conserve the wild relatives of economic species and also represent important genetic
reservoirs having exceptional scientific interest.

• The core zone is to be kept free from human pressures
• Buffer Zone: These uses and activities include restoration, demonstration sites for enhancing value
addition to the resources, limited recreation, tourism, fishing, grazing, etc.
• Research and educational activities are to be encouraged. Human activities, if natural within BR, are likely
to continue if these do not adversely affect the ecological diversity.
• Transition Zone : The transition area is the outermost part of a biosphere reserve. • This is usually not a
delimited one and is a zone of cooperation where conservation knowledge and management skills are
applied and uses are managed in harmony with the purpose of the biosphere reserve.
• This includes settlements, crop lands, managed forests and areas for intensive recreation and other
economic uses characteristics of the region.
The level of restriction in the increasing order is Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.
Criteria for World Network of Biosphere Reserves
•It should encompass a mosaic of ecological systems representative of major bio geographical regions,
including a graduation of human interventions

•It should be of significance for biological diversity conservation
•It should provide an opportunity to explore and demonstrate approaches to sustainable development on
a regional scale
•It should have an appropriate size to fulfill the three functions of biosphere reserves (conservation,
development, logistic support)
•It should include these functions through appropriate zonation, recognizing core, buffer, and outer
transition zones.
Biosphere Reserve in India
1. Cold desert BR
2. Nanda devi BR
3. Khangchendzonga BR
4. Manas BR
5. Dibru Saikhowa BR
6. Dihang-Dibang BR
7. Nokrek BR
8. Sundarban BR
9. Simlipal BR
10. Achanakmar-Amarkantak
BR
11. Seshachalam BR
12. Gulf of Mannar BR
13. Agasthyamalai BR
14. Nilgiri BR
15. Pachmarhi BR
16. Rann of Kutch BR
17. Panna BR
18. Great Nicobar
➔ Oldest BR in India was the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve(2000); And latest BR in India is Panna
Biosphere Reserve(2020).

Nilgiri Biosphere reserve
• The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills
ranges of South India.
• Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Silent Valley national parks the Wayanad ,Karimpuzha,
Aralam (Kerala) wildlife sanctuaries, Sathyamangalam
• It includes the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard , Black panther , Gaur, Indian elephant, Mongoose, Malabar
giant squirrel, Lion-tailed macaque, nilgiri langur, Gray langur and Nilgiri tahr.
• It has the largest population of two endangered species- lion-tailed macaque and nilgiri tahr.
• About 80% of flowering plants reported from Western Ghats occur in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
🔢Which of the following protected areas are under nilgiri BR?
1. Karimpuzha
2. Agasthyamalai
3. Kalakkad
4. Meghamalai
5. Periyar
Select the correct option:
(a) 1 only (b) 1,2 & 3 (c) 2,3 &5 (d) 1,2,3 & 5
🔢Which BR has two endangered species and 80% flowering plant reported?
(a) Nilgiri (b) Nanda Devi © Manas (d) Meghamalai
Nanda Devi BR
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
Gulf of Mannar BR
• in the Coromandel Coast region.

• The chain of low islands and reefs known as Ramsethu, also called Adam's Bridge, which includes Mannar
Island, separates the Gulf of Mannar from Palk Bay, which lies to the north between Sri Lanka and India.
• The Malwathu Oya (Malvathu River) of Sri Lanka and the estuaries of Thamirabarani River and Vaipar
River of South India drain into the Gulf.
• The dugong (sea cow) is found here.

Pachmarhi BR
• Bori Sanctuary (518.00 km2)

• Pachmarhi Sanctuary (461.37 km2).
• Satpura National Park (524.37 km2)
• The highest peak is Dhoopgarh.
Achanakmar-Amarkantak BR
• The reserve is also the source of three major river systems: the Narmada, the Johilla and the Son River.
Cold desert BR
It includes: Pin Valley National Park; Chandratal; Sarchu; Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dihang-Dibang BR
• Rare mammals such as Mishmi takin-EN, red goral-VU,red panda, Asiatic black bear.
• The Mouling National Park and the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Simlipal BR
• part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve

• includes three protected areas — Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
• Barehipani Falls
⇒ Mar,2021- Recently a massive fire in the Similipal Biosphere was seen.
Agasthyamala BR
• border of Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram Districts in Kerala and Tirunelveli and
Kanyakumari Districts in Tamil Nadu,
• Inclusion of adjoining areas of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
• Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries (kerala).
• Kanikkarans are the Original tribal Settlers in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.

