In this two phase study, first phase, the Deskwork (ERDAS Imagine, IRS-LISS4 data) identified six forest patches in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, southern Western Ghats. In the second phase research focused on all six patches involving inspections, measuring and recording as well as interactions with forest managers and members of the indigenous community. Second phase aggregated data pertaining to presentation as climax type of forests, biological wealth indicated by species richness and presence of endemic and critical species of plants and animals (vertebrate species excluding mammals) and indigenous people relay on natural resources like water and NTFP. For an overlay analysis using ArcGIS 9.1, the preceding data thematic layers have been created and subsequently integrated to infer the hierarchy within the six patches. In Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Ponmudi region ranks with highest priority and others (e.g., Kulathupuzha, Achancovil and Kallar respectively) trail behind respectively.