Biosphere Reserves of India — Set 9

Correct Answer: B. Nilgiri and Sundarban

India's 12 UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserves include the Nilgiri and Sundarban, among others. The 12 UNESCO-recognized reserves span diverse ecosystems from the Himalayas to the coasts. The most recently recognized was Panna (2020), while Nilgiri was the first (2000).

Correct Answer: C. Simlipal BR

The Simlipal Tiger Reserve is located within the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. Simlipal is one of the largest protected areas in Odisha and contains significant sal and bamboo forests. The reserve is famous for its melanistic (black) tigers and diverse wildlife.

Correct Answer: A. Paris

UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme is headquartered in Paris, where UNESCO's headquarters is located. The MAB Secretariat in Paris coordinates all activities related to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. MAB was officially adopted at the UNESCO General Conference in 1970 and the programme began in 1971.

Correct Answer: C. Cold Desert BR

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in the Lahaul-Spiti and Pin Valley regions of Himachal Pradesh is the northernmost Biosphere Reserve in India. It lies in the trans-Himalayan zone with a harsh climate and very limited vegetation. Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, and Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal) are characteristic species of this biosphere reserve.

Correct Answer: B. They are smaller than other Bengal tigers and can swim long distances

The Bengal Tigers of the Sundarbans are unique because they have adapted to the mangrove environment and are known to swim long distances across tidal waterways in search of prey and territory. They tend to be slightly smaller than tigers in other habitats. The Sundarban Tiger Reserve has the highest human-tiger conflict rate in India due to the unusual human-wildlife overlap in the delta.

Correct Answer: B. It is a critical nesting site for the Leatherback Sea Turtle, the world's largest turtle

The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is a critical nesting site for the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the world's largest sea turtle. The beach at Great Nicobar Island is one of the most important Leatherback nesting sites in the Indian Ocean region. The Leatherback is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Correct Answer: B. The Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (1995)

The Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, adopted in 1995, formally defined the criteria and procedures for designating Biosphere Reserves into the UNESCO World Network. It established the three-zone model as the standard framework. The Statutory Framework also defined the three key functions of Biosphere Reserves: conservation, development, and logistic support.

Correct Answer: C. Orange/Citrus

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya is known for harbouring wild relatives of citrus fruits — the wild ancestors of oranges, lemons, and other citrus species. The genus Citrus is believed to have originated in this region of Northeast India and Southeast Asia. The reserve is designated a 'Gene Sanctuary' for wild citrus species.

Correct Answer: D. 2020

The Panna Biosphere Reserve was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2020. Panna was nationally designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2011. The 2020 UNESCO recognition came after Panna's tiger population had successfully recovered following the reintroduction programme.

Correct Answer: C. Gulf of Mannar BR

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (1989) is India's first marine Biosphere Reserve. It was also the first marine Biosphere Reserve in South and Southeast Asia. The reserve was recognized by UNESCO and covers the coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves around 21 small islands in the Gulf of Mannar.