Question

What is the unique feature of the biodiversity found in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve?

Answer 1

Hint: The reserve area is composed mainly of forest habitats. It is an important transition zone between the forest species of western and eastern India.

Complete answer:The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: It is a non-use conservation area and biosphere reserve situated in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh (MP) state in central India.
Indian government established this conversation area in 1999. It consists of the animals from the Himalayan peaks and from the lower Western Ghats. The biodiversity found in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is indistinguishable from those of the upper Himalayan peaks and all those belonging to the lower Western Ghats. Flora as well as the fauna in that area is unlike anywhere else in the country and that is the thing that makes this reserve so unique. Forests represent approximately 63% of the biosphere reserve area, while agricultural lands (30%), wastelands (2.18%), water bodies (5%), and human settlement areas (0.54%) account for the left out. There exist more than 150 species of flora used for medicinal purposes. In addition, 60 species of pteridophytes have been present, 48 of which are types of fern. Important species include Psilotum triquetra (whisk fern) and Ophioglossum nudicaule (Adder’s-tongue ferns).

Note: Pachmarhi comprises three protection sites: The Bori Sanctuary, Satpura National Park, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary – otherwise known as the Satpura Tiger Reserve. The Pachmarhi Plateau is also known as the ‘Queen of Satpura’ because it contains valleys, marshes, streams, and waterfalls, all of which have led to the development of unique and varied biodiversity.