UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Agasthyamala
General information
Located in the Western Ghats in the south of the country, the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve has peaks reaching 1,868 m above sea level. Consisting mostly of tropical forest, the site is home to 2,254 species of higher plants including about 400 that are endemic. It is also a unique genetic reservoir of cultivated plants, in particular cardamom, jamune, nutmeg, pepper and plantain. Three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney, Peppara and Neyyar, are located in the site, as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve. A number of tribal settlements comprising a total population of 3,000 inhabit the biosphere reserve. They rely largely on biological resources for their sustenance, although recent projects have been set up to reduce their dependence on the forests.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2016
Country
India
Total population
33000
Area
Surface
3,500.00 ha
Total terresterial area
3,500.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 8.87495 - Longitude: 77.188
Contact
Ecosystem-based network
SACAM
Ecological Characteristics
The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is located in the southernmost end of the Western Ghats and incorporates peaks towering 1,868m above sea level. It covers 3,500km2and encompasses tropical forest ecosystems that fall within the Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu and the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts of Kerala, Southern India. It hosts one of the most diverse ecosystems in peninsular India and constitutes an important biogeographical ‘hot spot’ within the Western Ghats.The reserve hosts 2,254 species of higher plants including about 405 endemics. The area is also a unique genetic reservoir of cultivated plants, in particular cardamom, jamune, nutmeg, pepper, plantain and so on.The reserve is a home to about 79 species of mammals of which 20 are endemic, 88 species of reptiles of which 45 are endemic, 45 species of amphibians of which 30 species are endemic, and 46 species of fishes including 10 endemics. A total of 337 species of birds have also been reported of which 20 are endemic. The reserve includes three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney, Peppara and Nayar, as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The reserve is home to Kani tribes from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which number in total approximately 30,000 inhabitants. The community uses a wide variety of biological resources for sustenance but is rarely involved in their commercialization. In addition, about 700 non-tribal inhabitants live on tea estates located in the core area.The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve occupies a prominent place in the cultural heritage and history of India. In particular, its prominence in the epic Ramayana has made it a famous site for Hindu pilgrimages.
