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ClearIAS » Environment Notes » Hotspots – World Heritage Sites – Biosphere Reserves – National Parks – Sanctuaries – Tiger Reserves

Hotspots – World Heritage Sites – Biosphere Reserves – National Parks – Sanctuaries – Tiger Reserves

Last updated on November 7, 2020 by Alex Andrews George

Bio-Diversity Hot-spots, World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wild Life Sanctuaries, Botanical Gardens : these related but confusing terms which denote areas, where environment and wildlife are protected, are important of UPSC Civil Services Prelims, Mains and Interview. Every student of the environment is advised to update himself with the differences and latest statistics regarding these hot terms.

  1. Bio-Diversity Hot Spots
  2. World Heritage Sites
  3. Biosphere Reserves
  4. National Parks
  5. Wildlife Sanctuaries
  6. Tiger Reserves
  7. Reserve Forests: Coral Reefs and Mangrove Forests
  8. Zoos and Botanical Gardens

Bio Diversity Hot-spots, World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wild Life Sanctuaries, Botanical Gardens

Bio-Diversity Hot Spots

A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under threat from humans. To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot on Myers 2000 edition of the hotspot-map, a region must meet two strict criteria: it must contain at least 0.5% or 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics, and it has to have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation. Around the world, 25 areas qualify under this definition, with nine other possible candidates. 3 regions that satisfy these criteria exist in India and they are: The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, The Eastern Himalayas, and Indo-Burma.

World Heritage Sites

Sites on the World Heritage List are cultural, natural, or mixed properties recognized by the World Heritage Committee (UNESCO) has been of outstanding universal value. There are 29 World Heritage Sites in India, 23 are cultural sites and the other six are natural sites.

As of date, there are 911 sites under the World Heritage List, which cover 711 cultural sites, 180 natural sites and 27 mixed properties encompassing 152 countries.

Biosphere Reserves

Sl No
Year
Name
State
1
1986
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka
2
1988
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Uttarakhand
3
1989
Gulf of Mannar
Tamil Nadu
4
1988
Nokrek
Meghalaya
5
1989
Sundarbans
West Bengal
6
1989
Manas
Assam
7
1994
Simlipal
Odisha
8
1998
Dihang-Dibang
Arunachal Pradesh
9
1999
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
Madhya Pradesh
10
2005
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
11
2008
Great Rann of Kutch
Gujarat
12
2009
Cold Desert
Himachal Pradesh
13
2000
Khangchendzonga
Sikkim
14
2001
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Kerala, Tamil Nadu
15
1989
Great Nicobar
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
16
1997
Dibru-Saikhowa
Assam
17
2010
Seshachalam Hills
Andhra Pradesh
18
2011
Panna
Madhya Pradesh

Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems which are internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

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The Indian government has established 18 Biosphere Reserves of India, (categories roughly corresponding to IUCN Category V Protected areas), which protect larger areas of natural habitat (than a National Park or Animal Sanctuary) and often include one or more National Parks and/or preserves, along buffer zones that are open to some economic uses. Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life.

National Parks

The National parks of India are IUCN category II protected areas. As of April 2012, there were 102 national parks in India and more parks in the process of getting commissioned.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

India has over 441 animal sanctuaries, referred to as Wildlife sanctuaries (IUCN Category IV Protected Area). Among these, the 28 Tiger Reserves are governed by Project Tiger and are of special significance in the conservation of the tiger. Some wildlife sanctuaries are specifically named Bird Sanctuary, e.g. Keoladeo National Park before attained National Park status. Many National Parks were initially Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Tiger Reserves

There are more than 40 tiger reserves in India, which are governed by Project Tiger which is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

Reserve Forests: Coral Reefs and Mangrove Forests

There are 4 important areas of coral reefs and 34 mangrove forests in India.

Zoos and Botanical Gardens

Areas of artificial flora and fauna conservation.

Additional Links:

  1. List of protected areas of India
  2. Wildlife of India
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About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training, Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped thousands of aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ramya says

    June 8, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    This site is good compilation but Please do catch up with current updates with most of the info provided. Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Paras says

    June 13, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    In Biodiversity Hotspot- Its Himalaya instead of Eastern Himalaya.

    Reply
  3. meenal deshpande says

    October 16, 2018 at 2:54 pm

    Thanks for doing so much research and providing this information with us.
    Its been india where we find varities of nature.
    Good write up..
    keep sharing.

    Reply
  4. Ragul says

    December 24, 2018 at 11:20 pm

    There are 37 UNESCO world heritage sites in India
    29 culture sites
    7 natural sites
    1 mixed

    Reply

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