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What is the difference between Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks?

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the establishment of Protected Areas in India. Here are all the differences between Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.

National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are protected natural habitats, declared by the government of a country according to the regulations from the IUCN (The World Conservation Union) to preserve the wildlife through the conservation of ecosystems. It is important for people to understand the differences and similarities between a national park and a wildlife sanctuary.

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the establishment of Protected Areas in India. There are different categories of protected areas which are managed with different objectives for the larger motive of conservation.

There are 104 National Parks in India. The first national park in India was established as Hailey National Park in the year 1936 and later renamed as Corbett National Park. The Government of India enacted the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 with the aim to effectively protect the wildlife of the country and control poaching, smuggling, and illegal trade in wildlife.

 

National Parks

National parks provide protection to the entire ecosystem, that is, flora, fauna, landscape, etc. of that region. The national parks not only conserve wildlife but also provide a diversion of environmental and landscape heritage in a manner that does not harm it, in order to provide enjoyment to future generations.

National parks are given a greater degree of protection, with human activity greatly restricted.

Only certain areas can be visited and only activities permitted by the chief wildlife warden of the state are allowed in the park.

These protected areas are established by central and state governments for the conservation of wild animals and for the purpose of propagating or developing nature.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Wildlife Sanctuary, as the name implies, is the place that is reserved exclusively for wildlife use, which includes animals, reptiles, insects, birds, etc. wild animals, especially those in danger of extinction and the rare ones, so that they can live in peace for a lifetime and keep their population viable.

Wildlife is the main natural heritage, worldwide. Continuous industrialisation and deforestation have posed a threat of extinction to wildlife.

Wildlife sanctuaries refer to an area that provides protection and living conditions favorable to wild animals. India has 553 wildlife sanctuaries.

Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere reserves are protected large areas of natural habitat, that includes a national park and animal wildlife sanctuary. There are around 18 biosphere reserves in India, created to demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature.

1 Comment
  • ulhasmishra2014@gmail.com 2 years, 5 months

    Thanks a lot