›Set up 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
›First such body established by any Government in the world
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India has a network of statutory and administrative bodies for wildlife and environmental conservation. These range from the Animal Welfare Board of India (1962) to the National Biodiversity Authority (2003). Understanding the parent Acts, functions, and distinctions between these bodies is critical for UPSC.
All key facts
›*Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI):**
›Set up 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
›First such body established by any Government in the world
›Founded by Shrimati Rukmini Devi Arundale; headquartered in Chennai
›Advisory body on animal welfare laws; 28 members; 3-year term
›Functions: advise on amendments to animal welfare laws; advise on transport/slaughter rules; grant financial assistance to animal welfare organisations; education on humane treatment of animals
›*Central Zoo Authority (CZA):**
›Constituted under WPA 1972 (new chapter added by 1991 Amendment)
›Grants 'recognition' to zoos; only recognised zoos can operate
›Functions: specify minimum standards for housing, upkeep, veterinary care; evaluate zoos; recognise/derecognise zoos; identify endangered species for captive breeding; co-ordinate stud-books of endangered species; co-ordinate training of zoo personnel; provide technical assistance
›*National Biodiversity Authority (NBA):**
›Established 2003 under Biological Diversity Act, 2002; headquartered in Chennai
›Statutory, autonomous body; performs facilitative, regulatory, and advisory functions
›Prior approval of NBA required for: any IPR on biological resource/knowledge from India; access to biological resources
›NBA can impose benefit-sharing conditions
›Protects traditional knowledge through registration
›Can oppose grant of IPR in any country on biological resources obtained from India
›*National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP):**
›First adopted 1983 (XV meeting of Indian Board for Wildlife, 1982); revised as Wildlife Action Plan 2002–2016
›Strategy includes: strengthening PA network, managing PAs, conserving endangered species and habitats, controlling poaching/illegal trade, monitoring and research, people's participation, wildlife tourism, domestic legislation and international conventions
›*National Afforestation and Eco-development Board (NAEB):**
›Constituted August 1992 by MoEF
›Promotes afforestation and management strategies through Joint Forest Management and microplanning
›National Afforestation Programme (NAfP): launched 2002; plantation in degraded forests; implemented through Forest Development Agencies (FDAs)
›*Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA):**
›Constituted 2004 by Supreme Court order; ad-hoc authority pending legislation
›Manages funds collected when forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes under Forest Conservation Act 1980
›Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill 2015: National Fund (10%) + State Funds (90%)
›Funds spent on: afforestation, forest ecosystem regeneration, wildlife protection, infrastructure
›*Joint Forest Management (JFM):**
›Institutionalises participatory governance of forest resources with local communities
›Co-management between forest fringe communities and Forest Department (FD)
›Based on mutual trust and jointly defined roles regarding forest protection and regeneration
›Started in consonance with National Forest Policy 1988
›Term first used by National Commission on Agriculture, GoI in 1976
›Aim: take pressure off forests; utilise unused and fallow land; plant trees along roads, railways, agricultural fields
›*International organisations (Ch. 28 context):**
›IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): sets conservation standards, Red List
›TRAFFIC: Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network; monitors trade in wild animals and plants
›Global Tiger Forum (GTF): works on tiger conservation internationally
›CAWT (Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking): combats illegal wildlife trade
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Protected Area Network — Sanctuaries, National Parks, Tiger Reserves
›*Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS):**
›Declared if area is of "adequate ecological, geomorphological and natural significance"
›Certain activities regulated but not prohibited (e.g., grazing of livestock may be permitted)
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India's Protected Area (PA) network was built largely through the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and subsequent amendments. The National Policy for Wildlife Conservation was adopted in 1970, leading to growth from 5 national parks and 60 sanctuaries to over 669 Protected Areas covering 4.92% of India's geographical area.
