Difference between National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries with features and objectives
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are Government-declared protected areas with the primary objective of protecting biodiversity, saving flora and fauna, and restoring natural ecological balance. Spectacular natural beauty in India's national parks and wildlife sanctuaries attracts millions of tourists every year. There are a few basic distinctions between national parks and sanctuaries.
What is a National Park?
The Government may designate an area of adequate ecological, geo-morphological and natural significance as a national park. There are no human activities permitted while tourism is allowed within the park in some areas. The harvesting of forest resources and the grazing of animals are strictly forbidden. These practices can be carried out by wildlife authorities in coordination with the National or State Wildlife Board.
The first Indian national park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, and later renamed Corbett National Park.
In 1972, the Government of India enacted the Wildlife Conservation Act with the intention of effectively protecting the country 's wildlife and regulating wildlife trafficking, smuggling and illegal trade.
Another initiative called 'Project Tiger' was initiated in 1973 to save Royal Bengal Tigers' declining population. India boasts a total of 104 national parks.
'Project Elephant' was introduced later in 1992, with the goal of preserving the vulnerable wild Asian elephants and their habitat.
Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park are among the best national parks in India to spot Royal Bengal Tigers situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala in the southern part of India is very famous for its spectacular sightings of wildlife. The Maharashtra and Gujarat states boast incredibly rich wildlife in the west region.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a popular wildlife destination of Maharashtra located some 145 km from Nagpur. Gir National Park is renowned for its magnificent Asian lions while in Gujarat.
What is a Wildlife Sanctuary?
Wildlife Sanctuary is a demarcated area for the conservation of a particular flora and fauna species.
The State authorities can require restricted human activities for the people living within it. For example, Wildlife authorities can require the grazing of livestock for a particular group living there.
Any neglect of wildlife is criminal crime and destruction of forest resources requires a National or State Wildlife Board approval.
First wildlife sanctuary in India is Vedanthangal Lake Birds Wildlife Sanctuary. It was created in 1936.
Arial Island WLS
Bamboo Island WLS
Wild Ass WLS
Kibber WLS
Narsinghgarh WLS
Tipeshwar WLS
These are some of the list of wildlife sanctuaries in India
In this article, let’s see the difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park.
Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
Top 10 national parks in India
Kanha National Park:
It has core zone of 363 square miles
It is the biggest national park in Central India
Approximately 105 Bengal tigers are present
Bandhavgarh National Park:
It has core area of 40 square miles and a buffer area of approximately 154 square miles
It preserves 36 other mammals, including leopards, chital, dhole and nilgai (“blue bulls”), more than 150 species of birds, and approximately 80 species of butterflies.
Kaziranga National Park:
It is listed under UNESCO Natural Heritage in India
It preserves Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, sloth bears, Gangetic dolphin, and many migratory birds.
Nagarhole National Park:
Nagarhole was once the Maharajah of Mysore's hunting grounds, and was declared a tiger reserve in 1999
It preserves herbivores in Asia, and the largest gathering of Asiatic elephants in the world.
Ranthambore National Park:
Ranthambore National Park covers a area of much larger 502 square mile tiger reserve
It preserves approximately 45 Bengal tigers
Periyar National Park:
It has core zone is 135 square miles and creates watershed of two major rivers
Periyar is well known for its thick, tropical evergreen forests.
Gir National Park:
It is the only remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic lion. In fact, it is the only place in the world where you can see lions roaming wild outside of Africa.
Gir National Park is the Asiatic lion's only remaining natural habitat. In reality, Gir is the only place in the world where lions can be seen wildly roaming outside Africa.
However, through the involvement of the Junagadh Nawabs and the Forest Department, Currently 523 lions are there in Gir National Park.
Sundarbans National Park:
It has 513 square miles, Sundarbans National Park is situated within a larger UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve.
Approximately 100 Bengal tigers live in the watery world of the Sundarbans, having adapted to an almost amphibious life.
Nanda Devi Biosphere and Valley of Flowers National Parks:
It is the India’s second highest peak, is acclaimed as a goddess by Hindus, governs the national park, and has helped preserve and protect the region
Both parks contain noteworthy populations of endangered species, including the snow leopard and Himalayan musk deer.
Jim Corbett National Park:
Corbett is home to more than 200 Bengal tigers and is considered as the highest number of any tiger reserve in India. Corbett is also a famous place for birding, with roughly 650 species of resident and migratory bird
Key Points:
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India are created along with Biosphere Reserves solely to protect some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna. The sanctuary of wildlife and national parks are protected areas and all host a large range of wild animals and birds. A sanctuary may be converted to a national park, but not the vice versa.
FAQs on National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Biodiversity Conservation
1. What is a National Park in biology and environmental science?
A National Park is a legally protected area established to conserve entire ecosystems, including wildlife, plants, and natural landscapes. It is created to protect biodiversity and natural habitats from human interference.
- No human activities like hunting, grazing, or private ownership are allowed.
- It protects whole ecosystems, not just specific species.
- Examples include Jim Corbett National Park and Kaziranga National Park.
2. What is a Wildlife Sanctuary?
A Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area where animals and their habitats are conserved, but limited human activities may be permitted. It mainly focuses on protecting specific wild animal species.
- Grazing or regulated human activities may be allowed.
- It provides safe breeding and living conditions for wildlife.
- Example: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. What is the difference between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary?
The main difference between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary is the level of protection and human interference allowed.
- National Park: No human activities, strict protection of entire ecosystems.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Limited human activities allowed, mainly protects specific species.
- National Parks have stricter legal regulations than Sanctuaries.
4. Why are National Parks and Sanctuaries important for biodiversity conservation?
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are important because they protect biodiversity and prevent species extinction. They help maintain ecological balance by conserving:
- Endangered species
- Natural habitats like forests, wetlands, and grasslands
- Food chains and ecological interactions
5. How do National Parks help in ecosystem protection?
National Parks help in ecosystem protection by conserving complete ecosystems in their natural state. They protect:
- Flora and fauna together
- Natural resources like soil and water
- Ecological processes such as pollination and nutrient cycling
6. Can humans live inside a National Park?
Humans are generally not allowed to live permanently inside a National Park. These areas are strictly protected to minimize human disturbance.
- No private ownership of land is allowed.
- Activities like hunting, farming, and grazing are prohibited.
- Only regulated tourism and research are permitted.
7. What types of animals are protected in Wildlife Sanctuaries?
Wildlife Sanctuaries protect a wide range of animals, especially endangered and threatened species. These may include:
- Mammals like tigers, elephants, and deer
- Birds such as migratory and native species
- Reptiles and amphibians
8. What is the role of National Parks in protecting endangered species?
National Parks play a major role in protecting endangered species by offering them secure and undisturbed habitats. They help by:
- Preventing poaching and illegal hunting
- Preserving natural breeding grounds
- Maintaining genetic diversity within populations
9. What is biodiversity and how is it conserved in protected areas?
Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, in a particular area. In National Parks and Sanctuaries, biodiversity is conserved by:
- Protecting natural habitats
- Restricting human exploitation
- Monitoring and managing wildlife populations
10. What are biosphere reserves and how are they different from National Parks?
A Biosphere Reserve is a large protected area that includes core zones, buffer zones, and transition areas for conservation and sustainable use. Unlike National Parks:
- Human settlements may exist in buffer and transition zones.
- They promote sustainable development along with conservation.
- They often include one or more National Parks or Sanctuaries within them.
