Which biosphere was declared as India's 16th Biosphere Reserve in 2009, noted for the conservation of Red Fox, Blue Rock Pigeon, and Lammergeier?
Cold Desert
Understanding India's 16th Biosphere Reserve and Its Wildlife
India has designated several areas as Biosphere Reserves to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development. These reserves are recognized internationally within the framework of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. The question asks about the 16th Biosphere Reserve declared in India in 2009, specifically mentioning its role in conserving species like the Red Fox, Blue Rock Pigeon, and Lammergeier.
Analyzing the Options for the 16th Biosphere Reserve
Let's examine the given options to identify which one matches the description provided:
- Cold Desert: This region is located in the western Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its cold climate and unique flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions. Key species found here include the Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wild Ass, Red Fox, Blue Rock Pigeon, and Lammergeier. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2009.
- Seshachalam: Located in Andhra Pradesh, the Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, including the endemic Red Sanders tree. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2010.
- Agasthyamalai: Situated in the Western Ghats, spanning Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Agasthyamalai is recognized for its high species diversity and endemism. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2001.
- Dehang Debang: Located in Arunachal Pradesh, the Dehang-Debang Biosphere Reserve encompasses diverse ecosystems and is home to species like the Mishmi Takin, Red Panda, and Snow Leopard. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1998.
Identifying the Correct Biosphere Reserve
Comparing the declaration years and species mentioned, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve fits the criteria perfectly. It was indeed declared in 2009 and is noted for the conservation of species like the Red Fox, Blue Rock Pigeon, and Lammergeier, among others suited to its high-altitude, cold environment.
| Biosphere Reserve | State(s) | Declaration Year | Notable Species (partial list) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Desert | Himachal Pradesh | 2009 | Red Fox, Blue Rock Pigeon, Lammergeier, Snow Leopard |
| Seshachalam | Andhra Pradesh | 2010 | Red Sanders, Slender Loris |
| Agasthyamalai | Kerala, Tamil Nadu | 2001 | Nilgiri Tahr, Asian Elephant |
| Dehang Debang | Arunachal Pradesh | 1998 | Mishmi Takin, Red Panda, Snow Leopard |
Based on the analysis, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, declared in 2009, is the one specifically mentioned for conserving species like the Red Fox, Blue Rock Pigeon, and Lammergeier, corresponding to the 16th Biosphere Reserve in India.
Revision Table: India's Biosphere Reserves
| Biosphere Reserve Name | Year of Declaration | State(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Nilgiri | 1986 | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka |
| Nanda Devi | 1988 | Uttarakhand |
| Nokrek | 1988 | Meghalaya |
| Great Nicobar | 1989 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Gulf of Mannar | 1989 | Tamil Nadu |
| Manas | 1989 | Assam |
| Sunderbans | 1989 | West Bengal |
| Similipal | 1994 | Odisha |
| Dibru-Saikhowa | 1997 | Assam |
| Dehang Debang | 1998 | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Pachmarhi | 1999 | Madhya Pradesh |
| Khangchendzonga | 2000 | Sikkim |
| Agasthyamalai | 2001 | Kerala, Tamil Nadu |
| Achanakmar-Amarkantak | 2005 | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh |
| Great Rann of Kutch | 2008 | Gujarat |
| Cold Desert | 2009 | Himachal Pradesh |
| Seshachalam | 2010 | Andhra Pradesh |
| Panna | 2011 | Madhya Pradesh |
Additional Information on Biosphere Reserves in India
Biosphere Reserves are sites established by countries and recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. They are areas comprising terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems.
Each reserve has three zones:
- Core Area: Strictly protected ecosystem.
- Buffer Zone: Surrounds or adjoins the core areas, used for activities compatible with conservation objectives, such as scientific research, monitoring, training, and education.
- Transition Area: The outermost part where local communities live and work, and where sustainable resource management practices are promoted.
India currently has 18 declared Biosphere Reserves. Many of these are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Important Questions from In-Situ Conservation
Which of the following tiger reserves bagged the first ever international award 'TX2' in November for doubling the number of tigers in four years against the target of 10 years?
Where is the Kanha Tiger Reserve located?
The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is located in which of the following states?
According to ‘Population estimation of tigers in reserves for 2018-19’ which of the following is India's largest tiger reserve?
The Dudhwa National Park of Uttar Pradesh is located in which of the following districts ?