**Four categories of Protected Areas:**
1. Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) — declared by State/Central Government
2. National Park (NP) — declared by State/Central Government; higher protection
3. Conservation Reserve — added by 2003 Amendment; state-owned land
4. Community Reserve — added by 2003 Amendment; community/private land
All key facts
›*Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS):**
›Declared if area is of "adequate ecological, geomorphological and natural significance"
›Certain activities regulated but not prohibited (e.g., grazing of livestock may be permitted)
›Can be created for a particular species (e.g., Grizzled Giant Squirrel WLS in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu)
›Managed by Chief Wild Life Warden
›*National Park (NP):**
›Higher degree of protection than WLS
›Grazing of livestock prohibited (unlike WLS where it may be regulated)
›Not primarily focused on a single species — protects entire ecosystem
›No change in boundaries except on recommendation of National Board for Wild Life
›Both State and Central Government can declare NPs
›*Entry permits for PAs:**
›Entry allowed without permit for: public servants on duty, persons with rights over property inside PA, persons passing through on public highway
›Chief Wild Life Warden grants permits for: investigation/study, photography, scientific research, tourism, lawful business with residents
›*Conservation Reserve (2003 Amendment):**
›Area owned by State Government adjacent to NPs and sanctuaries
›Protects landscape, seascape, habitat of fauna and flora
›Managed by Conservation Reserve Management Committee
›Tiruppadaimarathur Conservation Reserve (Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu) = first CR in India (village community initiative to protect nesting birds)
›*Community Reserve (2003 Amendment):**
›Community land or private land
›Members of community must agree to offer land for protecting fauna, flora, traditions, cultures, practices
›Aimed at improving socio-economic conditions AND conserving wildlife
›Managed by Community Reserve Management Committee
›No change in land use pattern except by resolution of Management Committee with State Government approval
›*Marine Protected Areas:**
›1991 Amendment: territorial waters can be included in sanctuaries for offshore marine flora and fauna protection
›Marine PA = "any area of intertidal or sub tidal terrain, together with its overlying water and associated flora, fauna, historical and cultural features, reserved by law to protect part or all of the enclosed environment"
›*Project Tiger (Ch. 16):**
›Launched 1973; India had ~40,000 tigers in 1900; declined to ~1,800 by 1972
›Initially 9 tiger reserves; currently 54 tiger reserves in 18 states (as of 2024)
›NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) constituted under 2006 Amendment
›Tiger reserve structure: Core zone (inviolate, critical habitat) + Buffer zone (co-existence zone)
›De-notification of tiger reserves: needs NTCA approval + National Board for Wild Life approval
›Tiger estimation methods: Pugmark Census (historical) → Camera trapping + DNA fingerprinting (current)
›All India Tiger Estimation every 4 years since 2006; Phase IV = annual monitoring at tiger reserve level from 2011
›Camera trap density: 25 double-sided cameras per 100 km²; minimum 1,000 trap nights per 100 km²
›Approve Tiger Conservation Plans prepared by State Governments
›Evaluate and assess sustainable ecology; disallow unsustainable land use (mining, industry) within tiger reserves
›Lay down normative standards for tourism in buffer and core areas
›Ensure tiger corridors not diverted for unsustainable uses
›*Project Elephant (Ch. 16):**
›Launched February 1992 as centrally sponsored scheme
›Purpose: assist states with free-ranging wild elephant populations; ensure long-term survival in natural habitats
›Implemented primarily in 13 states/UTs: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal; small support to Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh
›Objectives: protect elephants, their habitat and corridors; address man-animal conflict; welfare of domesticated elephants
›India's National Heritage Animal (elephant)
›Haathi Mere Saathi: campaign by MoEF in partnership with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)
›*Elephant Corridors:**
›88 identified elephant corridors in India
›South India: 20 corridors (65% in protected area or reserved forests; LEAST fragmentation)
›North-western India: 12 corridors
›Central India: 20 corridors (90% jointly under forest, agriculture, and settlements; only 10% completely under forest)
›Northern West Bengal: 14 corridors (highest fragmentation)
›North-eastern India: 22 corridors
›Only 24% of corridors nationally are under complete forest cover
›77.3% regularly used by elephants; ~one-third of ecologically high priority
›Main threats to elephant corridors: coal mining and iron ore mining = two "single biggest threats" in central India; Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh most affected
›*MIKE (Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants) Programme:**
›Mandated by COP resolution of CITES; started in South Asia 2003
›Purpose: provide information for elephant range states for management and enforcement; build institutional capacity
›Data collected monthly in specified MIKE patrol form
›Sub Regional Support Office for South Asia Programme located in Delhi
›*White Tiger note:**
›White tigers are NOT a separate subspecies; white colour due to expression of recessive genes (UPSC trap)
›*Other conservation projects:**
›Crocodile Breeding and Management Project
›National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP): first adopted 1983; revised 2002–2016
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Valley of Flowers National Park
›**Established:** 1982.
