india emblem
National Biodiversity Authority
(An Autonomous and Statutory Body of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India)
Biodiversity Heritage Site

Guidelines for Selection and Management of the Biodiversity Heritage Sites

Declared Biodiversity Heritage Sites

Name of the Site1. Nallur Tamarind Grove
Name of the District Bengaluru
Area 21.85 ha
Importance of the area It is popularly believed to be a relic of the Chola Dynasty that ruled nearly 800 years ago, is spectacle of awesome wonder and a freakish site. This BHS spread over 54 acres comprising a population of nearly 300 trees, is a picture of dynamic pattern of plant diversity. The significant component of this popular structure is a group of old plants standing like ageless sentinels, firmly rooted to the ground with their gigantic trunks, along with large picturesque crowns spread very high and aloft like open wings.
Government Notification Aaapaji 154 ENV 2006, B'lore dt.24.01.2007

Name of the Site2. Hogrekan
Name of the District Chikmagalur
Gram Panchayat Balliganuru
Area 1015 ha
Importance of the area The area has unique Shola vegetation and grass land with number of floral species which are unique and having lot of medicinal value. Hogrekan is moderately wooded land and its vegetation is of dry deciduous type and has a link with Bababudanagiri and Kemmangundi, adjoining Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Yemmedode Tiger Reserve and serving as "Wildlife Corridor" between Kudremukha and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
Government Notification ENV 2009 dated 4.9.2010

Name of the Site3. University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru
Name of the District Bengaluru
Area 167 ha
Importance of the area The GKVK campus is considered one of the greenest areas in Bengaluru. Biological diversity of this campus constitutes a critical repository of various forms of flora and fauna (including 13 sp of mammals, 10 sp of reptiles, 165 sp of birds and 530 sp of plants) which needs to be protected nurtured to posterity.
Government Notification ENV 2009 dated 2.9.2010

Name of the Site 4. Ambaraguda
Name of the District Shimoga
Area 3857.17 ha
Importance of the area It is a revenue land located between Sharavathi Wild Life Sanctuary and Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. It has Shola vegetation which is primitive vegetation in the Western Ghat and also has grasslands.
Government Notification 2011

Name of the Site 5. Glory of Allapalli
Name of the State Maharashtra
Name of the District Gadchiroli
Area 6 ha
Importance of the area It is a reserved forest being preserved as natural forest having biological, ethinical and historical values.
Government Notification No.WLP.0914/C.R.317/M-1 dated 15th July 2014

Name of the Site 6. Tonglu BHS 
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Darjeeling
Area 230 ha
Importance of the area It is a Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas
Government Notification No.716-ENT/T-11-7/003-ii/2003

Name of the Site 7. Dhotrey BHS 
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Darjeeling
Area 180 ha
Importance of the area It is a Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas
Government Notification No.716-ENT/T-11-7/003-ii/2003

Name of the Site 8. Dialong Village
Name of the State Manipur
Name of the District Tamenglong
Area 1135 ha
Importance of the area This comprises 1135 ha of Longku Forest and another 200 ha watershed areas of Joulangpang-Khoukao waterfalls. The Rongmei tribes of Dailong and other villages of Tamenglong district were conserving forest in the form of sacred groves known as “Raengan”, meaning gateway conservation (resting) site of the farmers which is precursor to all conservation activities of these tribes in Tamenglong district. The type of habitats includes Montane Wet Temperate Forest, Tropical Evergreen Forest, and Semi Evergreen Forest and Riparian forest. The area contains more than 159  plant species including 16 species of ethno-medicinal value, used by the local tribes. This includes the globally rare and endemic species of Indian wild orange (Citrus indica) and Jewel orchid (Anoectochilus albolineatus). A total of 101 avian species including the 2 endemic species: Grey sibia (Heterophasia gracillis) and Darjeeling woodpecker (Dendrocopos darjellensi), 8 mammalian species, 10 species of snakes have been recorded including rare and endemic Cherrapunji Keelback (Hebius xenura).
Government Notification No.24/3/2017-For &ENVT

Name of the Site 9. Ameenpur lake
Name of the State Telangana
Name of the District Sangareddy
Area 229.05 ha
Importance of the area It is an urban wetland providing refuge to 8 mammalian species, 170 avifauna (migratory and resident), 46 herpeto-fauna, 9 varieties of fish, 143 invertebrates and 250 species of rare and common plants.
Government Notification 449/EFS&T (FOR.II) Department

