Consider the following statements : 1. Nilgiri Biosphere reserve has the largest known population of the two endangered animal species, namely the Nilgiri Tahr and the Lion-tailed macaque. 2. Sea cow, an endangered species of marine animals, are found in the Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve. 3. About 80% of the flowering plants reported from the Western Ghats occur in the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

• It was the first biosphere reserve of India, set up in 1986, and covers parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, including the Bandipur, Nagarhole, Mudumalai and Wayanad protected areas and the Silent Valley.
• It holds the largest known populations of the Nilgiri Tahr and the Lion-tailed macaque, both of which are endemic and endangered. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• About 80 per cent of the flowering plants reported from the Western Ghats are found in this reserve, which is a part of one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

• Set up in 1989 off the coast of Tamil Nadu, it consists of 21 islands with coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves.
• It is famous for the dugong or sea cow, an endangered marine mammal, and also for the sacred chank and the pearl banks. Hence, statement 2 is correct.