›**Location:** Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.
›**Significance:** Known for meadows of endemic alpine flowers and diverse flora.
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The Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park located in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, established in 1982. Renowned for its vibrant meadows of endemic alpine flowers and rich biodiversity, it serves as a critical habitat for several rare and endangered animal species. Its unique ecological significance as a transition zone between the Zanskar and Great Himalayan ranges makes it a key focus for conservation efforts in the Himalayan region.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the adjacent Nanda Devi National Park, it forms a core zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. This designation underscores its global importance for natural heritage and conservation. For UPSC, it represents a crucial example of India's protected area network, biodiversity hotspots, and the challenges of high-altitude ecological preservation.
All key facts
›**Established:** 1982.
›**Location:** Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.
›**Significance:** Known for meadows of endemic alpine flowers and diverse flora.
›**Fauna:** Home to rare and endangered animals including Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, blue sheep, and Himalayan monal pheasant.
›**Altitude:** Ranges from 3,352 to 3,658 meters above sea level.
›**Area:** Stretches over 87.50 km².
›**Biogeographic Zone:** Lies completely within the temperate alpine zone.
›**UNESCO World Heritage Site:** Inscribed in 1988, along with Nanda Devi National Park, forming part of a serial site.
›**Biosphere Reserve:** Encompassed within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
›**Geographical Context:** Complements Nanda Devi National Park, forming a unique transition zone between the Zanskar and Great Himalayas.
›**Discovery & Publicization:** First brought to wider attention in 1931 by British mountaineer Frank S. Smythe.
›**Legal Protection:** Declared a National Park in 1980 under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
›**Access:** Requires a trek of approximately 17 km from Govindghat via Ghangaria.
›**Visitor Regulations:** A permit from the Forest Department is required (valid for three days); no overnight stay is allowed inside the park.
›**Open Season:** Open only during summer months, typically from June to October, remaining covered by heavy snow for the rest of the year.
Namdapha National Park
›**Location:** Situated in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India, near the international border with Myanmar.
›**Area:** Spans 1,985.23 km², making it the fourth largest national park in India. It includes a core area of 1,808 km² and a buffer zone of 177 km².
›**Elevation Range:** Features a wide elevation gradient from 200 m to 4,571 m (656 to 14,997 ft).
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Namdapha National Park, located in Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India, is a major biodiversity hotspot and the fourth largest national park in the country. Initially declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, it was upgraded to a National Park and designated a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1983. In 2024, it was further declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone.
Renowned for its exceptional ecological diversity, Namdapha hosts the world's northernmost lowland evergreen rainforests at 27°N latitude. Its vast elevation gradient, from 200 m to 4,571 m, supports diverse vegetation zones, including tropical evergreen, temperate broadleaf, and alpine. This unique environment provides habitat for over 1,000 floral and 1,400 faunal species, notably all four 'big cats' of India (Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard), alongside several critically endangered and endemic species.
All key facts
›**Location:** Situated in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India, near the international border with Myanmar.
›**Area:** Spans 1,985.23 km², making it the fourth largest national park in India. It includes a core area of 1,808 km² and a buffer zone of 177 km².
›**Elevation Range:** Features a wide elevation gradient from 200 m to 4,571 m (656 to 14,997 ft).
›**Conservation Status Milestones:**
›Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972.
›Designated a National Park and a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1983.
›Declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone in 2024.
