ecological values, and to preserve areas of biological importance as natural heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people. Initially, the Project Tiger was launched in nine tiger reserves, covering an area of , sq. km, which has now increased to tiger reserves, encompassing , . sq.
km of core tiger habitats distributed in states. The tiger population in the country has registered an increase from , in to , in . Project Elephant was launched in to assist states having free ranging population of wild elephants. It was aimed at ensuring long- term survival of identified viable population of elephants in their natural habitat.
The project is being implemented in states. Apart from this, some other projects such as Crocodile Breeding Project, Project Hangul and conservation of Himalayan Musk deer have also been launched by the Government of India. Figure . : Objectives of a Biosphere Reserve B IOSPHERE R ESERVES A Biosphere Reserve is a unique and representative ecosystem of terrestrial and coastal areas which are internationally recognised within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
The Biosphere Reserve aims at achieving the three objectives as depicted in Figure . . There are Biosphere Reserves in India (Table . , Figure .
). Ten Biosphere Reserves Figure . : Elephants in their Natural Habitat Table . : List of Biosphere Reserves * Sites with bold letters have been included in the World Network of BRs of UNESCO.
Source : Annual Report - , Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. Sl. Name of the Biosphere Date of Location in the States/UT No. Reserve and Total Designation Geographical Area (km ) .
Nilgiri ( ) . . Part of Wynad, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Madumalai, Nilambur, Silent Valley and Siruvani Hills (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka). .
Nanda Devi ( . ) . . Part of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Almora Districts in Uttarakhand.
. Nokrek ( ) . . Part of East, West and South Garo Hill Districts in Meghalaya.
. Manas ( ) . . Part of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup and Darang Districts in Assam .