Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2016, in India. Located in the Western Ghats in southern India, the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve has peaks reaching 1,868 m above sea level. Consisting mostly of tropical forest, the site is home to 2,254 species of higher plants, including about 405 that are endemic. It is also a unique genetic reservoir of cultivated plants, particularly cardamom, jamun, nutmeg, pepper and plantain. Three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney, Peppara and Neyyar, are located within the site, as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. There are a number of tribal settlements in the biosphere reserve that rely largely on biological resources for sustenance, although recent projects have been set up to reduce dependence on the forests.