Dibru-SaikhowaNational Park
Originally created to help conserve the habitat of the rare white-winged wood duck-EN.
??? Consider the following pairs: [2013]
1. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve: Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake: Barail Range
3. Namdapha National Park: Dafla Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
Biodiversity Hotspots
● A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region which has high biodiversity but that is under threat from
destruction mainly due to human activities.
● The concept of biodiversity hotspot was given by Norman Myers in 1988 in his two articles in “The
Environmentalist”.
● Myers listed two criteria for a region to qualify as a biodiversity hotspot: a. It must have at least 1,500
vascular plants as endemics— which is to say, it must have
➔ a high percentage of plant life found nowhere else on the planet. A hotspot, in other words, is
irreplaceable.
➔ It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation. In other words, it must be threatened.
● Myers originally recognised 25 hotspots but now 36 sites around the world follow his criteria.
● Conservation International has concluded the importance of biodiversity hotspots as- “Around the world,
36 areas qualify as hotspots. They represent just 2.4% of Earth’s land surface, but they support more than
half of the world’s plant species as endemics — i.e., species found no place else — and nearly 43% of bird,
mammal, reptile and amphibian species as endemics.”
🔠? Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats, Sri Lanka and Indo
Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity: [2011]

1. Species richness
2. Vegetation density
3. Endemism
4. Ethno-botanical importance
5. Threat perception

6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions
Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?
(a) 1, 2 and 6 only (b) 2, 4 and 6 only (c) 1, 3 and 5 only (d) 3, 4 and 6 only
Hottest Hotspots:
● Hottest hotspots are the areas which have much more endemism and richness in biodiversity than other
hotspots.
● There are five factors considered for designating a hotspot as hottest hotspot:
1. Endemic plants,
2. Endemic vertebrates,
3. Endemic plants/area ratio
4. Endemic vertebrates/area ratio and
5. Remaining primary vegetation as % of original extent.
Eight hottest hotspots:
1. Madagascar
2. Philippines
3. Sundaland
4. Brazil’s AtlanticForest
5. Caribbean
6. Indo-Burma
7. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
8. Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests ofTanzania/Kenya
Biodiversity Hotspots In India
1.Himalaya: Includes the entire Indian Himalayan region (and that falling in Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan,
China and Myanmar)
2.Indo-Burma: Includes entire North-eastern India, except Assam and Andaman group of Islands (and
Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China)
3.Sundalands: Includes Nicobar group of Islands (and Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines)
4.Western Ghats and Sri Lanka: Includes entire Western Ghats (and Sri Lanka)

Mura-Drava Danube:
● World’s First ‘Five-Country Biosphere Reserve’
● Context: Recently, Mura Drava-Danube (MDD) was declared as the world’s first ‘five-country
biosphere reserve’ by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO).
● About MDD: The biosphere reserve covers 700 kilometers of the Mura, Drava and Danube rivers
and stretches across Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia.
Wetland
Introduction
• A wetland is a place where the land is covered by water. Marshes, ponds, the edge of a lake/ocean, the
delta at the mouth of a river, low-lying areas that frequently flood — all of these are wetlands.

• Wetlands are also considered the most
biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as
home to a wide range of plant and animal life.
National Wetland Conservation Programme

(NWCP)
• The Government of India operationalized the

National Wetland Conservation Programme
(NWCP) in close collaboration with the concerned State Government during the year 1985/86.
• Under the programme 115 wetlands have been identified till now by the Ministry which requires urgent
conservation and management initiatives.
• The main wetland types are swamp, marsh, bog, and fen.
• subtypes include mangrove forest, carr, floodplains,sink, and many others.
• Many peatlands are wetlands.
➔ A swamp is a wetland that is forested. Swamps are considered to be transition zones because
both land and water play a role in creating this environment.
➔ A marsh is a wetland that is dominated by herbaceous rather than woody plant species. Marshes
can often be found at the edges of lakes and streams, where they form a transition between the aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems. They are often dominated by grasses, rushes
➔ A bog or bogland is a wetland that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material.
➔ Fen: Peat rich areas that receive nutrients from the water that flows through them (surface runoff,
groundwater). Typically flooded in the winter and dominated by mosses, sedges, rushes, and shrubs.
Streams and/or pools may be present.
➔ If woody plants are present they tend to be low-growing shrubs, and then sometimes called carrs.
Carrs are wetlands that are dominated by shrubs rather than trees.
Uses of wetlands
• Water storage (flood control)