›**Unique Forest Type:** Harbours the world's northernmost lowland evergreen rainforests (at 27°N latitude) and extensive dipterocarp forests, part of the Mizoram-Manipur-Kachin rain forests ecoregion.
›**Biodiversity:** Identified as a biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Himalayas, supporting over 1,000 floral and 1,400 faunal species.
›**Rivers:** Crossed from east to west by the Noa Dihing River, which originates at Chaukan Pass on the Indo-Myanmar border.
›**Mammalian Diversity:** Unique in India for being home to all four 'big cat' species: Tiger (Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).
›**Endemic & Critically Endangered Species:** Home to the Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi), an endemic and Critically Endangered species, last recorded in 1981.
›**Other Notable Mammals:** Hosts species like Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon, Takin, Bharal, Indian Elephant, Malayan Sun Bear, and Musk Deer.
›**Avian Diversity:** Records approximately 425 bird species, including six species of hornbills.
›**Rare Bird Species:** Important habitat for rare, restricted-range, or globally endangered birds such as the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron, Rufous-necked Hornbill, White-winged Wood Duck, and Snowythroated Babbler. Migratory species like the Amur Falcon are also observed.
›**Flora:** Presence of notable root parasites like Sapria himalayana and Balanophora (related to Rafflesia).
›**Geographical Features:** Located between the Dapha bum range of the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range.
Namami Gange Programme
›Approved as a Major Programme by the Union Government of India.
›Named by the United Nations in 2012 as "one of top-10 ecosystem restoration initiatives in the world."
›Main objectives: conservation, reduction of pollution, and rejuvenation of the national Ganges River.
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The Namami Gange Programme is a flagship integrated river management initiative approved as a Major Programme by the Union Government of India. Its primary objectives are the conservation, effective reduction of pollution, and rejuvenation of the national Ganges River, addressing its overall ecological and environmental health.
This programme is highly significant for UPSC Prelims as it represents a major national effort towards environmental conservation, water resource management, and sustainable development. It has received international recognition, being named by the United Nations in 2012 as one of the top-10 ecosystem restoration initiatives in the world, and contributes to broader goals like India's Net Zero emissions target by 2070.
All key facts
›Approved as a Major Programme by the Union Government of India.
›Named by the United Nations in 2012 as "one of top-10 ecosystem restoration initiatives in the world."
›Main objectives: conservation, reduction of pollution, and rejuvenation of the national Ganges River.
›Key steps include: creation of up to 200 sanctioned sewage treatment infrastructure projects, development of riverfronts, river surface cleaning, biodiversity and afforestation efforts, public awareness, and industrial monitoring.
›Industrial monitoring is planned in three stages: immediate results, results in five years, and results in ten years.
›Improvements to municipal waste infrastructure under the programme are considered to be contributing to India's goal to reach Net Zero emissions by 2070.
›UNESCO includes the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) among global campaigns for contributions to ecological restoration.
›The National Mission For Clean Ganga (NMCG) has declared Chacha Chaudhary the mascot of the Namami Gange Programme.
›NMCG operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
›The project was executed by the Indian Government in 2014 with an original projected budget of Rs. 20,000 Crore.
›In 2021, over 30,000 fish eggs of economically important species (e.g., catla, rohu, mrigal) were released at the Ganges-Yamuna confluence in Prayagraj Sangam by the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute.
›As of June 2021, data from NMCG indicated that 147 (43%) out of 341 projects had been completed, and 61 (39%) out of 157 sewage projects were completed.
›In January 2023, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several inland waterways projects worth more than Rs. 1000 crores, coinciding with the launch of the MV Ganga Vilas cruise.
›Under the programme, all drains falling into the Saryu River in Ayodhya are intercepted, and wastewater is transported to a sewage treatment plant.
M-STrIPES — Tiger Monitoring System
›**Full Form**: M-STrIPES stands for Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status.
›**Launched By**: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), an Indian government body.
›**Launch Year**: 2010.
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M-STrIPES, short for Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status, is a crucial software-based monitoring system launched in 2010 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) of the Indian government. Its primary objective is to significantly strengthen patrolling and surveillance efforts for the Endangered Bengal tiger across all Indian tiger reserves.
