- Supreme Court’s Direction:
- Directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct an extensive survey of the Agasthyamalai landscape in the Southern Western Ghats.
- Objective: Identify non-forestry activities and encroachments affecting the area.
- Environmental Concerns Highlighted:
- Climate Change linked to depleting forest cover.
- Major causes include:
- Rapid Urbanization
- Uncontrolled Industrialization
- Encroachments and Plantation Activities
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve:
- Located in the southernmost Western Ghats, spanning Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli & Kanniyakumari districts) and Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram & Kollam districts).
- Covers an area of 3,500 km² with peaks reaching up to 1,868 meters above sea level.
- Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a significant biogeographical hotspot.
Flora Diversity:
- Home to 2,254 species of higher plants, including around 405 endemic species.
- Unique genetic reservoir for cultivated plants like:
- Cardamom
- Jamun
- Nutmeg
- Pepper
- Plantain
Fauna Diversity:
- Mammals: 79 species (20 endemic)
- Reptiles: 88 species (45 endemic)
- Amphibians: 45 species (30 endemic)
- Fishes: 46 species (10 endemic)
- Birds: 337 species (20 endemic)
Protected Areas Within the Reserve:
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
- Wildlife Sanctuaries:
- Shendurney
- Peppara
- Neyyar
- Thirunelveli
- Meghamalai
- Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel
Indigenous & Local Communities:
- Kani Tribes: Approximately 30,000 inhabitants (Tamil Nadu & Kerala)
- Depend on biological resources for sustenance, rarely involved in commercialization.
- Non-Tribal Population: Around 700 people living in tea estates within the core area.
Cultural & Historical Significance:
- Prominent in the Ramayana, making it a major site for Hindu pilgrimages.
- Holds an important place in India’s cultural heritage and history.
Conservation & Environmental Importance:
- Acts as a genetic reservoir and a crucial part of India’s biodiversity.
- Vital for the conservation of endemic species and ecological balance.
- The presence of tribal communities highlights the need for sustainable conservation practices that balance ecological and socio-economic factors.
