Biosphere Reserves of India — Set 4

Correct Answer: D. Himachal Pradesh

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, established in 2009, is located in Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul-Spiti and Pin Valley). It is a high-altitude cold desert ecosystem in the trans-Himalayan zone. The reserve supports species like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, and rare medicinal plants adapted to extreme conditions.

Correct Answer: B. Nokrek BR

The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya is known as the 'gene sanctuary' of wild citrus fruits. It harbours the wild ancestors of oranges, lemons, and other citrus species. This genetic diversity is of immense agricultural value for developing disease-resistant and high-yielding citrus varieties.

Correct Answer: B. National Parks have legal protection under WPA 1972, Biosphere Reserves are UNESCO administrative designations with no specific Indian legislation

National Parks are legally protected areas under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 with strict statutory protections against human activities. Biosphere Reserves, in contrast, are designated under UNESCO's MAB Programme and have no specific Indian legislation — they are administrative/scientific designations. A Biosphere Reserve often includes one or more National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries in its core zone.

Correct Answer: B. India's first marine Biosphere Reserve and the first in South and Southeast Asia

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (1989) is significant as India's first marine Biosphere Reserve and the first marine biosphere reserve in South and Southeast Asia. It covers about 10,500 sq km of the coastal and marine environment. The reserve protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and is one of the few remaining dugong habitats in India.

Correct Answer: D. 1989

The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve was established in 1989. It covers the Indian portion of the Sundarbans mangrove delta. The Sundarbans hosts the world's largest mangrove forest and is famous for the swimming Royal Bengal Tiger. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Ramsar Wetland, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Correct Answer: B. It is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim is notable for being both a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2016) and a UNESCO recognized Biosphere Reserve. It surrounds Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain. The park contains exceptional biodiversity including Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and numerous rare alpine plant species.

Correct Answer: C. 1986

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was established in 1986, becoming India's first Biosphere Reserve. It was later recognized by UNESCO in 2000. The reserve is a critical conservation area for the Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, and the endemic Nilgiri Tahr.

Correct Answer: C. Transition or Cooperation Zone

The concept of sustainable development in Biosphere Reserves is demonstrated primarily through the Transition or Cooperation Zone, where human activities like agriculture, forestry, and small industries operate in harmony with conservation objectives. Local communities in this zone are involved in sustainable livelihood activities. This zone serves as a model for integrating conservation with development.

Correct Answer: D. Bhutan

Manas Biosphere Reserve in Assam borders Bhutan, where the Royal Manas National Park forms the transboundary extension. The Indian and Bhutan sides together form a critical transboundary conservation area. Manas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for the Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, and Indian Rhinoceros.

Correct Answer: C. Achanakmar-Amarkantak BR

The Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is associated with the origin of the Narmada River, along with the Son and Johila rivers. Amarkantak is considered sacred as the source of the Narmada. The Biosphere Reserve spans Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and was recognized by UNESCO.