Biosphere Reserves of India — Set 12

Correct Answer: B. They are sites in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves facilitating global research cooperation

India's UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserves are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which facilitates global scientific cooperation, research, and knowledge exchange among biosphere reserve managers worldwide. This network allows comparison of research findings and collaborative monitoring across different ecosystems. India's 12 UNESCO-recognized reserves contribute actively to this global network.

Correct Answer: C. Snow Leopard and Tibetan Wolf

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh supports Snow Leopard and Tibetan Wolf as flagship species. The Snow Leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule I of WPA 1972. The reserve's harsh trans-Himalayan landscape is the natural habitat for these cold-adapted predators.

Correct Answer: B. Great Nicobar BR

The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It covers the southern part of Great Nicobar Island and is home to endemic species like the Nicobar Megapode and Saltwater Crocodile. It is a UNESCO recognized Biosphere Reserve and is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Correct Answer: C. 1998

The Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh was established in 1998. It is the largest Biosphere Reserve in India and is part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot. The reserve encompasses Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and Mouling National Park.

Correct Answer: D. 18

India has 18 Biosphere Reserves as of 2024 after the Thar Biosphere Reserve was added in 2023. These 18 reserves span diverse ecosystems from the cold deserts of Himachal Pradesh to the tropical rainforests of the Andaman Islands, and from the mangroves of West Bengal to the marine environments of Tamil Nadu.

Correct Answer: B. 2000

The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in Sikkim was established in 2000. It is one of the world's most biodiverse mountain ecosystems. The Khangchendzonga National Park forming its core was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

Correct Answer: C. 2001

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve was recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2001. It was established nationally in 1989 as India's first marine Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is known for its coral reefs, seagrass, and dugong habitat.

Correct Answer: C. 2001

The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve was recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2001. The Sundarban was established nationally as a Biosphere Reserve in 1989. The Sundarban National Park forming its core was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site earlier in 1987.

Correct Answer: B. First Indian UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, 14 years after its national designation

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve's 2000 UNESCO recognition was significant because it was the first Indian Biosphere Reserve to achieve UNESCO World Network status, coming 14 years after its national designation in 1986. This recognition helped put India's Biosphere Reserves on the global conservation map. Since then, 11 more Indian Biosphere Reserves have received UNESCO recognition.

Correct Answer: C. India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, of which 12 are UNESCO recognized

The correct statement is that India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, of which 12 have been recognized by UNESCO and included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Not all 18 are UNESCO recognized — the Thar BR (2023) and some others are yet to receive UNESCO recognition. Biosphere Reserves have no specific legal basis under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 — they are administrative designations by MoEFCC.