Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
- (a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
- (c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
- (d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Why the answer is (a)
• The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (2001; UNESCO MAB 2016) spans the southern Western Ghats across Kerala and Tamil Nadu around Agasthyakoodam peak.
• It includes Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala and the Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu — option (a).
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National…
- These belong to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- (c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National…
- These are Eastern Ghats/Nilgiri areas, not Agasthyamala.
- (d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger…
- These are in Telangana–Andhra, not Agasthyamala.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.