Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court has ordered the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Agasthyamalai biosphere reserve to identify encroachments and non-forestry activities.
About Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve:
- What is Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve?
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- It is a UNESCO-designated tropical forest biosphere known for its exceptional ecological, cultural, and medicinal value.
- Recognized under UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in March 2016.
- Location:
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- Located at the southernmost end of the Western Ghats.
- Spreads across Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram & Kollam) and Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli & Kanniyakumari).
- Covers an area of approximately 3,500 km².
- Biodiversity & Ecology:
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- Flora: Over 2,254 plant species, including 405 endemics and rare medicinal herbs.
- Fauna:
- Mammals: 79 species (20 endemic), including tigers, elephants, and the grizzled giant squirrel.
- Birds: 337 species (20 endemic).
- Reptiles & Amphibians: 88 and 45 species respectively, with high endemism.
- Protected Areas:
- Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala).
- Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (TN).
- Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (TN).
- Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Indigenous Tribes & Cultural Significance:
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- Inhabited by the Kani tribe (~30,000 people), who practice sustainable resource use.
- Linked to Hindu mythology (Ramayana) and Ayurveda (Sage Agastya’s contributions).
