The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve boasts of many endemic species, rare and endangered flora and fauna, landscapes of outstanding scenic beauty with its expanses of grass-covered rolling hills, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and small forests.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve in India established in the year 1986. It is located in the Western Ghats and includes 2 of the 10 biogeographical provinces of India.
Wide ranges of ecosystems and species diversity are found in this region. Thus, it was a natural choice for the premier biosphere reserve of the country.
It embraces the sanctuary complex of Wyanad, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai, the entire forested hill slopes of Nilambur, the Upper Nilgiri plateau, Silent Valley and the Siruvani hills. The total area of the biosphere reserve is around 5,520 sq. km.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve possesses different habitat types, unspoilt areas of natural vegetation types with several dry scrubs, dry and moist deciduous, semi- evergreen and wet evergreen forests, evergreen sholas, grasslands and swamps.
It includes the largest known population of two endangered animal species, namely the Nilgiri Tahr and the Lion-tailed macaque.