TNPSC Thervupettagam

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve - New Grass species

April 23 , 2018 2278 days 1181 0
  • Researchers have discovered new grass-like plant species named Fimbristylis agasthyamalaensis in Ponmudi hills within the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
  • It has been classified as sedge, the grass-like plant and has been named after the locality from which it was found.
  • The new species of plant belongs to the Cyperaceae family. Its flowering and fruiting were observed from October to March.
  • Researchers have recommended preliminary conservation assessment of plant as ‘critically endangered,’ according to IUCN criteria.

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

  • Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve was established in 2001 in Western Ghats.
  • In March 2016, Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO.
  • Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve  in situated at the southern-most end of the Western Ghats and spread over two southern states Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve  is home to rare endemic animals include tiger, Asian Elephant, and Nilgiri Tahr.
  • It is home to Kanikaran tribe, one of the oldest surviving ancient tribes in the world.

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