Name of the Site 10. Majuli
Name of the State Assam
Name of the District Majuli
Area 87500 ha
Importance of the area
Majuli River Island in River Brahmaputra is the largest river island in India. The fertile floodplains and highly productive wetlands support a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. More than 250 species of birds have been recorded. These include the two globally endangered species of vultures (Oriental White-backed Vulture and Slender Billed Vulture), two endangered species (Greater Adjutant and Bengal Florican) and 9 vulnerable species (Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant, Baer's Pochard, Pallas's Fish-Eagle, Greater
Spotted Eagle, Swamp Francolin, Marsh Babbler, Jerdon's Babbler and Black-breasted Parrotbill). Majuli has been categorized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
It is eminent for its rich ecological and cultural heritage. It is also famous for producing 100 varieties of paddy without application of fertilisers and pesticides.
Government Notification FRW 57/2005/Vol.II/14

Name of the Site 11. Ghariyal Rehabilitation Centre
Name of the State Uttar Pradesh
Name of the District Lucknow
Area 10 ha
Importance of the area It is a centre established for conservation and rehabilitation of critically endangered species of Gharial.
Government Notification 1348/XVI-5-2016-15/2016

Name of the Site 12. Chilkigarh Kanak Durga
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Jhargram
Area 22.62 ha
Importance of the area Chilkigarh Kanak Durga Sacred Grove is a remnant forest with traditional beliefs and taboos of local inhabitants and rich in biodiversity covering an area of 55.9 acres in Jhargram District of West Bengal.
Government Notification No. 926/EN/T-II-7/003-II/2003

Name of the Site13. Khlaw Kur  Syiem KmieIng
Name of the State Meghalaya
Name of the District Ri-Bhoi
Area 16.05 ha
Importance of the area It is a mosaic of natural habitats along with significant diversity of life forms. It is also an old  Sacred Grove with monoliths and religious spots.
Government Notification No. FOR.53/2018/59

Name of the Site14. Mandasaru
Name of the State Odisha
Name of the District Kandhamal
Area 528 ha
Importance of the area Mandasaru gorge is an adobe of 1563 species of plants, animals and fungi spreaded over an area of 528 ha. Out of 41 species of medicinal plants categorized under various threatened categories. Twenty three threatened species of plants, 3 endemics including Lithophytic orchid-Cirrhopetalum panigrahianum and one gymnosperm, Cycas orixensis occur in this place. Lasiococca comberi, Saraca asoca, Balanophora polyandra, Polyalthia simiarum, Dimorphocalyx glabellus, Stemona tuberosa, Pueraria tuberosa, Rauvolfia serpentina, Embelia ribes and Gnetum ula are some of the threatened plants of the gorge. The gorge provides congenial habitat for  fishing Cats, and Small clawed otters. One of the Eastern Ghats Endemics the Golden Geckos, having a good population inside the gorge. The gorge is also a sacred site for the local communities as they worship and conserve a fern (Patharagirdhini/ Drynaria quercifolia) in one of the hill tops.
Government Notification No..10F(TR)27/20195265/FE

Name of the Site15. Purvatali Rai
Name of the State Goa
Name of the District North Goa
Area 0.73 ha
Importance of the area Purvatali Rai is a unique combination of eco-theological, socio-ecological and sacred beliefs leading to conservation action even in force as of today in these modern
times. The area is unique and has ecologically fragile ecosystems with significant cultural, ethical and aesthetic value , however with long history of human
association. This sacred grove has more than hundreds of different floral species with the potentiality of medicinal uses for human as well as other animals.
The area has a variety of wild flowers, wild vegetables, orchids, herbal medicines and edible tubers.
Government Notification No.VPS/BICH/NOC(heritage site)2019-20/1030

Name of the Site16. Naro Hills
Name of the State Madhya Pradesh
Name of the District Satna
Area 200 ha
Importance of the area Naro Hills is home to various floral and faunal species including animals such as tiger, leopard, wild cat, fox, bear, sambar, neel gai, jackal, langur, monkey, rabbit, peacock, owl; and plants such as flame lily, parijat, kapuri, ratanjot, henna. Naro Hills is part of Vindhya hills region and a dry deciduous forest. The Vindhya region harbours several species of medicinal plants, some of which are threatened. These include Dillenia pentagyna, Plumbago capensis, Psilotum nudum, Drosera burmanii, Alectra chitrakutensis, Cordia macleodii, Costus speciosus, Strychnos nux-vomica, Plumbago zeylancia etc.
Government Notification NO.r-2325-1335-2017-x-2

