Agasthramala biosphere reserve ( UPSC Prelims)

News Context

The Supreme Court has mandated an investigation into breaches of forest and wildlife laws within the Agasthyamalai Landscape in Tamil Nadu. This area is situated in the Southern Western Ghats, spanning across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It encompasses three Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLSS): Shendurney, Peppara, and Neyyar in Kerala, as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, it includes the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghamalai, and Thirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary. The Thamirabarai River is also part of this landscape.