This initiative is highly relevant for UPSC Prelims as it represents India's technology-driven approach to wildlife conservation. It demonstrates the strategic use of modern tools like GPS and GIS in protecting an iconic endangered species, underscoring the government's commitment to habitat and species management.
All key facts
›**Full Form**: M-STrIPES stands for Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status.
›**Launched By**: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), an Indian government body.
›**Launch Year**: 2010.
›**Primary Objective**: To strengthen patrolling and surveillance of the Endangered Bengal tiger.
›**Implementation Area**: Across all national Tiger Reserves in India.
›**Core Technology**: A software-based monitoring system, utilizing Android-based software.
›**Field Equipment**: Forest guards are equipped with Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and GPS devices for data capture.
›**Data Collection**: Captures data on tiger sightings, deaths, wildlife crime incidents, and ecological observations during patrols.
›**Analysis Method**: Maps patrol routes, and the collected data is analyzed using a Geographic Information System (GIS).
›**Intended Outcomes**: Aims to enhance the effectiveness and spatial coverage of patrols.
›**Additional Monitoring**: Also evaluates human pressure and facilitates ongoing monitoring of habitat change.
›**Reported Impact**: Its use in Pench Tiger Reserve reportedly resulted in a "significant check in anti-forest and anti-wildlife activities".
Wildlife Protection Act 1972 — Community Reserves
›**Enactment:** The Wild Life (Protection) Act was enacted by the Parliament of India in 1972.
›**Purpose:** It was enacted for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plant species throughout India.
›**Geographical Scope:** The Act extends to the whole of India.
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The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA) is a landmark Act of the Parliament of India, enacted to provide a legal framework for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plant species across the entire country. Prior to its enactment, in 1972, India had only five designated national parks, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to safeguard its rich biodiversity. This Act prohibits hunting of scheduled animal species and harvesting of protected plants, establishing a structured approach to wildlife conservation.
For UPSC Prelims, understanding the WLPA 1972 is crucial as it forms the bedrock of India's wildlife conservation efforts. Aspirants must grasp its hierarchical protection mechanism through schedules, the types of activities prohibited, and the key amendments that have strengthened its provisions. Knowledge of this Act is fundamental for questions on environmental governance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development.
All key facts
›**Enactment:** The Wild Life (Protection) Act was enacted by the Parliament of India in 1972.
›**Purpose:** It was enacted for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plant species throughout India.
›**Geographical Scope:** The Act extends to the whole of India.
›**Pre-1972 Context:** Before 1972, India had only five designated national parks.
›**Schedules of Protection:** The Act categorizes species into six schedules, offering varying degrees of protection.
›**Schedule I & Part II of Schedule II:** Provide absolute protection; offenses under these schedules attract the highest penalties.
›**Schedule III & Schedule IV:** Species listed here are also protected, but penalties for offenses are significantly lower than for Schedule I and Part II of Schedule II species.
›**Schedule V (Vermin):** Animals like common crows, fruit bats, rats, and mice are legally considered vermin and may be hunted freely.
›**Schedule VI (Plants):** Specified endemic plants in this schedule are prohibited from cultivation and planting.
›**Hunting Prohibition:** Hunting wild animals is prohibited by law in India, as specified in Section 9.
›**Enforcement Agencies:** Enforcement can be carried out by the Forest Department, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Customs, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
›**2002 Amendment:** An amendment Act in 2002, effective from January 2003, made punishments and penalties more stringent.
›**Enhanced Penalties (Post-2002 Amendment):** For offenses related to Schedule I/Part II of Schedule II species, hunting in National Parks/Sanctuaries, or altering their boundaries, the minimum imprisonment is 3 years (may extend to 7 years) with a minimum fine of Rs. 10,000.
›**Subsequent Offense Penalties:** For a subsequent offense of this nature, imprisonment shall not be less than 3 years (may extend to 7 years) with a minimum fine of Rs. 25,000.
›**Bail Conditions (Section 51-A):** Stricter conditions apply for granting bail to persons accused of serious offenses, particularly for those previously convicted under the Act.
