Explore The Complete List Of 18 Biosphere Reserves In India 2025 With State-Wise Details. Know The First And Smallest Biosphere Reserves Recognized Under UNESCO MAB Programme.
Biosphere Reserves in India are designated areas that protect natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable human development. These reserves are recognized under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, ensuring a balance between conservation and livelihood needs. Currently, India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, each contributing to biodiversity conservation and research.
In this article we will provide a comprehensive overview, covering all Biosphere Reserves in India, their objectives, benefits, and key details about the first and smallest reserves.
Also Read: National Parks In India
Biosphere Reserves are large areas that include terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems. They serve as protected regions where conservation efforts are integrated with sustainable human activities. These reserves aim to:
As of 2025, India has 18 Biosphere Reserves. Out of these, 12 are recognized under UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). These reserves cover diverse ecological zones, from the Himalayas to coastal and desert regions.
The Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, launched by UNESCO in 1971, promotes conservation, sustainable development, and research. India follows this program to protect its biodiversity while ensuring economic growth.
India has a rich and diverse natural heritage with unique ecosystems and a wide variety of plants and animals. To protect these valuable resources and support sustainable living, the country has set up 18 Biosphere Reserves.
These reserves, recognized under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, provide safe habitats for endangered species and help protect different ecosystems. From the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the south to the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in the north, each plays an important role in conserving nature. Below is the list of Biosphere Reserves in India.
Here is the complete list of all Biosphere Reserves in India, including their year of establishment, states covered, and key species protected.
Year | Biosphere Reserve | State(s) | Key Species | Area (km²) |
1986 | Nilgiri | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala | Nilgiri Tahr, Tiger | 5,520 |
1988 | Nanda Devi | Uttarakhand | Snow Leopard, Musk Deer | 5,860 |
1988 | Nokrek | Meghalaya | Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon | 820 |
1989 | Gulf of Mannar | Tamil Nadu | Dugong, Olive Ridley Turtle | 10,500 |
1989 | Sundarbans | West Bengal | Royal Bengal Tiger | 9,630 |
1989 | Manas | Assam | Asiatic Elephant, Golden Langur | 2,837 |
1989 | Great Nicobar | Andaman & Nicobar | Saltwater Crocodile, Nicobar Megapode | 885 |
1994 | Simlipal | Odisha | Gaur, Tiger, Elephant | 4,374 |
1998 | Dihang-Dibang | Arunachal Pradesh | Takin, Red Panda | 5,112 |
1997 | Dibru-Saikhowa | Assam | Gangetic Dolphin, Bengal Tiger | 765 |
1999 | Pachmarhi | Madhya Pradesh | Indian Giant Squirrel | 4,981 |
2000 | Khangchendzonga | Sikkim | Red Panda, Snow Leopard | 2,620 |
2001 | Agasthyamalai | Kerala, Tamil Nadu | Nilgiri Tahr, Elephant | 3,500 |
2005 | Achanakmar-Amarkantak | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh | Wild Dog, Sarus Crane | 3,835 |
2008 | Great Rann of Kutch | Gujarat | Indian Wild Ass | 12,454 |
2009 | Cold Desert | Himachal Pradesh | Snow Leopard | 7,770 |
2010 | Seshachalam Hills | Andhra Pradesh | Slender Loris | 4,755 |
2011 | Panna | Madhya Pradesh | Bengal Tiger, Chinkara | 2,998 |
The first Biosphere Reserve in India was Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986. It spans across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala and is home to unique flora and fauna like the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, and Malabar Giant Squirrel.
The smallest Biosphere Reserve in India is Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya, covering just 820 km². It is home to the Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon, and unique citrus plant species.
Out of the 18 Biosphere Reserves in India, 12 are recognized by UNESCO. These reserves receive global recognition and funding support.
Name | States/UT | Year |
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka | 2000 |
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve | Tamil Nadu | 2001 |
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve | West Bengal | 2001 |
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve | Uttarakhand | 2004 |
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve | Meghalaya | 2009 |
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 2009 |
Simlipal Biosphere Reserve | Odisha | 2009 |
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve | Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh | 2012 |
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 2013 |
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve | Kerala, Tamil Nadu | 2016 |
Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim | 2018 |
Panna Biosphere Reserve | Madhya Pradesh | 2020 |
Biosphere Reserves play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and maintaining ecological balance. They also promote sustainable development by supporting research, education, and local community participation in conservation efforts. Importance of Biosphere Reserves include:
Managing Biosphere Reserves is challenging due to habitat destruction, climate change, and human encroachments. Challenges of managing Biosphere Reserves include:
Biosphere Reserves in India play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. As of 2025, there are 18 Biosphere Reserves, with 12 internationally recognized by UNESCO.
By ensuring a balance between conservation and human needs, these reserves help in protecting the environment while supporting local communities. Strengthening conservation efforts will ensure that these precious ecosystems continue to thrive for future generations.
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No, Biosphere reserves focus on conservation, sustainable development, and research, while National Parks primarily aim to protect wildlife and ecosystems with minimal human interference.
The first Biosphere reserve in India is the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986, located in the Western Ghats and spanning Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
The largest Biosphere reserve in India is the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, covering an area of approximately 12,454 square kilometers.
The smallest Biosphere reserve in India is the Dibru-Saikhowa in Assam, covering an area of about 765 square kilometers.
As of now, there are 18 biosphere reserves in India, recognized for their ecological significance and conservation efforts.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2000
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