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Q27 (IAS/2019) Environment & Ecology › Biodiversity & Protected Areas › Biosphere reserves network Official Key

Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is option A. The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve includes Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala[1], and the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve[2]. This combination precisely matches option A.

Option B is incorrect because while Mudumalai is mentioned in the context of other biosphere reserves like Nilgiri, it is not part of Agasthyamala. Similarly, Wayanad and Silent Valley National Park are separate protected areas in Kerala but not components of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. Options C and D list wildlife sanctuaries and reserves from other regions of India that have no connection to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, which is specifically located in the Western Ghats region covering parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Sources
  1. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
  2. [2] https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/agasthyamala
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
50%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve? [A] Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Munda…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 5/10

This is a classic 'Cluster Memory' question. UPSC demands you know the exact 'Parent-Child' relationship between the 18 Biosphere Reserves and their constituent National Parks/Sanctuaries. Relying on vague location awareness is insufficient; you must memorize the specific groupings found in standard texts like Shankar IAS or the UNESCO MAB list.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Are Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve included in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney, Peppara and Neyyar, are located in the site, as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve."
Why this source?
  • Authoritative source (UNESCO) explicitly names the three wildlife sanctuaries and the tiger reserve as located in the site.
  • Directly ties Neyyar (spelled 'Neyyar'), Peppara and Shendurney to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve and also names Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The reserve includes three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney, Peppara and Nayar, as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve."
Why this source?
  • Confirms inclusion using similar wording on the same UNESCO page content.
  • Lists the three sanctuaries (Shendurney, Peppara and Nayar) and the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve as part of the reserve.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"includes the Shendurney and Peppara wildlife sanctuaries and parts of the Neyyar sanctuary in Kerala along with the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu."
Why this source?
  • Independent article corroborates the inclusion, naming Shendurney and Peppara and parts of Neyyar, along with Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
  • Provides regional context (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) while reaffirming which protected areas are included.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
Strength: 5/5
“Biosphere 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. The programme of Biosphere Reserve was initiated by UNESCO in No: 1.; Name: Achanakamar Amarkantak; Iocation (State): Covers parts of Anupur and Diadori districts of M.P., and parts of Bilaspur districts of Chhattishgarh State. No: a; Name: Agasthyamalai; Iocation (State): Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala, No: 3.; Name: Cold Desert; Iocation (State): Pin Valley National Park and surroundings; Chandratal and Sarchu & Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh No: ; Name: Gulf of Mannar; location (State): Indian part of Gulf of Mannar Mannar between India and Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu).”
Why relevant

Gives a named composition for the Agasthyamalai (Agasthyamala) Biosphere Reserve listing Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries and adjoining areas.

How to extend

A student could treat this as a specific partial membership list and check maps or other sources to see if Kalakad Mundanthurai lies contiguous or administratively included with those sanctuaries in the same reserve.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Criteria for selection of Biosphere Reserves > p. 32
Strength: 4/5
“• Biosphere Reserves: 1. Biosphere Reserves are created by UNESCO.; Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves): 1. Protected areas are created mainly by the State Govern ments or by the Central Government according to the norms of the Indian National Man and Biosphere Committee. • Biosphere Reserves: 2. Conservation of all the fauna, fora and land scape of the Biosphere Reserve.; Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves): 2. Fauna and fora of ecosystems may be partly modifed. • Biosphere Reserves: 3. Biosphere Reserve conserves the natural and cultural diversity; Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves): 3.”
Why relevant

Explains the general rule that Biosphere Reserves are created by UNESCO and often incorporate protected areas (national parks, sanctuaries, tiger reserves) under national norms.

How to extend

Using this rule, a student can plausibly expect tiger reserves like Kalakad Mundanthurai to be incorporated into a biosphere reserve if geographically adjacent, so they can check adjacency on a map or official listings.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Western Ghats: A World Heritage Site > p. 56
Strength: 4/5
“The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (5500 km2) of the evergreen forests of Nagarhole, the Bandipur National Park covered with deciduous forest, the Mudumalai National Park and the Mukurthi National Park in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the other important protected areas. Moreover, there are Mudumalai (Coimbatore), Anamalai (Nilgiri District) and Munda Thurai (Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts) tiger reserves in the southern parts of the Western Ghats (Fig. 5.9). A judicious use of resources and conservation practices can improve the resilience characteristics of the ecosystems of this important world heritage site.”
Why relevant

Mentions 'Munda Thurai' (Mundanthurai) tiger reserve in the southern Western Ghats (Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts), placing it geographically near Agasthyamala's southern Western Ghats context.

