What are National Parks and Sanctuaries | General Test Preparation for CUET - CUET Commerce PDF Download

What is a National Park?

National parks are designated areas aimed at preserving the natural environment while also facilitating public recreation and enjoyment activities. Within these parks, landscapes, flora, and fauna are maintained in their natural state.
India boasts remarkable biodiversity, encompassing approximately 7.6% of mammals, 6.2% of reptiles, 12.6% of birds, and 6.0% of flowering plant species within the Indomalayan ecozone. Various ecological regions, such as the Shola forests, exhibit notable levels of endemism. From the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats and Northeast India to the coniferous forests of the Himalayan region, the country's forests span diverse habitats.
The Indomalayan ecozone hosts significant terrestrial ecosystems, including temperate, polar, wet, and dry regions that support a wide array of species. Among these species are elephants, tigers, cobras, crocodiles, apes, sambar deer, spotted deer, rhinoceroses, goats, lions, and various flora and fauna.
India boasts approximately 99 internationally recognized national parks situated across different regions of the country. These national parks and wildlife reserves hold designation under the second category of protected areas by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

List of National Parks in India

National parks provide a haven for wildlife away from civilization. India has currently over 100 national parks distributed across the country, stretching across various biomes. The Hailey National Park is the first national park in India. It is one of the finest examples of ecological conservation. The other national parks in India include:

• Bandipur National Park in Karnataka
• Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala
• Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka
• Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh
• Gir National Park and Sasan Gir Sanctuary in Gujarat
• Hemis National Park in Jammu & Kashmir
• Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh
• Kaziranga National Park in Assam
• Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan
• Manas National Park in Assam
• Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka
• Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh
• Periyar National Park in Kerala.
• Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh
• Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan
• Sariska National Park in Rajasthan
• Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra
• The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh

What is a Sanctuary?

Sanctuaries are naturally occurring areas that are meant to protect the endangered species from hunting, poaching and predation. Here the animals are not bred for commercial purposes. It provides a safe, healthy and secured refuge to all the wild animals.

List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Following is the list of sanctuaries found in India:

• Dichigam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
• Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary
• Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Initially, numerous National Parks functioned primarily as wildlife sanctuaries. Following the implementation of conservation measures by the Indian Government, there was a notable 30% increase in the tiger population by the year 2015. These wildlife sanctuaries and national parks represent some of the most frequented areas in India, offering unparalleled wilderness experiences across various regions.
Wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike can partake in a plethora of activities at distinct tiger reserves in India, including sightseeing, safari tours, birdwatching, angling, fishing, river crossings, camping, and tiger tours.
In order to enhance the wildlife experience for tourists, the Wildlife Authority of India has expanded these destinations, elevating them to well-known tourist hotspots with significant attractions. Additionally, various accommodations such as resorts, hotels, and lodges are conveniently situated in close proximity to these areas.