Name of the Site17. Patalkot
Name of the State Madhya Pradesh
Name of the District Chhindwara
Area 8367.49 ha
Importance of the area terrain of 1700 feet deep valley and ecosystem of estimated age of 6 Million years and species of rare flora and fauna including rare Bryophytes and Pteridopytes;
Government Notification Notification by Government of Madhya Pradesh

Name of the Site18. Asramam
Name of the State Kerala
Name of the District Kollam
Area 57.53 ha
Importance of the area The BHS hosts a unique diversity of Mangrove species with diverse flora and fauna. The area harbours 15 sp. of true mangroves, 22 sp. of mangroves associated. 122 sp. of plants, 34 sp. of edible fish and about 62 sp. of birds. Most importantly, the site has the rare and endangered heritage trees of Syzygium travancoricum which is listed as critically endangered in IUCN Red List.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Kerala

Name of the Site19. Bambarde Myristica Swamps
Name of the State Maharashtra
Name of the District Dodamarg
Area 2.59 ha
Importance of the area These are known to be the remnants of primeval forests of the Western Ghats with a history of over 140 million years. In addition, there are giant climbers, medicinal plants, edible fruits and wild vegetables. The wild gene pool of Myristica fatua (wild nutmeg), an economically important spice, is also preserved here.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Maharashtra

Name of the Site20.  Ganeshkhind Garden
Name of the State Maharashtra
Name of the District Pune
Area 33.01 ha
Importance of the area The area holds a total of 610 germplasms of 49 crops including high economic value plants. There are number of plant types developed through genetic breeding programme within the garden. The site also has 165 wild plant species including 48 medicinal varieties, rare and endangered plant species. The garden has high density of Swietenia macrophylla (planted in 1874 with seeds obtained from Royal Botanical Garden, UK) and Ficus bengalensis with ideal conditions for their natural regeneration.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Maharashtra

Name of the Site21. Landorkhori
Name of the State Maharashtra
Name of the District Jalgaon
Area 48.08 ha
Importance of the area The site is habitat of wild animals & rare species of plants and grass. More than 150 species of birds, 24 species of mammals, have been recorded in this area. The natural plantation of Bori (Zizyphus jujube) tree is unique and survived since old ages.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Maharashtra

Name of the Site22. Schistura Hiranyakeshi
Name of the State Maharashtra
Name of the District Sindhudurg
Area 2.11 ha
Importance of the area The fish Schistura hiranyakeshi was spotted for the first time in a pond at the Mahadev Temple at Amboli in Sindhudurg district , Western Ghats The 2.11 ha area has now been declared as ‘Shistura Hiranyakeshi Biological Heritage Site’ in April 2021. It has become the 5th such heritage site in the state of Maharashtra. The fish was found by the team led by Tejas Thackeray, a wildlife researcher, and son of Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Maharashtra

Name of the Site23. Baneswar Shiva Dighi
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Coochbehar-II
Area 0.667 ha
Importance of the area It offers refuge to Black Softshell Turtle Nilssonia nigricans listed under Appendix I of CITES and extinct  in the wild category of IUCN.
Government Notification Notification by Government of West Bengal

Name of the Site24. Sacred Grove at Sural Bhatori Monastery
Name of the State Himachal Pradesh
Name of the District Chamba
Area 0.60 ha
Importance of the area A patch of Betula utilis or Bhojpatra trees wilh some intersp~rsed Willow trees Dominant shrubs and herbs: Rosa species, Lonicera species, Sorbus species, Agropyron longearistatum, Festuca species, Primula denticulata, Polygonatum verticillatum, Plantago asiatica, Heracleum candicans, Berberis species, Artemisia species, Bunium Persicum etc. Major faunal species, in the surrounding area: Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Tibetan ·Wolf, Ibex etc
Government Notification Notification by Government of Himachal Pradesh

