Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is India’s first biosphere reserve, established in 1986. It’s located in the Western Ghats, covering two of India’s special regions. This reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems and various species, making it the top biosphere reserve in the country.

In this article, we will take a look at Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’s objectives, location, geography, climate, flora & fauna, tourism and some interesting facts!

Let’s get started!

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Overview

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Location	South India
Coordinates	11°33′00″N 76°37′30″E
Area	5,520 km2 (2,130 sq mi)
Established	1986
Governing Body	Tamilnadu Forest Department, Karnataka Forest Department, Kerala Forest Department, Project Tiger

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Map

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

About Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a collection of unique and rare natural environments. It contains everything from lush forests on the lower hills to open grasslands higher up, and various types of forests in between, extending all the way to the plains in the East.

This area is a hotspot for a wide variety of living things. It’s home to approximately 3,500 types of flowering plants, with 1,500 of them exclusively found in the Western Ghats. In terms of animals, there are over 100 different types of mammals, 550 species of birds, 30 reptiles and amphibians, 300 butterflies, and numerous other small creatures. There may be even more undiscovered species waiting to be identified by scientists.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Objectives

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve has key goals, including:

1. Preserving Genetic Diversity: Ensuring that the variety within species is protected in their natural habitats.
2. Ecological Restoration: Rehabilitating areas that have been disturbed, allowing them to return to their natural state.
3. Research and Education: Collecting crucial information for studying and teaching about nature and the environment.
4. Sustainable Development: Demonstrating a sustainable approach to development that doesn’t harm the planet in the long term.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Location

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is located in the Western Ghats of India and covers an area of about 5,500 square kilometres. The reserve is spread across three states of India: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Geography

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a large piece of land, covering 5,520 square kilometers. If you were to locate it on a map, it extends between 76° to 77°15‘E longitude and 11°15‘ to 12°15‘N latitude. This special area spans across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

It’s part of the Malabar rainforest region, and within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, you’ll find well-known places like Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley. These are like the VIP zones that receive extra protection within the reserve.

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is divided into three states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

State	Area (Sq. Kms)
Tamilnadu	2537.6
Kerala	1455.4
Karnataka	1527.4

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Climate

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve has a pleasant and mild climate throughout the year, due to its location in the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills. The area is significantly influenced by monsoon winds, bringing abundant rainfall from June to September.

The temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, regardless of the season. The hottest period is from March to May, while the coolest stretches from November to January, with temperatures ranging between 5°C and 15°C.

There are two monsoon seasons here. The first one, the southwest monsoon, occurs from June to September. The second, the northeast monsoon, takes over from October to December. On average, the region receives about 1,500 to 2,500 millimeters of rain each year, with the highest rainfall occurring in the Nilgiri Hills.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Vegetation

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is famous for its lush and varied plant life, featuring a mix of forests, grassy lands, and wet areas. The plants in this region are grouped into different types based on how high up they are and what the weather is like. Let’s take a look at some of the main kinds of plants you can find in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve:

S. No.	Vegetation Type	Description
1	Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests	Found in lower elevations, these forests boast tall, evergreen trees with dense foliage. They have a rich undergrowth of shrubs and herbs.
2	Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests	Located in mid-elevations, these forests feature deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the dry season. The undergrowth includes bamboo, grasses, and shrubs.
3	Shola Forests	Present in higher elevations, Shola forests have short, stunted trees and dense undergrowth of grasses, shrubs, and herbs. They are unique to the Western Ghats and serve as crucial habitats for various endemic species.
4	Grasslands	Situated in lower elevations, the grasslands are characterized by tall grasses and scattered trees. These areas are important habitats for herbivorous mammals such as elephants, bison, and deer.
5	Wetlands	Including lakes, ponds, and swamps, the wetlands offer a crucial habitat for various aquatic and semi-aquatic plants and animals.
6	Savannah Woodlands	These trees scattered amid the vast woodland. They mainly occur in Mudumalai and Bandipur.
7	Thorns	The nature of this vegetation is dense. They are found in the North-East part of the Nilgiri district.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Fauna

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve serves as a vast home for a variety of animals and insects. It’s unique because it houses over 100 different types of mammals, including fascinating species like the Nilgiri tahr, tiger, and Indian elephant. In the skies, you can spot around 350 types of birds, while on the ground, there are 80 reptiles and amphibians crawling and hopping. In the water, 39 types of fish, including the special Danio neilgheriensis, can be found. Some animals, such as the Nilgiri langur and slender loris, are exclusive to this region.

