Which of the following is the largest Biosphere Reserves of India?

The correct answer is Gulf of Manner.

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

Gulf of Mannar is one of India’s richest marine biodiversity regions, known for coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and rare marine species.

• Location: The Gulf of Mannar lies between the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. It covers about 10.5 lakh hectares and includes 21 islands, making it an important marine ecosystem and coastal conservation region.
• UNESCO Recognition: The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve was recognised under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2001. It is India’s first marine biosphere reserve and promotes biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use and community participation.
• Rich Marine Biodiversity: The Gulf supports over 4,200 species of plants and animals. Its coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests provide habitat for dugong (Dugong dugon), sea turtles, ornamental fishes, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms and the rare Balanoglossus living fossil.