How to extend

A student can use this geographic proximity plus maps of the southern Western Ghats to judge whether Kalakad Mundanthurai is contiguous with the sanctuaries named for Agasthyamalai.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Western ghats as a World Heritage site > p. 57
Strength: 3/5
“Western Ghats are covered with tropical and subtropical forests that provide food and natural habitat for the native tribal people. Te region is ecologically sensitive to development. Te Government of India and the state governments have established many protected areas including two biosphere reserves, 13 national parks and several wildlife sanctuaries to protect the endangered species of the region. Te Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (5500 sq km) of the evergreen forests of Nagarhole, the Bandipur National Park covered with deciduous forest, the Tamil Nadu National Park and Mukurthi National Park in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the important protected areas.”
Why relevant

Describes the Western Ghats as having many protected areas and biosphere reserves, implying that biosphere reserves in this region commonly group multiple protected units.

How to extend

Apply this pattern to suspect that Agasthyamalai (in southern Western Ghats) could encompass multiple nearby sanctuaries and a tiger reserve; verify by checking regional protected-area maps or official biosphere boundaries.

Statement 2
Are Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries and Silent Valley National Park included in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 3/5
"Silent Valley National Park ... Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary"
Why this source?
  • This passage's listing of protected areas for Agasthyamala explicitly names Silent Valley National Park among its national parks.
  • The same passage's wildlife sanctuaries list includes Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, showing Wayanad is part of the reserve's listed areas.
Web source
Presence: 2/5
"Mudumalai"
Why this source?
  • This passage's listings for Agasthyamala include Mudumalai (appearing in the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries sections), supporting that Mudumalai is included.
  • The passage shows Mudumalai is associated with the biosphere reserve's set of protected areas.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
Strength: 5/5
“Biosphere 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. The programme of Biosphere Reserve was initiated by UNESCO in No: 1.; Name: Achanakamar Amarkantak; Iocation (State): Covers parts of Anupur and Diadori districts of M.P., and parts of Bilaspur districts of Chhattishgarh State. No: a; Name: Agasthyamalai; Iocation (State): Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala, No: 3.; Name: Cold Desert; Iocation (State): Pin Valley National Park and surroundings; Chandratal and Sarchu & Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh No: ; Name: Gulf of Mannar; location (State): Indian part of Gulf of Mannar Mannar between India and Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu).”
Why relevant

Lists the areas making up Agasthyamalai — specifically Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries and adjoining areas in Kerala.

How to extend

A student can compare this explicit list with the locations of Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, Wayanad and Silent Valley on a map to see if they match the named sanctuaries.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Western Ghats: A World Heritage Site > p. 56
Strength: 4/5
“The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (5500 km2) of the evergreen forests of Nagarhole, the Bandipur National Park covered with deciduous forest, the Mudumalai National Park and the Mukurthi National Park in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the other important protected areas. Moreover, there are Mudumalai (Coimbatore), Anamalai (Nilgiri District) and Munda Thurai (Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts) tiger reserves in the southern parts of the Western Ghats (Fig. 5.9). A judicious use of resources and conservation practices can improve the resilience characteristics of the ecosystems of this important world heritage site.”
Why relevant

Describes the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and names Mudumalai and Mukurthi as protected areas in the southern Western Ghats (Tamil Nadu/Kerala), implying these sanctuaries are associated with Nilgiri rather than Agasthyamalai.

How to extend

Use this association to infer Mudumalai's likely biosphere grouping and check whether Nilgiri vs Agasthyamalai territories overlap on a regional map.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Western ghats as a World Heritage site > p. 57
Strength: 4/5
“Western Ghats are covered with tropical and subtropical forests that provide food and natural habitat for the native tribal people. Te region is ecologically sensitive to development. Te Government of India and the state governments have established many protected areas including two biosphere reserves, 13 national parks and several wildlife sanctuaries to protect the endangered species of the region. Te Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (5500 sq km) of the evergreen forests of Nagarhole, the Bandipur National Park covered with deciduous forest, the Tamil Nadu National Park and Mukurthi National Park in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the important protected areas.”
Why relevant

States there are specific biosphere reserves in the Western Ghats (e.g., Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve) and lists important protected areas in those reserves.

How to extend

A student can use this rule (different biosphere reserves contain distinct sets of parks) to test whether the named sanctuaries belong to Nilgiri or Agasthyamalai by consulting reserve boundaries.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Popular National Parks of India > p. 44
Strength: 4/5
“• S.No.: 10; National Parks: Mahatama Gandhi Marine National Park; Year of Establishment: 1983; State: Andaman & Nicobar Islands • S.No.: 11; National Parks: Namdapha National Park; Year of Establishment: 1983; State: Arunachal Pradesh • S.No.: 12; National Parks: Silent Valley National Park; Year of Establishment: 1984; State: Kerala • S.No.: 13; National Parks: Saddle Peak National Park; Year of Establishment: 1987; State: Andaman & Nicobar Islands • S.No.: 14; National Parks: Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary; Year of Establishment: 1992; State: Rajasthan • S.No.: 15; National Parks: Bison National Park; Year of Establishment: 2007; State: Tripura • S.No.: 16.; National Parks: Khirganga National Park; Year of Establishment: 2010; State: Himachal Pradesh • S.No.: 17.; National Parks: Jaldapara National Park; Year of Establishment: 2014; State: West Bengal Wildlife Sanctuary: Similar to a national park, a wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to protect wildlife and particular species.”
Why relevant

Identifies Silent Valley National Park as a Kerala park (established 1984) but does not list it as part of Agasthyamalai in the provided Agasthyamalai list.

How to extend

Compare Silent Valley's location in Kerala with the sanctuaries explicitly listed for Agasthyamalai (from evidence_index 3) to assess inclusion.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Table 4.10 (Contd.) > p. 39
Strength: 3/5
“Fakim Wildlife Santuary; State/States: Nagaland; Dominant Species Protected: Elephant, deer, chital, panther, hyena, wild boar, etc. • National Park/Sanctuaries: 15. Gir National Park; State/States: Gujarat; Dominant Species Protected: Asiatic-lion, panther, stripped-hyena, sambar, nilgai, chital, deer, chousingha, chinkara, wild boar, crocodile, etc. • National Park/Sanctuaries: 16. Guindy National Park; State/States: Chennai (Tamil Nadu); Dominant Species Protected: Elephant, panther, hyena, wondru, antilope and birds • National Park/Sanctuaries: 17. Gulf of Mannar National Park and Biosphere Reserve; State/States: Tamil Nadu; Dominant Species Protected: Dugong (sea cow), Mangrove, corals, fshes, molluscs, marine plants and marine life, etc. • National Park/Sanctuaries: 18. Hemis National Park; State/States: Leh/Ladakh (J&K); Dominant Species Protected: Musk-deer, yak, hangal, chausingha, brown bear, wild-cat, etc. • National Park/Sanctuaries: 19.”
Why relevant

Lists Mudumalai Sanctuary under popular national parks/sanctuaries and ties it to Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), reinforcing that Mudumalai is associated with the Nilgiri region.

How to extend

Use this to further distinguish Mudumalai's likely biosphere affiliation (Nilgiri) vs the Agasthyamalai list, by checking regional boundaries.

Statement 3
Are Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries and Mukurthi National Park included in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
Strength: 5/5
“Biosphere 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. The programme of Biosphere Reserve was initiated by UNESCO in No: 1.; Name: Achanakamar Amarkantak; Iocation (State): Covers parts of Anupur and Diadori districts of M.P., and parts of Bilaspur districts of Chhattishgarh State. No: a; Name: Agasthyamalai; Iocation (State): Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala, No: 3.; Name: Cold Desert; Iocation (State): Pin Valley National Park and surroundings; Chandratal and Sarchu & Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh No: ; Name: Gulf of Mannar; location (State): Indian part of Gulf of Mannar Mannar between India and Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu).”
Why relevant

Gives the explicit composition of the Agasthyamalai (Agasthyamala) Biosphere Reserve: it names Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries and adjoining areas in Kerala.

How to extend

A student could compare that named list with the sanctuaries in the question—if Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda are not among the listed sanctuaries, this suggests they are not part of Agasthyamala and should be checked against other reserves or maps.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Western Ghats: A World Heritage Site > p. 56
Strength: 5/5
“The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (5500 km2) of the evergreen forests of Nagarhole, the Bandipur National Park covered with deciduous forest, the Mudumalai National Park and the Mukurthi National Park in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the other important protected areas. Moreover, there are Mudumalai (Coimbatore), Anamalai (Nilgiri District) and Munda Thurai (Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts) tiger reserves in the southern parts of the Western Ghats (Fig. 5.9). A judicious use of resources and conservation practices can improve the resilience characteristics of the ecosystems of this important world heritage site.”
Why relevant

States Mukurthi National Park as an important protected area associated with the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Western Ghats).