Name of the Site25. High Altitude Meadow @ HUDAN BHATORI
Name of the State Himachal Pradesh
Name of the District Chamba
Area 8.74 ha
Importance of the area Cotoneaster species, Lonicera species, Sorbus species, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromusasper, Fesruca species, Poa species, Primula denticulata, Picrorhiza kurroa, Anemone species. Iris species, Artemisia species. Lonicera spocies, Bunium persicum, Jurinea macrocephala etc. Important Horal species recorded in the area: Picrorhiza kurroa, Dactylorhiza haragirea, Aconitum heterophyllum, Podophyllum hexandrum and Saussurea costus (cultivated). Major faunal species, in the region: Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Marmot, Ibex and Royle's Pika.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Himachal Pradesh

Name of the Site26. Birch-pine Forest Patch @ Nain Gahar
Name of the State Himachal Pradesh
Name of the District Lahaul & Spiti
Area 12.22 ha
Importance of the area Main trees are Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis) and Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiiana). A few middle aged trees of West Himalayan Spruce (Picea smithiana), Deodar (Cedrus deodara) and Juniper (Juniperus species) are interspersed in the proposed patch. Besides. Willow (Salix species) and Sea Buckthorn (Jlippophae salicifolia) are also present in the site. The proposed site also includes a very good patch of grassy area, which supports a very good population of important medicinal and aromatic plants like Picrorhzza kurroa. Dactylorhiza hacagirea, Aconitum heterophyllum, Podophyllum hexandrum, Aconitum violaceum, Bunium persicum, Hippophae rhamnoides etc.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Himachal Pradesh

Name of the Site27. Baramura waterfall
Name of the State Tripura
Name of the District Khowai
Area 150 ha
Importance of the area The highest natural waterfall in Tripura. Critical habitat for rare wildlife. Rich in floristic diversity. Habitat for many stream water favored fauna
Government Notification Notification by Government of Tripura

Name of the Site28. Unakoti
Name of the State Tripura
Name of the District Unakoti
Area 40 ha
Importance of the area Cultural and religious significance, Example of Ethno-religious aspects, Sacred trees and stones,Rich forest flora and fauna, Source of natural stream flow has diverse ecosystem services, Site of semi wild, wild and domesticated ornamental plants.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Tripura

Name of the Site29. Silachari Caves
Name of the State Tripura
Name of the District Gomati
Area 100 ha
Importance of the area Only natural cave of Tripura. Unique habitat for several threatened cave bat species in Tripura. Rich floristic diversity. Ethno-religious and cultural significance. Critical habitat for rare wildlife. Stream rich in aquatic fauna. Multi- ecosystem services.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Tripura

Name of the Site30. Debbari or Chabimura
Name of the State Tripura
Name of the District Gomati
Area 215 ha
Importance of the area River forest ecosystems at Debbari with rich fauna and flora. Unique habitat for threatened plants of Tripura like Dhup tree and cane resources of India. Unique breeding habitat for threatened fishes of Tripura. Unique breeding habitat for threatened wildlife of Tripura.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Tripura

Name of the Site31. Betlingshib & its surroundings
Name of the State Tripura
Name of the District North District
Area 350 ha
Importance of the area Geographical/ topographical significance: The highest peak of Tripura allows unique habitat ecosystem. Aesthetic value: View of Mizoram and Chittagon hill tracts, other hills of Jampui, orange orchards. Due to change in altitude, topography and climate the vegetation is totally unique compared to the mainland of the state. Biodiversity Significance: Highest floristic diversity in Tripura. Conservation significance: Suitable habitat for several red listed flora and fauna. Medicinal plant conservation area. Cultural significance: Diverse agro-ecosystem model.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Tripura

Name of the Site32. Amarkantak
Name of the State Madhya Pradesh
Name of the District Anuppur
Area 7681.50 ha
Importance of the area Site is situated on the Maikal mountain range which links the Vindhyachal and Satpura mountain ranges, at about 1067 meters above mean sea level. Site has unique terrain of 1700 ft. deep valley and ecosystem of estimated age of 6 Million year and species of rare flora & fauna including rare Bryophytes and Pteridophytes. Site is spread over 8367 .49hectare area. Amarkantak ecological system is the origin of three major rivers which contributes to water security of India, which need to be conserved.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Madhya Pradesh

Name of the Site33. Hajong Tortoise Lake
Name of the State Assam
Name of the District Dima Hasao
Area 526.78 ha
Importance of the area This lake is a natural habitat of Critically Endangered freshwater ‘Black Softshell turtle’ Nilssonia nigricans and Endangered ‘Indian Peacock Softshell turtle’ Nilssonia hurum besides other major flora and fauna. This site also harbour the threatened species like Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), Vulnerable Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), Sambar (Rusa unicolor), Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), Capped Langur (Trachypithecus pileatus), Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) etc.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Assam