S. No.	Fauna Type	Description
1	Mammals	The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is home to over 100 mammal species. These include various animals such as elephants, bison, and deer, creating a diverse community of herbivores and carnivores.
2	Birds	With around 550 species of birds, the reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Diverse avian life, including colorful and rare species, contributes to the vibrant ecosystem of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
3	Reptiles and Amphibians	The region is inhabited by about 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, adding a fascinating layer to the biodiversity. Snakes, frogs, and other cold-blooded creatures contribute to the ecological balance.
4	Butterflies	With around 300 species of butterflies fluttering around, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a haven for these delicate insects. The variety of colors and patterns they bring adds beauty and contributes to the overall biodiversity.
5	Invertebrates and More	Besides the well-documented species, there are numerous invertebrates and other creatures waiting to be discovered by scientists. This undiscovered diversity adds an element of mystery to the vibrant life within the reserve.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Flora

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is full of different plants. It consists of about 3,300 types of flowering plants, and 132 of them are special to this place. Some plants, like Adenoon, Calacanthus, and Baeolepis, only grow here and nowhere else. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is also home to 175 kinds of orchids, and 8 of them are unique to this place. These special orchids include Vanda, Liparis, Bulbophyllum, Spiranthes, and Thrixspermum. The sholas, which are like forests in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, hide rare plants that make this place even more special.

S. No.	Flora Type	Description
1	Flowering Plants	The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve boasts around 3,300 species of flowering plants. Among these, 132 are exclusive to the reserve, and the genus Baeolepis is entirely unique to the Nilgiris. Plants like Adenoon, Calacanthus, and Jarodina are restricted to this area.
2	Orchids	Within the reserve, there are 175 species of orchids, with 8 of them being specific to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. These include endemic and endangered species of Vanda, Liparis, Bulbophyllum, Spiranthes, and Thrixspermum.
3	Shola Plants	The sholas (forested patches) in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve are a treasure trove of rare plant species, contributing to the overall richness of the region’s flora.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Tourism

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve attracts many visitors each year, offering a variety of activities like trekking, bird watching, wildlife safaris, and nature walks. The best time to plan a visit is from October to May, which covers the pleasant winter and summer seasons. This period provides clear skies, perfect for outdoor adventures such as trekking and observing wildlife. However, it’s wise to avoid the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rainfall, which can lead to closed attractions for safety reasons. The weather in the Western Ghats can be unpredictable, so it’s recommended to check forecasts before planning your trip to ensure an enjoyable experience in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Interesting Facts About Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

• The name ‘Nilgiris,’ meaning ‘blue mountains,’ comes from the blue flower-clad mountains in the Nilgiris plateau, Tamil Nadu.
• Established in 1986, it was India’s first biosphere reserve.
• The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an International Biosphere Reserve situated in the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills of South India.
• Included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2000.
• Part of the Nilgiri Sub-Cluster, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.
• Located in the Western Ghats, covering Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
• The largest protected forest area in India, spanning 5,520 km² across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• Encompasses parts of the Nilgiri Plateau in a near-complete ring.
• Falls under the biogeographic region of the Malabar rainforest.

FAQs on Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Where is Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is located in the Western Ghats of India, spread across three states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.

Which is the second largest biosphere reserve in India?

The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, is considered second largest biosphere reserve in India.

Which national parks are part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?

The Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, and Silent Valley National Park are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

In which state is Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve encompasses parts of Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

Which is India’s largest biosphere reserve?

The Great Rann of Kutch is India’s largest biosphere reserve, located in the state of Gujarat.