HEAT, ARIDITY, CLEAR SKIES: WHY FORESTS ARE ALREADY ABLAZE IN THE NILGIRIS:
Why in the news?
Forest fires ravaging Indian forests, prompting firefighting efforts; vulnerable regions include Maharashtra, Manipur, and South Indian states.
source:slideserve
About Forest Fires Ravaging Indian Forests:
- Forest fires have been raging in the Coonoor forest range in the Nilgiris, prompting firefighting efforts by the Indian Air Force and estate forest department.
- A specialised firefighting tool called the Bambi Bucket, deployed by helicopters, aids in combating wildfires that are difficult to reach from the ground.
- Forest fires are common in India from November to June, with approximately 36% of the forest cover prone to frequent fires, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019.
Key Facts about Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR):
● Location: Spans Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala ● Established: India’s first biosphere reserve in 1986 ● UNESCO Designation: First Indian biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme ● Tribal Groups: Home to Adiyan, Aranadan, Kader, Kurichian, Kuruman, and Kurumbas ● Fauna: Includes Nilgiri tahr, langur, slender loris, blackbuck, tiger, gaur, elephant, and marten ● Endemic Fishes: Nilgiri danio, Nilgiri barb, and Bowany barb ● Protected Areas: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley |