Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Biodiversity reserve in Western Ghats, India.
Agasthyamala is a biosphere reserve in the Western Ghats spanning the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, covering tropical forests, mountains and three wildlife sanctuaries. The Agastya Mala peak rises over 1800 meters (5900 feet) and forms the centerpiece of this protected zone.
The area became a biosphere reserve in 2001 after recognition of its role as a refuge for rare species. UNESCO added it to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2016.
The Kanikaran people still gather wild honey and prepare herbal remedies using knowledge passed through generations. Their settlements consist of simple palm-leaf huts scattered throughout the forested areas.
Treks to the summit area are possible only during January and February and require a permit from Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Access usually begins from Thiruvananthapuram, with several hours needed to reach the reserve itself.
The forests shelter over 2000 species of medicinal plants used in ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems. Some of these plants grow nowhere else and have been used by local communities for centuries.
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