›**Informers' Reward:** The reward for informers in wildlife crime cases was increased from 20% to 50% of the fine and composition money, with an additional reward of up to Rs. 10,000 proposed.
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
›Established in 2001.
›Located at the southernmost end of the Western Ghats.
›Straddles the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
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The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) is a significant ecological area in India, established in 2001 at the southernmost end of the Western Ghats mountain range. Spanning across parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it was designated as a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2016, highlighting its global importance for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
ABR holds immense relevance for the UPSC Prelims due to its status as a critical biodiversity hotspot, home to unique ecoregions, a vast array of medicinal plants (including rare and endangered species), and key faunal species like the Bengal tiger and Nilgiri tahr. Its inclusion of multiple protected areas and the presence of the ancient Kanikaran tribe make it a prime example for questions on conservation, geography, environment, and tribal communities in India.
All key facts
›Established in 2001.
›Located at the southernmost end of the Western Ghats.
›Straddles the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
›Total area: 3,500.36 km², with 1828 km² in Kerala and 1672.36 km² in Tamil Nadu.
›Included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2016.
›Includes parts of the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
›Spans across Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram districts in Kerala and Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari districts in Tamil Nadu.
›Features diverse ecoregions including tropical wet evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, montane rain forests, and Shola.
›Habitat for 2,000 varieties of medicinal plants, of which at least 50 are rare and endangered species.
›Key faunal species include the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and Nilgiri tahr.
›Home to the Kanikaran, one of the oldest surviving ancient tribes in the world.
›Lies between 8° 8' to 9° 10' North Latitude and 76° 52' to 77° 34' East Longitude.
›Managed according to guidelines of the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Keibul Lamjao — Floating Swamp National Park
›Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, Northeast India.
›It is the world's only floating national park, encompassing an area of 40 km².
›The park is an integral component of Loktak Lake, which holds the status of a Ramsar site (Wetland of International Importance).
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The Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, Northeast India, is globally unique as the world's only floating national park. Spanning 40 km², it is an integral part of the larger Loktak Lake, which is a designated Ramsar site. The park is distinguished by its characteristic floating masses of decomposed vegetation, locally known as 'phumdis'.
Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1966 and gazetted as a national park in 1977, its primary objective is the conservation of the endangered brow-antlered deer, also known as Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi). The Sangai, Manipur's state animal, faced extinction before its re-discovery in this unique habitat, making the park a critical site for biodiversity preservation and a key area for UPSC Prelims questions on conservation and unique ecosystems.
All key facts
›Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, Northeast India.
›It is the world's only floating national park, encompassing an area of 40 km².
›The park is an integral component of Loktak Lake, which holds the status of a Ramsar site (Wetland of International Importance).
›Its distinctive feature is `phumdis`, floating masses of decomposed plant material, which constitute two-thirds to three-fourths of the park's total area.
›Initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1966, it was subsequently gazetted as a national park in 1977.
›The primary conservation species of the park is the critically endangered brow-antlered deer, locally known as Sangai (*Cervus eldi eldi*).
›The Sangai deer is the official state animal of Manipur and carries significant cultural importance in the region.
›The brow-antlered deer was first identified in Manipur in 1839 and scientifically named *Cervus eldi eldi* in 1844.
›After being reported extinct in 1951, it was re-discovered in the Keibul Lamjao area by environmentalist and photographer E.P. Gee.
›The Sangai population has shown recovery, increasing from 14 deer in 1975 to 260 in March 2016, as per wildlife census data.
›The "Keibul Lamjao Conservation Area (KLCA)", which includes the park, Loktak Lake buffer (140 sq km), and Pumlen Pat (43 sq km), is on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
›The park contains three small hills – Pabot, Toya, and Chingjao – which offer refuge to large mammals during the monsoon season.
›The `phumdis` vary in thickness from 1 ft (0.3 m) to 4 ft (1.2 m), with approximately twenty percent of their mass floating above the lake surface.
›`Zizania latifolia` (wild rice), an aquatic flora, is a significant food source for the Sangai deer in the park.