How to extend

Knowing Mukurthi is linked to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve lets a student infer Mukurthi is likely not part of Agasthyamala and prompts checking biosphere-reserve boundaries or official lists.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Western ghats as a World Heritage site > p. 57
Strength: 4/5
“Western Ghats are covered with tropical and subtropical forests that provide food and natural habitat for the native tribal people. Te region is ecologically sensitive to development. Te Government of India and the state governments have established many protected areas including two biosphere reserves, 13 national parks and several wildlife sanctuaries to protect the endangered species of the region. Te Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (5500 sq km) of the evergreen forests of Nagarhole, the Bandipur National Park covered with deciduous forest, the Tamil Nadu National Park and Mukurthi National Park in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the important protected areas.”
Why relevant

Also associates Mukurthi National Park with the Nilgiri (Western Ghats) protected-area complex, reinforcing its membership in Nilgiri rather than another biosphere reserve.

How to extend

A student can use this pattern (parks belonging to specific biosphere reserves) plus a map of Western Ghats/administrative boundaries to judge whether Mukurthi falls within Agasthyamala's area.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Criteria for selection of Biosphere Reserves > p. 32
Strength: 4/5
“• Biosphere Reserves: 1. Biosphere Reserves are created by UNESCO.; Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves): 1. Protected areas are created mainly by the State Govern ments or by the Central Government according to the norms of the Indian National Man and Biosphere Committee. • Biosphere Reserves: 2. Conservation of all the fauna, fora and land scape of the Biosphere Reserve.; Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves): 2. Fauna and fora of ecosystems may be partly modifed. • Biosphere Reserves: 3. Biosphere Reserve conserves the natural and cultural diversity; Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves): 3.”
Why relevant

Explains that biosphere reserves are constituted of protected areas (national parks, sanctuaries) and that protected areas are designated by state/central authorities following norms.

How to extend

A student could use this rule to search official lists/maps of protected areas included in a specific biosphere reserve (Agasthyamala) to confirm membership of the named sanctuaries/park.

Statement 4
Are Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve included in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
Strength: 5/5
“Biosphere 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. The programme of Biosphere Reserve was initiated by UNESCO in No: 1.; Name: Achanakamar Amarkantak; Iocation (State): Covers parts of Anupur and Diadori districts of M.P., and parts of Bilaspur districts of Chhattishgarh State. No: a; Name: Agasthyamalai; Iocation (State): Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala, No: 3.; Name: Cold Desert; Iocation (State): Pin Valley National Park and surroundings; Chandratal and Sarchu & Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh No: ; Name: Gulf of Mannar; location (State): Indian part of Gulf of Mannar Mannar between India and Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu).”
Why relevant

Explicitly names the components/locations of the Agasthyamalai (Agasthyamala) Biosphere Reserve as Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala.

How to extend

A student can use a map to note that Agasthyamala is confined to specific sanctuaries in Kerala and compare the locations of Kawal, Sri Venkateswara, and Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam to see if they fall within that area.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Table 4.10 (Contd.) > p. 40
Strength: 5/5
“Nagarhole National Park; State/States: Coorg (Karnataka); Dominant Species Protected: Elephant, tiger, panther, chital, sambar, hyena, sloth-bear, jungle-fowl, partridges, etc. • National Park/Sanctuaries: 31. Nagarjunasagar–Srisilam Sanc tuary; State/States: Andhra Pradesh; Dominant Species Protected: Tiger, panther, sloth-bear,chital, Jerdon's cours er, sambar, nilgai, black-buck, jackal, fox, rock rat, wolf, hyena, mugarmuchh (crocodile) • National Park/Sanctuaries: 32. Namdhapa National park; State/States: Arunachal Pradesh; Dominant Species Protected: Tiger, leopard, clouded-leopard, gaur, goral, hyena, gibbon, musk-deer, red-panda, macaque, horn-bill, jungle-fowl, pheasants, etc. • National Park/Sanctuaries: 33. Nawegaon National Park; State/States: Maharashtra; Dominant Species Protected: Elephant, panther, hyena, deer, nilgai, wild boar, fox, jackal, wolf, birds, etc. • National Park/Sanctuaries: 34.”
Why relevant

Identifies Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam as a sanctuary/tiger reserve located in Andhra Pradesh.

