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Which was the first Biosphere Reserve to be established in India?
🗺️ Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves
By Priya Sharma · Static GK Expert
50 Questions Indian Geography
This quiz covers essential static knowledge regarding India's Biosphere Reserves, their locations, and their international recognition under the MAB program.
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The 'Nokrek' Biosphere Reserve is located in which Indian state?
3
Which Biosphere Reserve in India is famous for the 'Red Panda'?
4
Which of the following Biosphere Reserves is NOT part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
5
The 'Simlipal' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
6
Which Biosphere Reserve is known for being a marine ecosystem?
7
In which state is the 'Achanakmar-Amarkantak' Biosphere Reserve located?
8
Which is the largest Biosphere Reserve in India by area?
9
The 'Pachmarhi' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
10
Which Biosphere Reserve is spread across the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu?
11
The 'Dibru-Saikhowa' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
12
Which Indian Biosphere Reserve is known for the 'Cold Desert' landscape?
13
The 'Agasthyamalai' Biosphere Reserve is located in which states?
14
Where is the 'Great Nicobar' Biosphere Reserve located?
15
The 'Seshachalam Hills' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
16
Which of the following is correctly matched with its state?
17
The 'Dehang-Debang' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
18
The 'Panna' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
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The 'Sundarbans' Biosphere Reserve is famous for?
20
What is the primary objective of establishing Biosphere Reserves?
21
Which Biosphere Reserve is located at the confluence of the Western and Eastern Ghats?
22
The 'Manas' Biosphere Reserve is primarily located in which Indian state?
23
Which of the following Biosphere Reserves is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its mangroves?
24
The 'Cold Desert' Biosphere Reserve is situated in which state/union territory?
25
Which of the following Biosphere Reserves is famous for the 'Lion-tailed Macaque'?
26
Which Biosphere Reserve is located in the Kanchenjunga region of the Himalayas?
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Which Biosphere Reserve in India has a core area located on an island?
28
The 'Nanda Devi' Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
29
Which Biosphere Reserve is known for the protection of the Dugong (Sea Cow)?
30
The 'Manas' Biosphere Reserve lies along the international border of India and which country?
31
Which state houses the 'Khangchendzonga' Biosphere Reserve?
32
Which Biosphere Reserve is the only one in India located in the state of Madhya Pradesh excluding Achanakmar-Amarkantak?
33
Which Biosphere Reserve is famous for the 'One-horned Rhinoceros'?
34
In which state is the 'Gulf of Kutch' Biosphere Reserve located?
35
The 'Nokrek' Biosphere Reserve is part of which hill range?
36
Which Biosphere Reserve acts as a habitat for the wild water buffalo?
37
The 'Seshachalam Hills' Biosphere Reserve is famous for which unique tree species?
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Which is the most recently established Biosphere Reserve among the following list?
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The 'Achanakmar-Amarkantak' Biosphere Reserve is situated at the border of which two states?
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Which zone of a Biosphere Reserve allows for research, education, and limited tourism?
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Which of the following biosphere reserves is the only one located in the state of Uttarakhand?
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The 'Manas' Biosphere Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot specifically known for the conservation of which species?
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Which biosphere reserve is known for the presence of the 'Golden Langur'?
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Which biosphere reserve is associated with the Maikala Hills?
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Which zone of a biosphere reserve is dedicated to intensive human activity and settlements?
46
Which of these biosphere reserves is famous for its unique 'Shola forests'?
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The 'Gulf of Mannar' Biosphere Reserve is primarily known for the protection of which marine organism?
48
In which state is the 'Panna' Biosphere Reserve located?
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Which of the following is the smallest biosphere reserve in India by area?
50
Which of the following biosphere reserves falls under the 'World Network of Biosphere Reserves' but is not a World Heritage Site?
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Important Notes — Biosphere Reserves
Overview and Significance of Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are international designations by UNESCO for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over large areas of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems. These areas are globally recognized for their biodiversity conservation, research, and sustainable development.
- Objective: To conserve the diversity of species, maintain the ecosystem, and provide a platform for research, monitoring, and education.
- UNESCO MAB Programme: The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme, launched in 1971, forms the framework for the global network of Biosphere Reserves.
- Governance: In India, the scheme is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Structure and Classification
A Biosphere Reserve is scientifically demarcated into three inter-related zones to balance conservation with human activity:
- Core Zone: The most protected area. It contains endemic plants and animals. No human activity is permitted except for research and monitoring. It is legally protected.
