Correct Option
The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR) is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve located in the Western Ghats, spanning parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It encompasses several protected areas, including:
- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
This reserve is known for its high levels of endemism and rich biodiversity.
Incorrect Options
Option 2 lists Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries, along with Silent Valley National Park. These protected areas are integral components of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, not the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
Option 3 includes Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram, and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries, which are primarily located in Andhra Pradesh. Mukurthi National Park, also mentioned, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu. None of these are components of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
Option 4 mentions Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. These protected areas are situated in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, primarily associated with the Eastern Ghats, and are not part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.