India is home to a number of species both in wildlife and flora. Due to its varying geographical conditions it possesses a large variety of animals in its  different areas. But due to the modernisation and the exploding population of India such diverse species are facing a continuous threat of their extinction. To preserve this natural treasure several measures have been taken by the government. National parks are one such measure to conserve the biodiversity. These national parks provide shelter to such species which are facing continuous threat.

Need for national parks in India

National parks are basically the conservation sites or large pieces of land which are rich in fauna as well as flora where no manipulation of the biodiversity is allowed by the law. Both the state and central governments can declare an area rich in species diversity a National Park. There is a crucial need for this type of conservation because- 

  • Both the fauna and flora present in the National Park provides a balance in the ecosystem.
  • The plants present in a National Park will help in maintaining a good oxygen level of that area. 
  • Most of the plants and animals which are facing extinction  can easily flourish in this area without any interruption. 
  • These national parks provide a great variety in terms of genetic diversity. 
  • National parks not only conserve fauna and flora but also the soil and water bodies present  in that area thereby maintaining the nutrient cycling .
  • Such National parks also add aesthetic value and attract large numbers of tourists. 

Conversation of Species

It is a matter of fact that  India has become nuclear giants but are still ethical infants. The rich biodiversity which India holds still fascinates the developed countries. But a number of species in India are facing several threats of existence. To overcome such a diversity crisis it was considered  necessary to conserve biodiversity. Many laws such as the National Wildlife protection act were made. The conservation of any species can be made broadly  done in 2 ways

  • In ex situ conservation A particular species which requires protection is taken out from its natural surroundings and it’s taken care through man made efforts like gene banks etc.
  • However in situ conservation the whole ecosystem surrounding the species is conserved. This mode of conservation is broad and requires separate areas of land where it can be practised. One such method in in situ conservation is the National parks. 

What are National parks

National parks are large pieces of land which are protected by the Government to protect biodiversity. In national parks no cultivation of crops can be done. The forest products belonging to a National Park are not allowed to be used. No human settlements are allowed in national parks and no crops cultivation can be done as it may harm the natural fauna and flora present over there. The area comprising a National Park has a well defined boundary. Today approximately 40,000 square kilometres area comes under the category of National Park.

Indian National Parks

 India holds an amazing number of National parks which are widely spread in the Himalayas of north to to the ghats in South. Today there are approximately 100 national parks in India. Each national park is famous for its local species which has either become endangered or is rarely found.

Located in Uttarakhand is Corbett National park known for its large tiger population. It is the first established national park of India.

The Hemis National Park is located in Jammu and Kashmir and snow leopards can be seen here. It is also the largest area among all national parks.

Famous National parks of India 

Although there are a number of national parks in the country. However some are famous for the diverse fauna they contain. Some of them are as follows-

  • Desert National Park is quite famous for its great Indian bustard and is present in Rajasthan.
  • Gir National Park of Gujarat is well known for its Asiatic lions.
  • Sundarban National Park of West Bengal is home for the ferocious royal Bengal tiger.
  • Rare species of elephants are located in the Periyar National Park of Kerala.
  • The one horned rhinoceros can only be found in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.
  • The swamp deer or commonly called barasingha can be seen in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha National Park.
  • Every year a number of Siberian cranes come to India and can be spotted in Keoladeo National Park of Rajasthan.
  • The clouded leopard is a rare species found in the Himalayas. But it can be spotted in Clouded Leopard National Park which is in Tripura.
  • The Raimona National Park of Assam is famous for its golden langur.
  • A goat looking animal the nilgiri thar can only be found in the Eravikulam National Park of Kerala.
  • Sangai is an endangered species of deer and only be seen in the Kaibul Lamjao National Park of Manipur.

Conclusion

National parks help in conserving the biodiversity. National parks are extremely rich in species diversity . India holds a lot of national parks in its varying geographical conditions ranging from Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir to the valleys of Kerala. National parks not only conserve the wildlife species but also maintain the balance in the ecosystem of the particular area in which they are located. Many national parks in India or characterise buy a special species of animal they have which is either endangered or a depleted species.