Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Definition

An Important Bird Area (IBA) is an area recognized as being globally important habitat for the conservation of bird populations.

Ecological Significance

Birds have many features that make them good indicators of overall biodiversity, and studies have shown their effectiveness in defining geographical priorities for other taxonomic groups. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) supports all the 16 species of Western Ghats endemic birds, of which one is Endangered, four are Vulnerable and five are Near Threatened.

If the degradation and loss of natural ecosystems in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) are to be halted, and the essential services and products they provide are to be maintained, it is vital that the negative impacts of economic development on biodiversity are mitigated, and that proactive measures are taken to conserve the NBR region’s highest priority sites. The Important Bird Area (IBA) Programme of BirdLife International is a contribution towards these goals.