- Buffer Zone: Surrounding the core zone, this area allows for limited human activities such as educational research, recreation, and tourism.
- Transition Zone: The outermost part of the BR. It allows for sustainable development and human settlements, involving local communities in management and resource use.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
India currently has 18 designated Biosphere Reserves. Key points for UPSC, SSC, and State PSC examinations:
- First Biosphere Reserve: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first to be established in India in 1986. It spans the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
- World Network of Biosphere Reserves: As of recent data, 12 of India’s 18 Biosphere Reserves are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) under UNESCO.
- Recent Addition: The Panna Biosphere Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) was the most recent to be included in the UNESCO WNBR in 2020.
- Cold Desert BR: Located in Himachal Pradesh, it is known for its high-altitude, cold climate ecosystem.
- Largest/Smallest:
- The Gulf of Mannar is often cited as the largest in terms of area and marine protection.
- Dibru-Saikhowa (Assam) is among the smallest.
- Significant Sites:
- Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand) is famous for its alpine meadows.
- Sundarbans (West Bengal) is the largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
- Agasthyamalai (Kerala/Tamil Nadu) is a crucial hotspot for endemic plant species.
Exam Tip: Key Differences
When preparing for geography sections, distinguish between National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves. Unlike National Parks, which focus on individual species or habitats, Biosphere Reserves are landscape-level conservation efforts that emphasize the socio-economic development of the local communities living within the transition zone.
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Biosphere Reserves MCQ — UNESCO MAB Programme & India's Biosphere Reserves for UPSC SSC 2026
Biosphere reserves MCQ for UPSC SSC questions cover India's 18 biosphere reserves, their states, core ecosystems, and UNESCO MAB (Man and Biosphere) recognition status. As of 2024, 12 of India's 18 biosphere reserves are part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves — a frequently asked number in competitive exams.
The first biosphere reserve in India was Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986 in the Western Ghats region spanning Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is also India's largest biosphere reserve and was the first to receive UNESCO MAB recognition (2000). It is home to elephants, tigers, Nilgiri tahr, and Malabar giant squirrel.
UNESCO Recognised Biosphere Reserves in India
- Nilgiri (TN/Kerala/Karnataka) — 2000, largest BR, lion-tailed macaque
- Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu) — 2001, first marine biosphere reserve in South/Southeast Asia
- Sundarbans (West Bengal) — 2001, largest mangrove, Bengal tigers
- Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand) — 2004, UNESCO WHS for Valley of Flowers
- Nokrek (Meghalaya) — 2009, red panda, Garo Hills, wild citrus gene pool
- Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh) — 2009, Satpura Range
- Simlipal (Odisha) — 2009, elephants, tigers, waterfalls
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak (MP/Chhattisgarh) — 2012, source of Narmada and Son rivers
- Great Nicobar (Andaman & Nicobar) — 2013, leatherback sea turtle
- Agasthyamalai (Kerala/Tamil Nadu) — 2016, Western Ghats, high endemism
- Khangchendzonga (Sikkim) — 2018, highest peak in India
- Panna (Madhya Pradesh) — 2020, Ken river, tiger reserve
Biosphere Reserve Zones — Core, Buffer, Transition
Each biosphere reserve has three concentric zones. The Core Zone is fully protected with no human activity allowed. The Buffer Zone surrounds the core — limited research and non-destructive activities are permitted. The Transition Zone (also called Cooperation Zone) allows human settlement, sustainable resource use, and economic activity. UPSC frequently tests which zone has the strictest protection (core) and which allows human habitation (transition).
FAQ: Biosphere Reserves MCQ for UPSC
Q: How many biosphere reserves are UNESCO-recognised in India?
12 of India's 18 biosphere reserves are part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (as of 2024). The most recent addition was Panna Biosphere Reserve (2020).
Q: Which was India's first biosphere reserve?
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986, was India's first biosphere reserve and also the first to receive UNESCO MAB recognition in 2000.
Q: Which biosphere reserve is the first marine BR in South Asia?
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu, recognised by UNESCO in 2001, is the first marine biosphere reserve in South and Southeast Asia.
About the Author
PS
Priya Sharma Static GK Expert
Indian History · Geography · Polity & Economy Specialist
With 8+ years of teaching static GK for competitive exams, Priya has helped thousands of students master the foundational subjects that appear year after year in UPSC, SSC, and Railway exams. She focuses on making history, geography, and polity approachable through well-structured MCQs and memorable explanations.
