Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is located in India, stretched over Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Situated in the peninsula of India, this Biosphere Reserve is an example of phenomenal biodiversity. However, the area of this bio-reserve is underdeveloped and undisturbed in both states.

This article elucidates the topic and covers all meticulous details that are essential for UPSC Exam.

Geographic Overview of Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

Here are some crucial pointers regarding this biosphere reserve’s geographical outlay:

• This biosphere reserve extends over the Deccan plateau and Central highlands.
• Around 68.1% of this reserved biosphere is in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. Apart from that, 16.20% of this reserve covers Anuppur, and 15.70% covers the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh.
• Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve’s preserved forest is in Bilaspur district.
• Bauxite and basaltic lava rocks form the topography of the Amarkantak plateau. However, the other commonly found rocks are granite, sandstones, shales, limestone, schists and gneisses.
• Many perennial and non-perennial streams flow through this region and meet the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
• 3 major river systems, namely the Narmada, the Johilla and the Son River of India, originate from this bio-reserve.
• The biosphere reserve experiences a tropical monsoon climate. May and June are the hottest months, while December and January are the coldest.
• Tropical deciduous forests cover 63% of this area. However, tropical dry deciduous vegetation comprises the southern part of this reserve.

Find the list of important national parks of India in the linked article.

Flora & Fauna of Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

Around 1500 plant species from 151 plant subfamily find shelter in this reserve. The sizeable floral diversity includes thallophyte, bryophyte, pteridophyte, gymnosperm, and angiosperm species.

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve has over 105 medicinal plant species. 25 of these genres are considered rare and endangered.

Faunas of Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

This reserved biosphere is home to diverse wildlife species that consist of the following:

• Chitals
• Sambars
• Bison
• Barking deers
• Panthers
• Bears
• Tigers
• Wolves
• Foxes
• Chinkara
• Wild boar
• Jackals
• Blackbuck
• Samarth
• Monkeys
• Giant squirrels

Besides the abundance of mammal species, some other magnificent faunas include 170 bird species from 51 families. More than 13 breeds of reptiles and various breeds of amphibians find shelter in this biosphere reserve.

Socio-Economic Features of Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

According to the 2001 census, the population of this region is 4,36,128. This population belongs to 27 diverse communities residing in 418 villages. The economic structure is agrarian, and the primary professions of these inhabitants are cultivation, creating non-timber products and handicrafts.

The Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and ecologically diversified terrains. It comprises a significant amount of diverse natural and cultural attributes.

All the details discussed in this article comprise every notable element pivotal for IAS preparation.

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