• Groundwater replenishment
• Shoreline stabilization and storm protection
• Water purification

• Reservoirs of biodiversity
• Pollination
• Wetland products
• Cultural values
• Recreation and tourism
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Ramsar Convention
• The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance is an international treaty for the
conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the Convention was signed in 1971.
• Every three years, representatives of the Contracting Parties meet at the Conference of the Contracting
Parties (COP).
• COP12 was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, in 2015.
• COP13 was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in October 2018.
• China will host the next Ramsar COP14 in 2021.
• The 2nd of February each year is World Wetlands Day
• There are over 2,300 Ramsar Sites on the territories of 171 Ramsar Contracting Parties across the world.
• The countries with the most Sites are the United Kingdom with 175 and Mexico with 142.
• Bolivia has the largest area under Ramsar protection.
International organization partners
• The Ramsar Convention works closely with six other organizations known as International Organization
Partners (IOPs). These are:
• Birdlife International
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
• Wetlands International
• WWF International
• Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
• Other Partners
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD),
• Convention on the Conservation of MigratorySpecies of Wild Animals
• Convention on MigratorySpecies (CMS),
• World Heritage Convention (WHC) and
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
• Project funding is done by various groups like multilateral development banks, bilateral donors, UN
agencies such as UNEP, UNDP,Non-governmental organizations etc.
A wetland can be considered to be internationally important if any of the following criteria apply
• "it contains a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found
within the appropriate biogeographic region."
• "it supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological
communities."
• "It supports populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining the biological diversity
of a particular biogeographic region."
• "it supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or provides refuge during
adverse conditions."
• "It regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds."
• "it is an important source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or migration path on which
fish stocks, either within the wetland or elsewhere, depend.
The Montreux Record (Use ⭐ symbol for Montreux record)
• The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Ramsar wetlands of international
importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a
result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
• It is a voluntary mechanism to highlight specific wetlands of international importance that are facing
immediate challenges.
• It is maintained as part of the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance
• The Montreux Record was established in 1990
Q. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
[2014]

(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a
result of human interference.
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five
kilometers from the edge of the wetland.
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living
in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed.
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’.
Ramsar Sites in India
presently there are 75 ramsar sites in India.

Kerala
Vembanad lake ⛱
Sasthamkotta lake
Ashtamudi lake ⛱
(#⛱→lagoon )
❏ Vembanad lake→Kochi port; India’s largest lake; Vallarpadam, Willington IS, Vypin, Mulavukad;
Nehru trophy boat race organizes here; pamba,periyar, achankovil river; kumarakom bird sanctuary
❏ Ashtamudi lake→Syzygium travancoricum(plant); kollam district; neendakara port; kallada river;
Muroe Is.
Tamilnadu
Point-calimere WLS→Spoon billed Sandpiper-CR
AndhraPradesh
Kolleru lake
🔢? Which of the following are lagoon lakes?
1. Vembanad lake
2. Ashtamudi lake
3. Sasthamkotta lake
4. Kolleru lake
Select the correct option: (a) 1,2 & 3 (b) 2,3 &4 (c) 1,2 & 5 (d) 1,2,3,4
Odisha
Satkosia gorge
• Geologically Satkosia gorge is part of the Eastern Ghats.
• It separates the Chhota Nagpur Plateau from the Eastern Ghats.
• Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary
• carved by the Mahanadi River.
Chilka lake⛱
Bhitarkanika mangrove
❏ Bhitarkanika mangrove→Gahirmatha WLS; Abdulkalam Is. (Wheeler Is.)

❏ Chilika lake→Puri,khurda,ganjam district; Nalbana bird sanctuary; Daya river; (Spoon-billed
sandpiper-CR; Green sea turtle-EN; Lesser flamingo-NT; Irawody dolphin-EN). On the south of Chilika
rushikulya river flows where Olive ridley turtles are found.
❏ Ansupa Lake is a horse shoe shaped fresh water lake on the left bank of the Mahanadi river,
opposite Banki in Cuttack district, Odisha, India.
❏ It is situated amidst the Saranda Hills and enclosed by bamboo tree greenery and mango trees.
❏ Hirakud Reservoir - The Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary is located here

❏ Cattle Island is located in one of the extreme points of Hirakud Reservoir,
❏ Bargarh Main Canal, Sason Canal and Sambalpur Canal
Goa
• Nanda lake in Curchorem is Goa’s first Ramsar site.

