Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) in India: Meaning, Features, List and Important Facts

India is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, rich in ecosystems, wildlife and traditional ecological knowledge. To conserve unique ecological landscapes and protect areas of biological, cultural and environmental significance, India introduced the concept of Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

These sites preserve ecosystems that are ecologically fragile, biologically rich and culturally important for present and future generations.

As per the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), India has 54 Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) as of March 2026.

What are Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS)?

Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are well-defined geographical areas that possess unique biodiversity values and are important for conservation.

These sites may include:

• Terrestrial ecosystems
• Coastal ecosystems
• Inland water ecosystems
• Marine ecosystems

BHS areas protect biological diversity while also preserving traditional and cultural connections with nature.

Features of Biodiversity Heritage Sites

A site may qualify as a BHS if it contains one or more of the following:

• Rich diversity of wild and domesticated species
• High endemism
• Rare and threatened species
• Keystone species
• Species of evolutionary importance
• Wild ancestors of cultivated plants
• Fossil-rich landscapes
• Areas with cultural, ethical or aesthetic importance
• Ecosystems linked with traditional communities

Biodiversity Heritage Sites Under the Biodiversity Act, 2002

Biodiversity Heritage Sites are provided under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Key provisions include:

• State Governments have authority to declare BHS
• Consultation with local bodies is mandatory
• Recommendations may come from Biodiversity Management Committees
• Conservation rules are framed by State Governments in consultation with the Central Government
• States may provide compensation or rehabilitation if local livelihoods are affected

India’s First Biodiversity Heritage Site

India’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site was:

Nallur Tamarind Grove, Karnataka (Declared in 2007)

This marked the beginning of India’s formal recognition of biologically significant local ecosystems.

List of Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India (As of March 2026)

India currently has 54 Biodiversity Heritage Sites spread across multiple states.

Major BHS include:

• Nallur Tamarind Grove – Karnataka
• Hogrekan – Karnataka
• University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru – Karnataka
• Ambaraguda – Karnataka
• Glory of Allapalli – Maharashtra
• Tonglu BHS – West Bengal
• Dhotrey BHS – West Bengal
• Dialong Village – Manipur
• Ameenpur Lake – Telangana
• Majuli – Assam
• Ghariyal Rehabilitation Centre – Uttar Pradesh
• Mandasaru – Odisha
• Gupteswar Forest – Odisha
• Mahendragiri Hill – Odisha
• Gandhamardan Hill – Odisha
• Patalkot – Madhya Pradesh
• Asramam, Kollam – Kerala
• Bambarde Myristica Swamps – Maharashtra
• Garo Hills – Meghalaya
• Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site – Tamil Nadu
• Inland Mangrove of Guneri – Gujarat
• Elathur Lake – Tamil Nadu
• Nagamalai Hillock – Tamil Nadu
• Canary Pahad – Jharkhand
• Mawtneng – Meghalaya

Nallur Tamarind Grove, Karnataka

Nallur Tamarind Grove became India’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site.

Important Features:

• Spread across 54 acres
• Contains nearly 300 tamarind trees
• Believed to date back to the Chola period
• Represents exceptional plant diversity

Its giant ancient trees make it an ecologically and visually unique landscape.

Hogrekan Biodiversity Heritage Site, Karnataka

Hogrekan is known for:

• Unique Shola vegetation
• Rich medicinal plant diversity
• Grassland ecosystems

The site also acts as a wildlife corridor between Kudremukh and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ambaraguda Biodiversity Heritage Site, Karnataka

This site is located between:

• Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

It preserves:

• Primitive Western Ghats vegetation
• Shola forests
• Grassland ecosystems

Glory of Allapalli, Maharashtra

This reserved forest is protected for its:

• Biological value
• Historical importance
• Ethnobotanical significance

It remains one of Maharashtra’s important conservation landscapes.

Ameenpur Lake, Telangana

Ameenpur Lake became India’s first water body to receive Biodiversity Heritage Site status.

Major Highlights:

• More than 300 years old
• Human-made lake
• Habitat for migratory birds

Bird species include:

• Flamingos
• Egrets
• Herons
• Kingfishers
• River Terns

Majuli Biodiversity Heritage Site, Assam

Majuli is one of the world’s largest river islands.

Importance:

• Located in the Brahmaputra River
• Rich ecological diversity
• Strong cultural heritage

It combines both environmental and traditional values.

Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site, Tamil Nadu

Arittapatti gained recognition due to:

• Around 250 bird species
• Presence of important raptors

Notable species:

• Laggar Falcon
• Shaheen Falcon
• Bonelli’s Eagle
• Indian Pangolin
• Slender Loris

Mahendragiri Hill Biodiversity Heritage Site, Odisha

Mahendragiri Hill lies at 700–1501 metres elevation.

Major Features:

• Tropical Shola forests
• Semi-evergreen forests
• Moist deciduous forests
• Rich floral diversity representing nearly 40% of Odisha’s flora

The site also contains ancient temples and receives thousands of pilgrims annually.

Gupteswar Forest Biodiversity Heritage Site, Odisha

Gupteswar Forest is spread across 350 hectares.

Highlights:

• Located near Gupteswar Shiva cave temple
• Part of the Eastern Ghats
• Rich in medicinal plants

Key Fauna:

• Mugger Crocodile
• Kanger Valley Rock Gecko
• Common Hill Myna

Key Flora:

• Indian Trumpet Tree
• Indian Snakeroot
• Cumbi Gum Tree
• Garlic Pear Tree

Yaya Tso Lake: Proposed Biodiversity Heritage Site

Yaya Tso Lake in Ladakh has been proposed for BHS recognition.

Major Features:

• Located at 4,820 metres above sea level
• Important breeding ground for birds

Species found:

• Black-necked Crane
• Bar-headed Goose
• Brahminy Duck

The lake is popularly called “Birds’ Paradise.”

Importance of Biodiversity Heritage Sites

BHS contribute to:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Protection of endemic species
• Preservation of traditional knowledge
• Ecotourism development
• Community participation in conservation