Andhra gets its first biosphere reserve

The government has decided to designate the Seshachalam hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh as a biosphere reserve,making over 8,000 square km of Eastern Ghats in the southern part of the state a protected area devoted to conservation of rich biodiversity of the area.

Seshachalam will thus become the 16th biosphere reserve in the country and the first one in the state.

Biosphere reserves are large contiguous landscapes,having rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

The Seshachalam area comprises several gorges and plateaus and is known for its numerous waterfalls. Tirupati temple would become part of this biosphere reserve. These hill ranges are rich in plant diversity and home to many endangered animals.