Name of the Site34. Borjuli Wild Rice Site
Name of the State Assam
Name of the District Sonitpur
Area 0.41 ha
Importance of the area This BHS has a good population of wild species of rice -Oryza rufipogon. The wetland located at 26.810888 N, 92.623559 E having area of 0.41 ha harbour a viable population of wild rice. This is a unique site due to population richness of this species, but both are vulnerable to climate change and anthropogenic activities. The species (O. rufipogon) possess genes for disease and pest resistance, tolerance to submergence and salinity, thus, important resource in breeding and improvement of rice crop and many of our current varieties derive many genes from this species. Its in-situ conservation for evolutionary process and adaptation to changing climate is important. This will be wealth for posterity not only for India but for the whole world. Oryza rufipogon, the progenitor of present-day cultivated rice, O. sativa, is one of the most studied wild species of rice. It is a perennial plant commonly found in a marsh or aquatic habitats of eastern and southern Asia. O. rufipogon is photosensitive in nature and flowers during short days during the months of November and December. The seeds have a tendency to shatter as soon as they mature. It is tolerant of flooding and acidic soils.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Assam

Name of the Site35. Arittapatti
Name of the State TamilNadu
Name of the District Madurai
Area 193.215 ha
Importance of the area This BHS has rich biological and historical significance with the presence of around 250 bird species including 3 flagship Raptor species - Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, Bonelli's Eagle and wildlife like Indan Pangolin, Python and Slender Loris.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Tamil Nadu

Name of the Site36. Mahendragiri hill
Name of the State Odisha
Name of the District Gajapati
Area 4250 ha
Importance of the area Mahendragiri hill is situated at an elevation between 700-1501 m above mean sea level in Gajapati district of Odisha. With increase altitude, the hill complex demonstrates several micro climatic conditions like tropical shola, tropical semievergreen, tropical moist-deciduous & tropical dry deciduous. The diversified vegetation with rich floral diversity representing 40% of the reported flora of Odisha. A total of 1,358 species of plants including 1,042 species of angiosperms under 122 families, 60 species of pteridophytes, 104 species of bryophytes, 53 species of lichens and 72 species of macro-fungi and 2 species of gymnosperms occurring in the hill ecosystem.The ancient temples of Kunti, Shima, Arjuna and Yudhisthir at Mahendragiri have been declared as protected monuments under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological sites and Remains Act 1958 by the State Government. These monuments provide a sacred and holy background for receiving about one lakh devotees annually every year to worship the deities of the hill
Government Notification Notification by Government of Odisha

Name of the Site37. State Horticulture Research and Development Station
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Nadia
Area 39.61 ha
Importance of the area Rich Heritage of indigenous germplasm of horticulture and medicinal plants. It provides good habitat for good number of avifauna, butterflies and other insects
Government Notification Notification by Government of West Bengal

Name of the Site38. Namthing Pokhari
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Darjeeling
Area 4.819 ha
Importance of the area Habitat for Himalayan Newt, which is an evolutionary significant species originated during the early-middle Miocene and endemic to the Indo-Nepal Himalayan region.
Government Notification Notification by Government of West Bengal

Name of the Site39. Char Balidanga
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Nadia
Area 46.862
Importance of the area Habitat of nearly 100 species of avifauna with other Schedule-I fauna like Golden Monitor Lizard, smooth coated Otter, Golden Jackal etc and other rare animals.
Government Notification Notification by Government of West Bengal

Name of the Site40. Amkhoi Wood Fossil Park
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Birbhum
Area 10 ha
Importance of the area The site has unique geological and palaeo-botanical features. Well preserved angiosperm wood fossil representing the existence of a forest dating back to the late Jurassic age.
Government Notification Notification by Government of West Bengal

Name of the Site41. Haldir Char Island
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Purba Medinipur
Area 4.73 ha
Importance of the area The land is a mangrove swamp with tidal influence  and sustains littoral fauna. The peripheral part, the land water interface, is populated with Saccharum spontaneum, Phragmites karka, Vetiveria zizanioides, effective in controlling erosion. The char land inside is populated with Avicennia marina, A. officianalis, Sonneratia apetala, , Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha and mangrove associates lke Derris scandens Thespesia populnea, Cryptocoryne ciliata, Acanthus ilicifolius, Clerodendron inerme, Dolichos sp. etc,
It also has remarkable avifauna including Microcarbo niger, Phalacrocorax fuscicollis, Egretta sp, Nycticorax nycticorax, Ardeola grayii besides the other vertebrates like Varanus bengalensis and Herpestes sp.
Government Notification Notification by Government of West Bengal

