Environment Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve CONTEXT: The Supreme Court directed the Government of Tamil Nadu to formulate a time bound plan—and implement it on a priority basis—to remove encroachments located within the protected areas of the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape in Tamil Nadu. The Court noted that the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape, which encompasses several districts across both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, spans an area of 3,500.36 square kilometers. About Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is situated at the southern tip of the Western Ghats and extends across the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This region is renowned for the 'Neelakurinji' flower, which blooms only once every 12 years. Currently, this Biosphere Reserve encompasses parts of the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts in Tamil Nadu, as well as the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala. Establishment and Recognition It was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2001. In 2016, it was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Origin of the Name The reserve is named after the revered Hindu sage Agasthya Muni. Its highest summit, Agasthya Malai, rises to an elevation of 1,868 metres. Protected Areas within the Reserve Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Climate and Vegetation The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with abundant rainfall, particularly on the western side. It supports diverse ecosystems such as: Tropical wet evergreen forests Moist deciduous forests Montane rainforests Shola forests Floral Diversity The reserve supports more than 2,250 species of plants. Around 405 species are endemic to the region. It is well known for its rich variety of medicinal plants, including Arogyapacha. Faunal Diversity The reserve provides habitat to several important wildlife species, including: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Nilgiri Tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel It is also home to notable bird species…