• The majority of the Nanda Lake is intermittent freshwater marshes that lie adjacent to one of
the major rivulets of the Zuari river.
West Bengal
Sundarban delta
East Kolkata Wetland (120 CR investment to protect East kolkata Wetland.....NOT IMP FOR EXAM)
Maharashtra
Nandur Madhmeshwar
Loktak lake (2020)
Gujarat
Nal Sarovar→Indian wild Ass-NT
Madhya Pradesh
Bhoj Wetland→Upper lake (Bhoj tal)+Lower lake; (Sarus crane-VU; Black necked stork-NT; White stork-LC)

Tripura
Rudrasagar lake→three striped roof turtle-CR
Manipur
Loktak lake⭐
Assam
Deepor Beel→Pabitra WLS; (Spot billed Pelium-NT; Baer’s Pochard-CR)

● Mandarin duck- Migratory species from Russia Korea Japan China- spotted in Maguri-Motapung beel, a
wetland in Eastern Assam. Other endemic species in this wetland-black-breasted parrotbill and marsh
babbler.
Rajasthan
Keoladeo wetland⭐
Sambhar lake
Uttarakhand
Asan barrage→Asan river; Yamuna River
Bihar
Kanwar lake→ Oxbow lake⇒Largest oxbow lake; Gandak lake; Dolphin observatory.
J&k
Wular lake
hokera/Hokersar lake
Surinsar-Mansar lake (added in 2020)
Ladakh
Tsokar lake (added in 2020)

Tso moriri lake→Bar headed goose-LC; Black necked crane-NT

Himachal Pradesh
Chandratal
Pong dam/Maharana pratap
renuka
Punjab
Nangal WLS
Roper wetland
Beas Conservation center
Harike wetland
Kanjli wetland
Keshopur Miani
❏ Beas Conservation center→Indus river dolphin-EN; Gharial-CR
⇒ Feb,2021- Recently Ghariyal from Chhatbir Zoo(Chattisgarh) released to Beas River

UttarPradesh
Sa Pa Na
Sars Sama
Sand ai n
Samapu Nawabganj
i
r
Parvati
Arga
⇒ Recent Site→ Sur Sarovar
⇒ Parvati Arga→ Oxbow lake; Part of Sarayu River
⇒ Haiderpur Wetland in Uttar Pradesh has been added as the 47th Ramsar Site in December 2021. It is a
human-made wetland formed in 1984 and is located within the boundaries of Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.
⇒ Bakhira WLS (2022) → is the largest natural floodplain wetland of India.
Haryana
Sultanpur National Park (2021)

Bhindawas WLS (2021)
Gujarat
Thol Sanctuary (2021)

Wadhwana WLS (2021)
Khijadiya WLS (2022) → Fresh water lake, salt and freshwater marshlands

→ Largest Ramsar site⇒ Sundarban delta(WB)
→ First Ramsar Site⇒ Chilika lake
🔢Match the column:

1. Kawar Tal→Yamuna River
2. Parvati Arga→Sarayu river
3. Asan Barrage→Yamuna River
Select the Incorrect Option: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c)1 & 2 (d) 1,2 & 3
PRE Question
🔢Wetlands→Confluence of rivers
1. Harike wetland→Beas and Satluj
2. Keoladeo Ghana NationalPark→Banas and Chambal
3. Kolleru Lake→Musi and Krishna
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC CSE 2012)
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3only C. 1 and 3only D. 1, 2 and 3
MAINS Question
GSM3-2018: What is a wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland
conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India
🐘Project Elephant
Project Elephant
• Project Elephant was launched in 1992.

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
• It is included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and in Appendix I of the Convention
on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Objectives:
• to assist states having populations of wild elephants and to ensure long term survival of identified viable
populations of
elephants in their natural habitats
• addressing man-animal conflict.
• Developing scientific and planned management measures for conservation of elephants.
• Protecting the elephants from poachers, preventing illegal ivory trade and other unnatural causes of death.
Elephant Corridor
• An elephant corridor is defined as a stretch/narrow strip of forested (or otherwise) land that connects
larger
habitats with elephant populations and forms a conduit for animal movement between the habitats.
• There are 101 identified corridors in India (published by the Wildlife Trust of India in collaboration with
Project Elephant and the U.K.based NGO Elephant Family, 2017)
• Coal mining and iron ore mining are the two “single biggest threats” to elephant corridors in central India.
• Orissa, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, are mineral-rich states, but also have the highest number of elephant
corridors in the country, which makes them known for elephant-man conflicts.
• Habitat loss leading to fragmentation and destruction caused by developmental activities.
MIKE Programme
● MIKE= Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants.

● Established under CITES.
● CITES-MIKE prog. Started in South Asia in 2003.
● Monthly data collected from all sites and submitted to sub-regional office
⇒ MIKE sites in India
• 1. Chirang Ripu (Assam )
• 2. Dihing Patkai (Assam)
• 3. Eastern Dooars (WB)
• 4. Deomali (Arunachal Pradesh)
• 5. Garo Hills (Meghalaya)
• 6. Mayurbhanj (Orissa)

• 7. Mysore (Karnataka)
• 8. Nilgiri (T N)
• 9. Shivalik (Uttarakhand)
• 10. Wayanad (Kerala)
Haathi Mere Saathi Campaign
• MoEF&CC in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

• Aims to improve conservation and welfare prospects of the elephant - India’s National Heritage Animal.
• It will also help in increasing awareness among people and developing not just friendship but also
companionship between people and elephants.
• Unlike the tiger, which faces the threat of extinction, the elephant faces threats of attrition.
• Campaign motto: ‘take Gajah (the elephant) to Prajah (the people)’.
🐘Odisha
Mayurbhanj; Sambalpur; Baitarani; South Odisha; Mahanadi
🐘West Bengal
Mayurjharna; Eastrn Duars
🐘Andhra Pradesh
Rayla
🐘Chattisgarh
Lemru; Badalkhar; Tamorpingla
🐘Meghalaya
Garo; Khasi
🐘Nagaland
Itanki

🐘Assam
Chirangpu; Kaziranga-Karbi anglong; Dhansiri Lunding; Sonitpur; Dihing patkai
🐘Arunachal Pradesh
Kameng; South Arunachal
🐘Jharkhand
Singhbhum
🐘UttarPradesh
Shivalik
🐘Karnataka
Bandipur; Mysore; Dandheli
🐘Kerala
Nilambar; Wayanad; Anamudi; Periyar
🐘TamilNadu
Nilgiri; Coimbatore; Annamalai; Srivilliputtur

🔢? With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
1. The leader of an elephant group is a female

2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? UPSC CSE 2018
1.1 and 2 only 2.2 and 4 only 3.3 only 4.1,3 and 4 only
Shivalik Elephant Reserve
- Nov,2020- The Government of India has asked the Uttarakhand government to consider avoiding
sensitive areas of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve while exploring land suitable for use for the
expansion of Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport.

- The area proposed for the expansion is a part of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve and it falls within
a 10-km radius of Rajaji National Park.
Nilgiri Elephant corridor
- Oct,2020- The Supreme court upheld a 2011 order of the madras high court on the Nilgiri
Elephant corridor, affirming the right of passage of the animals and the closure of resorts in the
area.
- The supreme court’s order to seal and close 27 resorts operating in corridors used by elephants
in the Nilgiris is a necessary step to restore the ecology of the spaces.
- Weak regulation of ecotourism is severely impacting important habitats of elephants.
- It’s the state’s duty to protect “Keystone Species” like elephants, which are very much important
to the environment.
- Fragmentation of forests makes it all the more important to preserve migratory corridors.
- The movement of elephants is essential to ensure that their populations are genetically viable,
and help regenerate forests on which other species, including tigers, depend.
Mangrove
Introduction
• Mangroves represent a characteristic littoral तट5य (near the seashore) forest ecosystem.
• These are mostly evergreen forests that grow in sheltered low lying coasts, estuaries, mudflats, tidal
creeks, backwaters (coastal waters held back on land), marshes and lagoons of tropical and subtropical
regions.
• Mangroves are highly productive ecosystems, and the trees may vary in height from 8 to 20 m. They
protect the shoreline from the effect of cyclones and tsunamis.
• Since mangroves are located between the land and sea, they represent the best example of ecotone.
• Mangroves are salt tolerant trees, also called halophytes, and are adapted to harsh coastal conditions.
• They are adapted to the low oxygen (anoxic) conditions of waterlogged mud.
• They produce pneumatophores (blind roots) to overcome the respiration problem in the anaerobic soil
conditions.
• Mangroves grow below the high water level of spring tides.

Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
• Mangroves occur in a variety of configurations. Some species (e.g. Rhizophora) send arching prop roots
down into the water.
Stilt roots:
• While others (e.g. Avicennia) send vertical “Pneumatophores” or air roots up from the mud.

• Stilt roots are adventitious roots that grow from lower stem nodes and join and become deeper in the
soil.
• Prop root is an aerial root that develops from the horizontal branches of a tree.
Heritiera littoralis:
• Mangroves exhibit Viviparity mode of reproduction. i.e. seeds germinate in the tree itself (before falling
to the ground).
• The seed germinates and grows from its own resources while still attached to its parent.
• Vivipary

Odisha
Subarnarekha
Bhitarkanika
Dhamra
Kalibhanjdia Is. (Mangrove Genetic Resources center)
Mahanadi
DeviKauda
Chilika lake
West Bengal
Sundarban delta
Andhra Pradesh
Coringa WLS→TungaBhadra River, Korangi River

East Godavari
Krishna
TamilNadu
Pulicat→Arani River Kaznuveli→Pabr River Pichavaram→Kollidam,

Uppanar river
Andaman & Nicobar
North Andaman;
Nicobar Kerala Kannur→ located on Northern
Kerala
Vembanad lake→Pamba River
Karnataka
Karwar→Kali nadi;
Sharavati river

Honnavar Kundapura→Panchyangovalid; chakra river; kolluru river
Mangalore forest division→Netravati river; Gurupura river
Goa & Maharashtra
Lake Vaitarna
Vasai Manori
Mumbra→Ulhas river
Vikhroli
Undalika revdanda
Shrivardhan
Veldur→Vashishti river
Vijaydurg→devgad; Vihotar river
Achra Malavar
Gujarat
Rann of Kutch→ Khambhat region, Dumas, ubharat region→near tapi River
Importance of Mangroves
• Mangrove plants have (additional) special roots such as prop roots, pneumatophores which help to
impede water flow and thereby enhance the deposition of sediment in areas (where it is already
occurring),stabilize the coastal shores, and provide a breeding ground for fishes.
• Mangroves moderate monsoonal tidal floods and reduce inundation of coastal lowlands.
• They Prevent coastal soil erosion.
• They Protect coastal lands from tsunamis, hurricanes and floods.
• Mangroves enhance the natural recycling of nutrients.
• Mangrove Supports Numerous Florae, avifauna and wildlife.
• Provide a safe and favorable environment for breeding, rearing of several fishes.
• Theysupplywoods, firewood,medicinal plants and edible plants to local people.
• They Provide numerous employment opportunities to local communities and augment their livelihood.
India State of Forest Report, 2019
• About 40% of the world's Mangrove Cover is found in South East Asia and South Asia.

• The mangrove cover in India is 4,975 sq km, which is 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area.
• Increase in the mangrove cover as compared to 2017 assessment: 54 sq km
• Among the states and UTs, West Bengal has the highest percentage of area under total Mangrove cover
followed by Gujarat and Andaman Nicobar Islands.
• Top three states showing Mangrove cover increase: Gujarat > Maharashtra > Odisha
India State of Forest Report, 2021
•Total mangrove cover in the country is 4,992 sq km.

•It also recorded an increase of 17 sq km in mangrove cover in the country as compared to the previous
assessment of 2019.
•Top three states showing mangrove cover increase are Odisha (8 sq km) followed by Maharashtra (4 sq
km) and Karnataka (3 sq km).
Mangroves for the Future (MFF)
• Established in 2006
• Mangroves for the Future (MFF) is a unique partner-led initiative to promote investment in coastal
ecosystem conservation for sustainable development.
• Co-chaired by IUCN and UNDP, MFF provides a platform for collaboration among the many different
agencies, sectors and countries which are addressing challenges to coastal ecosystems and livelihood issues.
• The goal is to promote an integrated ocean-wide approach to coastal management and to build the
resilience of ecosystem-dependent coastal communities.
• Member countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri
Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam
• Objectives: To achieve its goal of conservation, restoration and sustainable management of coastal
ecosystems as key natural infrastructure which support human well-being and security, MFF implements
actions guided by three main objectives.
1. Improve, share and apply knowledge to support the conservation, restoration and sustainable use
of coastal ecosystems.
2. Strengthen Integrated Coastal Management institutions and empower civil society (including local
communities) to engage in decision-making and management that conserves, restores and
sustainably uses coastal ecosystems.

