Context: Recently the SC bench has ordered the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct an extensive survey of the Agasthyamalai landscape.
About Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR)
- Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is located in southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- It is named after Sage Agastya, a revered figure in Indian mythology.
- It was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2001.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: ABR is part of the Western Ghats–Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot.
Protected Areas Within the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
- Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) – Tamil Nadu
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala
- Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala
- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala
- Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu
- Meghamalai and Thirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuaries – Tamil Nadu