Biosphere Reserves in India are recognised by UNESCO (United Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) to protect representative parts of natural and cultural areas.
These areas may be covered by large terrestrial, coastal or marine ecosystems, or a combination of both.
It mainly protects and maintains the diversity of flora & fauna, natural ecosystems and helps in promoting economic and social development.
Here, in this article, learn about Biosphere Reserves with the complete list updated in 2026.
What is Biosphere Reserve?
A biosphere reserve is a site which is designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program.
These are the living laboratories that play an important role in sustainable development. They are placed where science, culture and governance come together to found the principle that communities and ecosystems can be saved.
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Biosphere Reserves in India
As per the PIB, there are 18 Biosphere Reserves in India, covering about 91,425 sq. km, of which 13 are recognised by UNESCO.
Here is the complete list of biosphere reserves in India given below in the table:
|
India Notification Year
|
Biosphere Reserve
|
UNESCO MAB Recognition Year
|
State(s)
|
Key Species
|
Area (km²)
|
|
1986
|
Nilgiri
|
2000
|
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala
|
Nilgiri Tahr, Tiger
|
5,520
|
|
1988
|
Nanda Devi
|
2004
|
Uttarakhand
|
Snow Leopard, Musk Deer
|
5,860
|
|
1988
|
Nokrek
|
2009
|
Meghalaya
|
Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon
|
820
|
|
1989
|
Gulf of Mannar
|
2001
|
Tamil Nadu
|
Dugong, Olive Ridley Turtle
|
10,500
|
|
1989
|
Sundarbans
|
2001
|
West Bengal
|
Royal Bengal Tiger
|
9,630
|
|
1989
|
Manas
|
Not Included
|
Assam
|
Asiatic Elephant, Golden Langur
|
2,837
|
|
1989
|
Great Nicobar
|
2013
|
Andaman & Nicobar
|
Saltwater Crocodile, Nicobar Megapode
|
885
|
|
1994
|
Simlipal
|
2009
|
Odisha
|
Gaur, Tiger, Elephant
|
4,374
|
|
1997
|
Dibru-Saikhowa
|
Not Included
|
Assam
|
Gangetic Dolphin, Bengal Tiger
|
765
|
|
1998
|
Dihang-Dibang
|
Not Included
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
Takin, Red Panda
|
5,112
|
|
1999
|
Pachmarhi
|
2009
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
Indian Giant Squirrel
|
4,981
|
|
2000
|
Khangchendzonga
|
2018
|
Sikkim
|
Red Panda, Snow Leopard
|
2,620
|
|
2001
|
Agasthyamalai
|
2016
|
Kerala, Tamil Nadu
|
Nilgiri Tahr, Elephant
|
3,500
|
|
2005
|
Achanakmar-
Amarkantak
|
2012
|
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
|
Wild Dog, Sarus Crane
|
3,835
|
|
2008
|
Great Rann of Kutch
|
Not Included
|
Gujarat
|
Indian Wild Ass
|
12,454
|
|
2009
|
Cold Desert
|
2025
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
Snow Leopard
|
7,770
|
|
2010
|
Seshachalam Hills
|
Not Included
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
Slender Loris
|
4,755
|
|
2011
|
Panna
|
2020
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
Bengal Tiger, Chinkara
|
2,998
|
Did You Know?
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There are 784 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves across 142 countries
There are 7.5 million km² of biosphere reserve area, which covers more than 5% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface.
Biosphere reserves are found in every continent, except Antarctica.
Mata Atlantica Biosphere Reserve is the largest biosphere reserve in the world. It is located in Brazil and covers more than 88,000 km².
Largest Biosphere in India: Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat – 12,454 sq. km (Desert Zone)
Smallest Biosphere Reserve: Nokrek, Meghalaya – 820 sq. km (Eastern Himalayas)