Spiti Valley: India's First Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh has been designated as India's first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
This recognition was made at the 37th session of UNESCO's International Coordinating Council of the MAB Programme, bringing India's total to 13 sites in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The cold desert ecosystem of Spiti Valley, despite its harsh climate and fragile soils, supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including:
- 655 herbs
- 41 shrubs
- 17 tree species
- 14 endemic species
- 47 medicinal plants
- 17 mammal species
- 119 bird species
Notable animals in the region include the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, red fox, Himalayan ibex, golden eagle, Himalayan snowcock, and bearded vulture.
As reported by Mongabay, India, this designation highlights the unique biodiversity of the Spiti Valley.
Author's summary: Spiti Valley is now India's first cold desert biosphere reserve.