Which of the following biosphere reserves in India is uniquely designated as spanning across parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, encompassing the Nilgiri hills and surrounding moist deciduous and shola forests?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was established as India's first biosphere reserve in 1986, protecting over 5,500 square kilometers across the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, including Mudumalai, Bandipur, and Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is located further south across the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is situated off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu. Shola forests and grasslands within the Nilgiri plateau support endemic species like the Nilgiri tahr.