Name of the Site42. Birampur-Baguran Jalpai
Name of the State West Bengal
Name of the District Purba Medinipur
Area 95.91 ha
Importance of the area Intertidal coastal stretch of nearly 7.3 km provides the habitat of Ocypod macrocera, Dotilla myctiroides, Uca lactea, Varanus sp, Herpestes sp, Canis aureus, Felis chaus and many other varieties.
Government Notification Notification by Government of West Bengal

Name of the Site43. Tungkyong Dho
Name of the State Sikkim
Name of the District North Sikkim
Area 0.0650 ha
Importance of the area Tungkyong Dho (Lake) is believed to be one of the oldest natural dho (lake) directly related to the Hee-Youngmingmoo clan of Lepcha community in Dzongu. Dzongu valley is a specially protected area for aboriginal/ indigenous primitive tribes considered to be the original inhabitant of Sikkim called as Lepchas and a very unique cultural and historical significance. The Lepchas, as in other communities have their own share of clan or caste and are nature worshipper and custodians since time immemorial. The Lepchas sanctify this sacred lake yearly through ‘MUN PUDIM’ and through lama also.The area harbours considerable number of plant species including Acer oblongum, Albizia sp, Alnus nepalensis, Bischofia javanica, Castanopsis tribuloides, Cryptomeria japonica, Duabanga grandiflora, Juglans regia, Macaranga pustulata, and Schima wallichii. Some of the mammals found in the area are Asia black bear, rhesus monkey, porcupine, palm civet, flying squirrel, barking deer, goral, squirrel, yellow-throated marten, jackal, jungle cat, otter, wild-boar, pangolin, etc. It also harbour numerous bird species like like black bulbul, black drongo, great barbet, grey treepie, chestnut crowned laughing thrush, common kestrel, blue whistling thrush, serpent eagle, long-tailored minivet, oriental magpie, oriental turtle dove, white crested laughing thrush, etc.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Sikkim

Name of the Site44. Gandhamardan Hill
Name of the State Odisha
Name of the District Bolangir and Bargarh
Area 18,963.898 ha
Importance of the area Treasure trove of medicinal plants comprising 1055 floral species including 849 angiosperms, 56 pteridophytes, 40 bryophytes, 45 lichens , 2 angiosperms and 63 macrofungi. The Faunal diversity of 500 species includes 43 mammals, 161 birds, 16 amphibians, 118 butterflies, 27 dragonflies7 damselflies and 83 spiders Two endemic species, a plant , Ficus conccina var. dasycarpa and a spider, Peucetia harishankarensis are endemic to this hill. Two historical monuments , Nrusinghhanath and Harishankar temples located in the Northern and Southern slopes respectively in the foothills have immense cultural significance. These are two major pilgrimage sites of Odisha . Moreover, famous traveller, Hiusen Tsang described this hill shrine as a Buddhist Heritage Site, "Parimalagiri". The site has its socio-economic, ecological and biological significance and long history of human association
Government Notification Notification by Government of Odisha

Name of the Site45. Gupteswar Forest
Name of the State Odisha
Name of the District Koraput
Area 350 ha
Importance of the area The divine, “Gupteswar Forest” situated in the southernmost region of Odisha and a part of Eastern Ghats, is a great assemblage of significant species of flora and fauna. This sacred place always drags the attention of naturalists, environmentalists, researchers, and tourists for its rich biodiversity and the gigantic Shiva Linga which has rich mythological significance and mesmerizing beauty of the surrounding domain. The 350 hectares of demarcated area that intersects Gupteswar PRF and Dondrakhol RF comprises at least 608 faunal species and 615 floral species. Faunal richness includes 28 species of mammals, .188 species of birds, 18 species of amphibia, 48 species of reptiles, 45 species of Pisces, 141 species of butterflies, 43 species oI moths, 41 species of odonates, 30 species of spiders, six species of scorpion and 20 species of lower invertebrates. Gupteswar is also bestowed with sub terrain vegetation with a rich diversity of threatened and medicinal plants which include, 182 species of tree, 76 species of shrubs, 177 species of herbs, 69 species of climbers, and 14 species of orchids. other than that, 17 species of ferns, 20 species of bryophytes, 15 species of lichens, 44 species of macro fungi and one species of gymnosperm have also been documented in this area.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Odisha

