Biosphere Reserves of India — Set 11

Correct Answer: C. 1994

The Simlipal Biosphere Reserve was established in 1994 in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. It encompasses the Simlipal Tiger Reserve and Simlipal National Park. Simlipal is recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve and is known for its biodiversity including the rare melanistic tigers.

Correct Answer: C. 1986

The Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve in Assam was established in 1986, the same year as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is located on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts. The reserve is notable for its feral horses and river dolphin population.

Correct Answer: C. 6

By 1989 (before the year 1990), India had established six Biosphere Reserves: Nilgiri (1986), Dibru-Saikhowa (1986), Nanda Devi (1988), Nokrek (1988), Gulf of Mannar (1989), Sundarban (1989), Great Nicobar (1989), and Manas (1989). Actually 8 were established by 1989. Six were set up before 1989 itself (Nilgiri, Dibru-Saikhowa by 1986, Nanda Devi and Nokrek in 1988, then 4 more in 1989). So the correct answer to 'before 1990' is 8.

Correct Answer: B. World's largest mangrove forest with swimming tigers

The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve is known for the world's largest mangrove forest and the Bengal Tiger population adapted to swimming in this tidal delta. The Sundarbans spans India and Bangladesh and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mangrove ecosystem provides critical services including cyclone protection for coastal communities.

Correct Answer: C. 2005

The Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve was established in 2005, spanning Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. It was subsequently recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The Amarkantak plateau within the reserve is the origin point of the Narmada River.

Correct Answer: C. Core - Buffer - Transition

The three zones of a Biosphere Reserve in order from most protected to least protected are: Core Zone (strictly protected, no human interference), Buffer Zone (limited research and education activities around the core), and Transition/Cooperation Zone (sustainable human use, outermost zone). This nested zone structure allows for a gradient of human activities.

Correct Answer: C. Allow sustainable use by local communities in outer zones while protecting a strictly preserved core

Unlike National Parks which are entirely protected under national law with no legal human habitation, Biosphere Reserves allow sustainable use by local communities in their outer (Transition) zones. This is the fundamental conceptual difference. Biosphere Reserves are managed with a view to integrating conservation with sustainable human livelihoods.

Correct Answer: B. Sikkim

The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is located in Sikkim. It encompasses the Khangchendzonga National Park, surrounding the peak of Kanchenjunga. The state of Sikkim has the highest per-unit-area biodiversity in India. Khangchendzonga was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.

Correct Answer: C. 2010

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh was established in 2010. It covers the Seshachalam Hills of the Eastern Ghats and is known for Red Sanders. It is a UNESCO recognized Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is also home to the Slender Loris, a nocturnal primate.

Correct Answer: C. Manas — Assam

Manas Biosphere Reserve is correctly paired with Assam. Nokrek is in Meghalaya (not Assam), Simlipal is in Odisha (not West Bengal), and Dehang-Dibang is in Arunachal Pradesh (not Meghalaya). Manas borders Bhutan and is famous for its wildlife including the Pygmy Hog and Golden Langur.