Biosphere Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India: List, States and Conservation Projects for SSC

Questions on the biosphere reserves and wildlife sanctuaries of India are asked in SSC General Awareness every year, with the state and the animal of the park. These notes give the UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserves, the famous sanctuaries, the conservation projects and the laws in simple tables. For national parks, also read the National Parks of India note.

Biosphere Reserves

A biosphere reserve is a protected area for the conservation of the plants, animals and the traditional way of life of the local people. India has 18 biosphere reserves, and 12 of them are in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries

Conservation Projects

Laws and Bodies

• The Wildlife (Protection) Act was passed in 1972.
• The Biological Diversity Act was passed in 2002.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) manages the tiger reserves.
• Jim Corbett (1936, as Hailey National Park) is the oldest national park of India.
• The Environment (Protection) Act was passed in 1986.

Quick Tips

• Learn the 12 UNESCO biosphere reserves with their states.
• Remember Nilgiri as the first biosphere reserve and Great Nicobar as the southernmost.
• Learn each project with the year (Tiger 1973, Elephant 1992).
• Learn the sanctuary with its animal.

Quick Revision Points

• India has 18 biosphere reserves, 12 of which are in the UNESCO network.
• Nilgiri was the first biosphere reserve (1986).
• Project Tiger started in 1973 and Project Elephant in 1992.
• The Wildlife Protection Act was passed in 1972.
• Project Cheetah reintroduced the cheetah at Kuno in 2022.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. Which was the first biosphere reserve of India?
   Answer: Nilgiri
2. In which state is the Nokrek biosphere reserve?
   Answer: Meghalaya
3. Which biosphere reserve is the southernmost in India?
   Answer: Great Nicobar
4. In which year did Project Tiger start?
   Answer: 1973
5. In which year did Project Elephant start?
   Answer: 1992
6. Where was the cheetah reintroduced in 2022?
   Answer: Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
7. Hangul is protected in which sanctuary?
   Answer: Dachigam (Jammu and Kashmir)
8. In which year was the Wildlife Protection Act passed?
   Answer: 1972
9. Which is the oldest national park of India?
   Answer: Jim Corbett National Park
10. Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve is in which state?
    Answer: Tamil Nadu

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Indian Geography notes page, read the previous topic Census 2011 of India and the next topic Dams, Waterfalls and River Valley Projects. Also read the Indian Geography mind map.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many biosphere reserves are there in India?

There are 18 biosphere reserves, and 12 are in the UNESCO network.

Which is the first biosphere reserve of India?

Nilgiri, in 1986.

What is a wildlife sanctuary?

It is a protected area for wild animals, where some human activities are allowed.

What is the difference between a national park and a sanctuary?

A national park has stricter protection and no human activity, and a sanctuary may allow some activities.

When did Project Tiger start?

In 1973.

When did Project Elephant start?

In 1992.

Where is Project Cheetah being run?

At Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Which sanctuary protects the hangul?

Dachigam in Jammu and Kashmir.

When was the Wildlife Protection Act passed?

In 1972.

Which is the oldest national park of India?

Jim Corbett National Park.

Is this topic asked in SSC exams?

Yes. Biosphere reserves, sanctuaries and projects are asked every year.

Which body manages tiger reserves?

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).