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Do you know the difference between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone! Many people are unsure of the differences between these two types of parks. In this article, we will discuss the key distinctions between wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. We will also provide some tips on how to choose which type of park is right for you.
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What is a Wildlife Sanctuary?
A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area of land that is set aside specifically for the conservation of plant and animal species. These areas can be privately or publicly owned, and they are typically designated by governments or nonprofit organisations. Wildlife sanctuaries offer a variety of benefits to both the environment and the local community.
Some Wildlife Sanctuaries in India are:
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. The sanctuary was established in 1978 and covers an area of 345 square kilometers.
Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary: Bandipur National Park is a national park located in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, India. The park was established in 1974 and covers an area of 870 square kilometers.
What is a National Park?
A national park is a protected area of land that is managed by the government. National parks are typically much larger than wildlife sanctuaries and offer a variety of recreational activities in addition to conservation.
Some National Parks in India are:
- Corbett National Park:
Corbett is the oldest national park in India, established in 1936. It is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.
- Nagarhole National Park:
Nagarhole is located in the state of Karnataka and was established in 1999. It is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, and elephants.
- Bandhavgarh National Park:
Bandhavgarh is known for its high population of Bengal tigers. It is also one of the oldest national parks in India, dating back to 1968.
- Ranthambore National Park:
Ranthambore is located in the state of Rajasthan and was established in 1955. It is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, and deer.
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The Difference between a Wildlife Sanctuary and a National Park
Here are a few key differences between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park. Read them here.
Meaning: Wildlife sanctuaries are areas set aside specifically for the conservation of plant and animal species. National parks are larger protected areas that offer a variety of activities in addition to conservation.
Preserves: National parks are preserved meaning that the land must be managed in a way that retains its natural features. Wildlife sanctuaries may not have this requirement, but they often do.
Public Ownership: National parks are typically owned by the government, while wildlife sanctuaries can be privately or publicly owned.
Objective: The objective of a wildlife sanctuary is typically conservation, while the objective of a national park can be conservation or recreation.
Entry: In general, the public has more access to national parks than they do to wildlife sanctuaries. Wildlife sanctuaries may offer limited visitor hours or require special permission for entry.
Boundaries: National parks typically have well-defined boundaries, while the boundaries of a wildlife sanctuary may be less clear.
Human activity: Human activity is typically limited in both national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. However, it may be more restricted in a sanctuary than in a park.
Types of animals: National parks typically have a wider variety of animal species than wildlife sanctuaries. This is because national parks are preserves, while sanctuaries may not be.
Now you know the difference between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park. Wildlife sanctuaries offer the opportunity to see rare and endangered species up close, while national parks provide a chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn about conservation.
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Conclusion
National Parks are federally protected areas designated to preserve the natural environment. Wildlife sanctuaries can be public or private, and they may or may not have regulations in place to protect the animals within their boundaries. The mission of national parks is “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein.” The goal of a wildlife sanctuary is to provide a haven for rescued, injured, or orphaned animals. National parks also strive to educate visitors about the importance of conservation, while wildlife sanctuaries typically focus on providing education about the animals themselves. National parks are open to everyone, while wildlife sanctuaries often charge an admission fee to help cover costs. Wildlife sanctuaries sometimes have limited hours or require special permission for entry.
