Biosphere Reserves of India — Set 5

Correct Answer: C. Simlipal

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve in Odisha is a UNESCO recognized Biosphere Reserve. It is located in the Mayurbhanj district and contains the Simlipal Tiger Reserve. Simlipal is particularly notable for its rare melanistic (black) tigers, which represent a unique genetic variant documented here.

Correct Answer: B. Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) — a CITES-listed tree

The Seshachalam Hills, part of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh, are known for Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), a rare timber tree listed under CITES Appendix II. Red Sanders smuggling from this region is a major wildlife crime concern. The hills are part of the Eastern Ghats and also support the rare Slender Loris.

Correct Answer: B. Tigers were declared locally extinct in 2009 and then successfully reintroduced, with a healthy population now established

Panna Biosphere Reserve is considered a conservation success story because tigers were declared locally extinct in 2009 due to poaching and mismanagement, but a reintroduction programme beginning in 2009-10 successfully re-established a breeding population. The reserve now has over 50 tigers. This story is often cited as a model for tiger recovery globally.

Correct Answer: B. They serve as sites for long-term scientific research, monitoring, and demonstration of sustainable development

The term 'living laboratory' for Biosphere Reserves refers to their function as long-term sites for ecological research, environmental monitoring, and demonstration of sustainable development approaches. Researchers study ecosystem dynamics, species interactions, and the effects of human activities on biodiversity. This scientific function distinguishes Biosphere Reserves from purely protected areas.

Correct Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has the most Biosphere Reserves among Indian states, with three reserves — Panchmarhi, Achanakmar-Amarkantak (shared with Chhattisgarh), and Panna. MP is also known for its rich tiger population and biodiversity. Tamil Nadu is also notable for contributing to the Nilgiri and Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserves.

Correct Answer: B. Trans-Himalayan cold desert

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh is part of the Trans-Himalayan cold desert biogeographic zone. It is characterized by extremely low precipitation, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperature variations. Species like Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Tibetan Antelope (Chiru), and unique cold-desert plants are found here.

Correct Answer: B. Feral horses (semi-wild horses)

The Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve in Assam is particularly known for its population of feral horses — horses that were domesticated but reverted to a wild state. The reserve is also a habitat for Ganges River Dolphins and various water birds. It is situated on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers.

Correct Answer: D. Simlipal BR

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve in Odisha is known for its population of melanistic tigers — tigers with unusually dark or black colouration due to a genetic mutation causing excess melanin production. Melanistic tigers have been photographically documented at Simlipal. This unique genetic variant makes the Simlipal tiger population of global conservation interest.

Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan

The Thar Biosphere Reserve, designated in 2023, is located in Rajasthan, covering the Thar Desert ecosystem. It is India's 18th and newest Biosphere Reserve. The Thar Desert is one of the world's most densely populated deserts and supports species like the Great Indian Bustard, Chinkara, Desert Fox, and numerous reptiles adapted to arid conditions.

Correct Answer: B. A National Park often forms the Core Zone of a Biosphere Reserve

In most cases, a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary forms the Core Zone of a Biosphere Reserve, providing the strictly protected legal core. For example, the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve has the Sundarban National Park in its core zone. The Biosphere Reserve designation then adds outer buffer and transition zones around this legally protected core.