Nokrek Biosphere Reserve UPSC

  • The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills district of Meghalaya state, India.
  • It is situated on the Tura Range, which forms part of the Meghalaya Plateau.
  • It is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Western Hoolock Gibbon, which is the only ape species found in India.
  • The reserve is famous for housing the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens).
  • In 1986, Nokrek National Park was established.
  • In 1988, Nokrek National Park declared a biosphere reserve by Government of India.
  • In 2009, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve was recognized as a biosphere reserve under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program of UNESCO.
  • Area: The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve covers an area of approximately 820 square kilometers (316.19 square miles).
    • Core area: 47.48 km²
    • Buffer zone: 227.92 km²
    • Transition zone: 544.60 km²
    • Total : 820 km²
  • Hills: The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills. The reserve is named after the Nokrek Range. The Nokrek Range is part of the larger Garo Hills.
  • Rivers: Notable rivers that flow through the reserve are Ganol, Dareng, and Simsang.
  • Tribe: The reserve is located in the Garo Hills region, which is predominantly inhabited by the Garo tribe.
  • Flora: Some of the notable flora found in the reserve:
    • Evergreen Forests (Oaks, Laurels, Magnolias, and Chestnuts)
    • Subtropical Forests (Teak, Sal, Bamboo, and Ferns)
    • Medicinal Plants (Turmeric, Indian gooseberry, Ginger, and various species of Orchids)
    • Endemic Species (Grand rasamala, White meranti, Lali, Chempaka, Wild lemon)
    • Bamboo
  • Fauna: Some of the notable fauna found in the reserve:
    • Mammals: Hoolock Gibbons, Slow Loris, Giant Flying Squirrel, Pig-tailed Macaque, Stump-tailed Macaque, Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Red Panda.
    • Birds: Great Indian Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Asian Fairy-Bluebird, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, White-cheeked Partridge, Broad-billed Warbler, Sultan Tit.
    • Reptiles: King Cobra, Indian Python, Green Pit Viper.
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