In which UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was the newly identified

Solution

Researchers identified Uniyala keralensis as a new plant species in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve in Kerala. Named after the state of Kerala, this species belongs to the Asteraceae family and is endemic to southwest India. Uniyala keralensis is characterized as a small to large shrub that can grow between 1 to 3 meters in height and produces attractive light purple florets. The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve spans areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the Southern Western Ghats and encompasses several protected areas including Shendurney, Peppara, and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuaries, as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, hosting 2,254 higher plant species (with 405 endemic species) and endangered wildlife such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Bengal Tiger, and Indian Elephant.