Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve checklist: 3,261 flowering plants
Why in the news
A new full checklist counted the flowering plants of this southern hill reserve.
Key facts
- 3,261 flowering plant species documented.
- Spread across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, about 3,500 sq km; top peak Agasthyarkoodam, 1,868 m.
- Notified by the Centre in 2001; UNESCO network (MAB Programme) entry in 2016.
- One of four South Indian reserves, with Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar and Seshachalam Hills.
Richest plant families
| Family | Taxa |
|---|---|
| Fabaceae | 349 |
| Rubiaceae | 194 |
| Poaceae | 193 |
| Orchidaceae | 168 |
Terms to know
- Biosphere reserve: conserves biodiversity while allowing sustainable use.
- Fabaceae is the legume family, Rubiaceae the coffee family, Poaceae the grass family and Orchidaceae the orchid family.
- Nilgiri (1986) was India’s first biosphere reserve.
- The Kani tribe’s Arogyapacha plant underlies India’s first benefit-sharing model under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Exam angle
- UNESCO listing: 2016; notification: 2001.
- Richest family: Fabaceae.