Name of the Site46. Lyago
Name of the State Arunachal Pradesh
Name of the District Hong Nitii , Lower Subansiri
Area 1.24 ha
Importance of the area Lyago is a sacred groove located nearby catchment areas for wet rice cultivation and paddy sapling nurseries in Hong Nitii village of Lower Subansiri District. It is considered sacred by the Apatani's of Hong Nitii as many traditional rituals arc performed within the sacred groove by erecting traditional alters for performing the rituals. Besides, it also consists of many naturally growing tree species which are often considered sacred such as Quercus sp.. Ficus spp. Castanopsis armata, Castanopsis indica, Mahonia nepaulensis, Prunus persica, wild grapes and other important species such as Berberis wallichiana, Pyrus calleryana. Pyrus pashia, Cerasus cerusoides Ficus sarmentosa etc.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Arunachal Pradesh

Name of the Site47. Thungeey Gonpu (Kamcho Yaam)
Name of the State Arunachal Pradesh
Name of the District Shergaon , West Kameng
Area 6.27 ha
Importance of the area Thungeey gonpa is an important archaeological site surrounded by thick forest located at Shergaon village. It is also considered one of the oldest Buddhist gonpa or temple in West Kameng District. The speciality of this temple is that, it is made of mud. Hence, it is also called as 'Kamcho Yaam' meaning mud house in Sherdukpen dialect. The temple is surrounded by thick forests comprising of rich vegetation and numerous Rhododendron species like R.arboreum can be seen blooming over the season. Besides, flowers of Daphne papyracea (Paper Plant). Primula denticulata , other important medicinal plants like Valeriana jatamansi, Artemisia vulgaris, Paris polyphylla, Swertia chirayita, Gaultheria sps, edible lichens etc., are also found. The forest also is home to many wild animals like Himalayan black beer. barking deer, wild pig, yellow throated marten, giant flying squirrel etc.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Arunachal Pradesh

Name of the Site48. Kasampatty Veera Koil Sacred Grove
Name of the State Tamil Nadu
Name of the District Dindigul
Area 4.97.50 ha
Importance of the area The Kasampatty Veera Koil sacred grove represents a special fusion of socio-ecological, eco-theological and revered beliefs and is rich in biodiversity. The Kasampatty BHS encompass substantial regions safeguarded by the local community and are noteworthy for their significance, distinctiveness and biodiversity. And the local people of Kasampatty village exhibit extreme discipline by not taking out even a twig or leaf and prohibiting the use of footwear even while crossing or entering this sacred grove.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Tamil Nadu

Name of the Site 49. Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji BHS
Name of the State Karnataka
Name of the District Vijayapura
Area 1494.38 Acre
Importance of the area The site has an area of 1494.38 acres and it is present in Mamadapura village of Vijayapura taluk in Vijayapura district. It belongs to deciduous and dry deciduous forest category and comprises of Indian fox, leopard, hyaena and many other species of animals. The forest here plays a vital role in replenishing the ground water, soil stabilization and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. The surrounding waterbodies add natural beauty and aesthetic value to the site. The site is named after Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji, a deeply revered spiritual teacher, who was committed towards protecting the environment and for upliftment of the community, he also believed that the health of environment is directly linked to the well-being of people.
Government Notification Notification by Government of Karnataka

Name of the Site 50. Inland Mangrove of Guneri BHS
Name of the State Gujarat
Name of the District Kutch
Area 15.19 Km
Importance of the area The Inland Mangrove Ecosystem near Guneri in Lakhpat of Kachchh is a rare and ecologically significant landscape. Unlike typical coastal mangroves, this inland site sustains mangrove vegetation like Avicennia marina through subsurface saline water and periodic tidal influences from the nearby Kori Creek. It stands out as an exceptional example of ecological adaptation and resilience in an arid zone. The area supports a range of biodiversity, including migratory birds, reptiles, and invertebrates, and contributes to groundwater recharge and soil stabilization. Its unique inland mangrove formation offers high ecological, scientific and conservation value./td>
Government Notification Notification by Government of Gujarat

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