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List Of Biosphere Reserves In India: A biosphere reserve is a specified region that protects the ecosystem while safeguarding local inhabitants like plants, animals and the natural environment. These reserves aim to strike a balance between sustainable use and conservation of natural resources. They ensure that their natural habitat is maintained and help to protect the unique plants and animals found in a particular region. At the same time, biosphere reserves also allow residents to live and work in a way that doesn’t harm biodiversity. Due to this, biosphere reserves are essential to maintaining biodiversity and creating a healthy ecosystem.

India has a total of 18 biosphere reserves in various regions and each of them features unique landscapes, flora, and fauna. From the lush woodlands of the Western Ghats to the arid deserts of Rajasthan, these reserves showcase the variety of India’s natural beauty. They are important in safeguarding endangered species and help researchers in examining the environment.

In this article, we have curated the list of biosphere reserves in India, their importance to the ecosystem, and how they contribute to preserving the balance of nature while supporting sustainable development.

Complete List Of Biosphere Reserves In India State Wise 

Biosphere Reserve State Year Established Significance
Nilgiri Tamil Nadu, Kerala 1986 First biosphere reserve in India
Nanda Devi Uttarakhand 1988 Protects unique alpine flora and fauna, including the snow leopard.
Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu 1989 Famous for coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and endangered sea turtles.
Sundarbans West Bengal 1989 Largest mangrove forest, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Great Nicobar Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1989 Known for tropical rainforests and Indigenous tribes
Manas Assam 1989 Habitat for rare species like the golden langur and pygmy hog.
Simlipal Odisha 1994 Rich in medicinal plants and home to Bengal tigers and Asian elephants.
Dibru-Saikhowa Assam 1997 Famous for wetlands, grasslands, and migratory birds.
Dehang-Dibang Arunachal Pradesh 1998 Known for its pristine wilderness and high-altitude biodiversity.
Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh 1999 Rich in forest biodiversity and home to tribal communities.
Khangchendzonga Sikkim 2000 UNESCO World Heritage Site
Agasthyamalai Kerala, Tamil Nadu 2001 Biodiversity hotspot with rare medicinal plants and tribal culture.
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh 2005 Source of major rivers and habitat for leopards and tigers.
Kachchh Gujarat 2008 Unique desert ecosystem, home to the Indian wild ass.
Cold Desert Himachal Pradesh 2009 Known for its high-altitude biodiversity and Tibetan culture.
Seshachalam Hills Andhra Pradesh 2010 Famous for red sanders and spiritual significance.
Panna Madhya Pradesh 2011 Known for tiger conservation and diverse wildlife.
Great Rann of Kutch Gujarat 2008 Salt marsh ecosystem, habitat for flamingos and wild asses.

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