3. Enhance coastal governance at all levels (regional, national, provincial, district and community) to
encourage integrated management programmes and investments that are ecologically and socio-
economically sound, and promote human well-being and security.
Conservation of Mangroves
• UNESCO Designated Sites: The inclusion of mangroves in Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites and
UNESCO Global Geoparks contributes to improving the knowledge, management and conservation of
mangrove ecosystems throughout the world.
• International Society for Mangrove Ecosystem (ISME): The ISME is a non-governmental organization
established in 1990 to promote the study of mangroves with the purpose of enhancing their conservation,
rational management and sustainable utilization.
• Blue Carbon Initiative: The International Blue Carbon Initiative is focused on mitigating climate change
through the conservation and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems.
• It is coordinated by Conservation International (CI), IUCN, and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO).
• International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem: UNESCO celebrates this day on July
26 with the aim of raising awareness about mangrove ecosystems and to promote their sustainable
management and conservation.
• Mangroves for the Future Initiative: IUCN and UNDP developed a unique initiative to promote investment
in coastal ecosystem conservation called the “Mangroves for the Future (MFF)”.
• The member nations include Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan,
Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• National Mangrove Committee: The Government of India set up a National Mangrove Committee in 1976
which advises the government about conservation and development of mangroves.
• There are some important mangrove species in India:
• Avicennia Officinalis
• Morinda Citrifolia
• Rhizophora mucronata
• Sonneratia Alba
• Avicennia Alba
• Bruguiera Cylindrica
• Heriteira Littoralis (Sundari tree)

• Phoenix paludosa
• Ceriops Tagal
• West Bengal has 42.45 % of India’s mangrove cover (highest in the country.)
• Mangroves make 1 % of the tropical forests of the world.
• India has 3 % of the total mangrove cover in South Asia.
Further Refer this:

⇒https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/wildlife-biodiversity/scientificmanagement-of-mangroves-is-
need-of-the-hour-64007

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Environment & Ecology- Handout by Sudarshan Gurjar

Preliminary Exam Syllabus Mains Exam Syllabus

1. Environment & Ecology a. Ecology and Ecosystem- Concept, Meaning, Properties

2. Biodiversity and Conservation a. Biodiversity- Concept and Importance

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3. Climate Change a. Concepts

4. Biosphere: An Ecosystem a. Biosphere as an ecosystem

5. Biomes a. Meaning and concept

6 Sustainable Development Source: Visit United Nations Sustainable Development Knowledge

7. Important Chapters of Source: Visit the Ministry of Finance’s following Website

9.Miscellaneous ● MoEFCC Website

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Notes of the 3rd ARC report on 1. India’s Key Hazards, Vulnerabilities

Protected Area Network 7

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Protected Area Network

➢ International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

➢ It has a membership of over 1400 governmental and non-governmental organizations.

IUCN and India

IUCN protected area categories:

▪ Category Ia – Strict Nature Reserve

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IUCN Red List

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IUCN Red list categories

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Conservation Reserves and Community Reserve

Tillari Conservation Reserve

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National Parks in India

• National park has more restrictions as compared to a wildlife sanctuary. Their

Category II: National Park

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Declared By the Central government🧔

● 🧔Centrally sponsored scheme

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● Boss? Ministry of Environment & Forest

Powers and functions of NTCA

● Approval of Tiger Conservation Plan prepared by States 👨🦲.

Structure of a Tiger Reserve

Tiger Task Force

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Methods for Tiger Census

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New tiger reserves –

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● M-STrIPES = Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status.

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Global Tiger Forum

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Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP)

Conservation Assured Tiger Standard Accreditation (CATS)

● Launched in 2013, implemented across 125 sites including India’s 94 sites.

National Park & Tiger Reserve in India→ State wise

(#for Tiger Reserve 🐅be used)

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Salim Ali NP, Dachingham NP, Kishtwar NP (#पि#चम से पब

❏ Dachigam National Park➡Marsar lake (Kashmiri Stug-CR; Snow Leopard-VU)

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Govind Pashu Vihar NP

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