How to extend

Combine this with the Agasthyamala component list (which are Kerala sanctuaries) to infer whether an Andhra Pradesh reserve is geographically likely to be part of the Kerala-based Agasthyamala reserve.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > SanctuarieS. > p. 43
Strength: 4/5
“• State: Andhra Pradesh; Sanctuaries: Nagarjunasagar Sanctuary • State: Haryana; Sanctuaries: Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary • State: Himachal Pradesh; Sanctuaries: Shikari Devi Sanctuary • State: Jammu & Kashmir; Sanctuaries: Dachigam Sanctuary • State: Kerala; Sanctuaries: Periyar Sanctuary • State: Punjab; Sanctuaries: Harike Pattan Wildlife Sanctuary, Motigarh Sanctuary • State: Odisha; Sanctuaries: Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary • State: Rajasthan; Sanctuaries: Keoladev Ghana Bird Sanctuary Source: Ecology & Environment by P.D. Sharma”
Why relevant

Also lists Nagarjunasagar Sanctuary under the State: Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing its state/location identity.

How to extend

Use the repeated identification of Nagarjunasagar as Andhra Pradesh to contrast with Agasthyamala’s Kerala sanctuaries; a student could rule out inclusion based on state/location mismatch unless maps show otherwise.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Criteria for selection of Biosphere Reserves > p. 32
Strength: 4/5
“• Biosphere Reserves: 1. Biosphere Reserves are created by UNESCO.; Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves): 1. Protected areas are created mainly by the State Govern ments or by the Central Government according to the norms of the Indian National Man and Biosphere Committee. • Biosphere Reserves: 2. Conservation of all the fauna, fora and land scape of the Biosphere Reserve.; Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves): 2. Fauna and fora of ecosystems may be partly modifed. • Biosphere Reserves: 3. Biosphere Reserve conserves the natural and cultural diversity; Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves): 3.”
Why relevant

Explains that biosphere reserves are UNESCO designations that can include protected areas (national parks, sanctuaries, tiger reserves) created by state/central authorities.

How to extend

A student can use this rule to look up the official UNESCO/Indian MAB documentation or notified boundaries to check which state-managed protected areas were formally included in Agasthyamala.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Popular National Parks of India > p. 45
Strength: 3/5
“Tiger Reserves: Some of the important Tiger Reserves of India have been shown on the map in the subsequent pages. The number of tigers in India has increased 1706 in 2010 and 2226 in 2014 as compared to 1411 in the year 2006. The largest tiger reserve in India is 'Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve' (Andhra Pradesh,”
Why relevant

States that Nagarjuna Sagar–Srisailam is the largest tiger reserve in India and locates it (Andhra Pradesh), reinforcing its distinct geographic identity.

How to extend

A student can combine this geographic identity with Agasthyamala’s Kerala sanctuary list to judge whether inclusion is plausible without further documentary evidence.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC constructs distractors using real clusters from other regions. Option B is the exact composition of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Option D contains components of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. The test is not just identifying the right answer, but recognizing that the wrong options are valid descriptions of *other* places.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly covered in Shankar IAS (Chapter 29) and standard NCERT appendices on Biosphere Reserves.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Protected Area Network' theme. Specifically, the 12 Biosphere Reserves in India recognized under UNESCO's MAB programme (Agasthyamala was added in 2016).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the components of the 'Confusing Cousins': 1. Nilgiri BR = Wayanad + Nagarhole + Bandipur + Mudumalai + Mukurthi + Silent Valley. 2. Seshachalam BR = Sri Venkateswara NP. 3. Gulf of Mannar BR = Marine National Park + 21 Islands.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not study PAs in isolation. Always map them hierarchically: Biosphere Reserve > Tiger Reserve > National Park > Sanctuary. Create a 'Venn Diagram' mental map for the Western Ghats, separating the 'Nilgiri Cluster' (North of Palakkad Gap) from the 'Agasthyamala Cluster' (South of Palakkad Gap).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Agasthyamala (Agasthyamalai) Biosphere Reserve composition
💡 The insight

Agasthyamala includes the Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

High-yield for questions on biosphere reserves and protected-area mapping; helps answer location/composition questions about biosphere reserves and distinguish which sanctuaries belong to which reserve. Links geography of protected areas with conservation policy topics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
🔗 Anchor: "Are Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and Kalakad Mundanthurai..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Biosphere reserve vs protected-area relationships
💡 The insight

Biosphere reserves are designed to include protected areas such as national parks, sanctuaries and tiger reserves as components.

