A quick note on Wildlife sanctuaries in India

India is well-known for its forests and is known as the home of a variety of flora and fauna. A wildlife sanctuary is an area that is protected to conserve the various flora and fauna present in such an area. Tourism is not allowed in these parks, and these are usually reserved as the natural habitat of these animals and for research purposes. The act that provides the establishment for these protected areas of wildlife sanctuaries is the Wildlife Protection Act of 1947. India has several wildlife sanctuaries that have many rare and unique species. India has around 553 wildlife sanctuaries that cover a total of 119776 km. Of these, 51 are reserves for tigers, specifically the Bengal tiger.

Importance of Wildlife Sanctuaries 

There are many reasons why wildlife sanctuaries are being recognised and preserved. Some of these reasons are as follows-

• To protect the species that are endangered.
• To prevent removing animals from their natural surroundings and protect them in their own environment.
• To keep an eye on the endangered species and help them reproduce and increase their numbers.
• To provide opportunities for research purposes to study these animals and plants.
• To help endangered animals live a better life.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of India

There are about 553 wildlife sanctuaries recorded in India. Below is the list of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in India – 

• Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
• Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
• Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
• Kaziranga National Park, Assam
• Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
• Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
• Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
• Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
• Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand

Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand 

The Corbett National Park is one of the oldest national parks in India. It is best among the top 10 national parks and is located in Uttarakhand. It was established in 1936 with the objective of protecting the Bengal tigers. This park was given its name after the famous wildlife lover Jim Corbett, who used to tell stories of wildlife to the younger generations. This park is famous for its beauty and wilderness, which is why it attracts large numbers of tourists. This wildlife sanctuary is also mentioned in many wildlife documentaries, which helps educate and bring awareness among the newer generations about our history and the importance of preserving the Bengal tigers.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

This park is located in the deserts of Rajasthan and is known as the royal national park of India. The main pride of this wildlife sanctuary is its majestic tigers. It is also surrounded by the Chambal River. We can also find leopards, wild boars and hyenas in this park. Tiger safaris are the main attraction at this national park. 

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located amidst the Cardamom hills in Kerala and surrounded by the Periyar River as its name suggests. This river is the water source for the nearby local villages. This wildlife sanctuary is known for its tigers and elephant reserves. The forest safari is a major draw for tourists.

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

The Sundarbans National Park is known for the largest mangrove forests and overall large area. These forests are between the border of India and Bangladesh, which comprises the area of the Bay of Bengal. Thanks to the presence of an interconnected waterways network, it is possible to visit every area of this wildlife sanctuary. The main animals found in this park are crocodiles and snakes.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

The Kaziranga National Park is famous for its vast fields of tall elephant grass. This type of grass grows up to 15 feet and is one of the reasons why this park is famous. The elephant safaris at this park draw in many visitors every year. Kaziranga National Park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has the largest rhinoceros population in the world. 

Conclusion

Wildlife sanctuaries are very important for the sustainable development of the country. It helps in the conservation of many endangered species. The government and other authorities are putting in many efforts towards the conservation of these sanctuaries and the plant and animal life within them. By doing so, it is helping prevent deforestation and the destruction of the homes of various animals. India also has many international and national policies that help protect these precious wildlife sanctuaries.