Important for interpreting many UPSC questions that ask whether a given protected area is part of a biosphere reserve; connects to syllabus topics on conservation frameworks, legal designations and protected-area management.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Criteria for selection of Biosphere Reserves > p. 32
🔗 Anchor: "Are Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and Kalakad Mundanthurai..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Protected areas of the southern Western Ghats
💡 The insight

Key protected units in the southern Western Ghats include Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney sanctuaries and the Mundanthurai (Munda Thurai) tiger reserve.

Useful for region-specific questions on Western Ghats conservation, biodiversity hotspots and state-wise protected-area distribution; enables elimination-style answers by matching protected-area names to reserves and states.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Western Ghats: A World Heritage Site > p. 56
🔗 Anchor: "Are Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and Kalakad Mundanthurai..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve composition
💡 The insight

Agasthyamalai comprises the Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala.

High-yield for questions on specific biosphere reserves and their constituent protected areas; helps eliminate incorrect options when asked which sanctuaries/national parks belong to a named reserve. Connects to topics on regional conservation geography and state-wise protected area distributions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
🔗 Anchor: "Are Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries and Silent Valley..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Differences between National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
💡 The insight

National parks have stricter protection than wildlife sanctuaries; some regulated activities allowed in sanctuaries are prohibited in national parks.

Core concept for UPSC questions on protected area management, legal protection levels and policy implications; links to biodiversity conservation, human-use restrictions, and legislative frameworks like the Wildlife Protection Act. Enables question patterns comparing categories and management objectives.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > Difference tretween the two > p. 213
🔗 Anchor: "Are Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries and Silent Valley..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Biosphere Reserves under UNESCO's MAB and selection criteria
💡 The insight

Biosphere reserves are designated under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme and are selected to conserve fauna, flora and landscapes while promoting sustainable development.

Essential for environment and international agreements syllabus: explains why particular areas receive biosphere status and ties to national implementation. Useful for questions on international environmental programmes, criteria for protected-area designation, and conservation policy integration.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Criteria for selection of Biosphere Reserves > p. 32
🔗 Anchor: "Are Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries and Silent Valley..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve composition
💡 The insight

Agasthyamalai comprises Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala.

High-yield for UPSC questions on biosphere reserves and the Western Ghats: knowing exact constituent protected areas enables elimination of incorrect options and links to state-level conservation policy and geography.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 5. Biosphere > p. 433
🔗 Anchor: "Are Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries and Mukurt..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Option D mentions 'Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary'. This is the core component of the **Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve** (Andhra Pradesh), the first BR in Andhra. Expect a future question asking: 'Which protected areas form the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve?'

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply the **'River & State' Filter**: Agasthyamala is in the extreme south (Kerala/TN).
- Option C lists **Papikonda** (Godavari Basin, Andhra) mixed with **Mukurthi** (Nilgiris). Geographically impossible.
- Option D lists **Nagarjunasagar** (Krishna Basin, Telangana/Andhra). Too far north.
- Option B lists **Wayanad/Mudumalai** (Nilgiri complex).
- Only Option A remains in the southern tip.

🔗 Mains Connection

Link this to **Western Ghats Ecology**: The distinction between the Nilgiri Cluster and Agasthyamala Cluster is crucial for the **Gadgil vs. Kasturirangan Committee** debates on Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ). Agasthyamala is a hotspot for medicinal plants (Kanikkaran tribals).

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2005 · Q30 Relevance score: 2.67

Which one of the following is not a Biosphere Reserve?

CDS-I · 2024 · Q15 Relevance score: 2.36

Which one of the following biosphere reserves is spread over three States in India?

CDS-I · 2017 · Q33 Relevance score: 1.87

Which one of the following is not a biosphere reserve of India?

NDA-II · 2017 · Q51 Relevance score: 0.96

Which set of the following biosphere reserves in India is included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves ?

CDS-II · 2021 · Q88 Relevance score: 0.77

Which one of the following biosphere reserves comprises islands with estuaries, beaches, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves ?