India is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a large number of wildlife sanctuaries. These protected areas are an important source of conservation and preservation of the natural heritage of India. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in India and their significance in preserving the country’s natural wealth.
Introduction
India is a country with diverse landscapes and natural beauty. From the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, India has a rich biodiversity that includes a vast array of flora and fauna. The wildlife sanctuaries in India provide a safe haven for the endangered species of animals and plants.
What is a Wildlife Sanctuary?
A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where wild animals and plants are conserved and protected from human encroachment. These areas are established by the government to promote conservation and maintain ecological balance.
Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
Corbett National Park
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Corbett National Park is one of the oldest and most famous wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is home to the majestic Bengal Tiger, along with many other animals such as elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.
Ranthambore National Park
Located in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is known for its population of tigers. The park also has a large number of other wildlife species, including leopards, jackals, and various species of deer.
Kanha National Park
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is famous for its population of the endangered Bengal Tiger. The park is also home to a large number of other animals such as sloth bears, wild dogs, and Indian bison.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is known for its high density of tigers. The park also has a large number of other wildlife species such as leopards, deer, and wild boars.
Sundarbans National Park
Located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, Sundarbans National Park is the largest delta in the world and is known for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers. The park also has a large number of other animals such as crocodiles, deer, and various species of birds.
Periyar National Park
Located in Kerala, Periyar National Park is known for its population of elephants. The park also has a large number of other wildlife species such as tigers, leopards, and wild boars.
Sariska National Park
Located in Rajasthan, Sariska National Park is known for its population of tigers. The park also has a large number of other wildlife species such as leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas.
Jim Corbett National Park: The oldest national park in India
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and is known for its population of Bengal tigers. The park also houses a variety of other wildlife species, including leopards, Indian elephants, and sloth bears.
Keoladeo National Park: A paradise for birdwatchers
Keoladeo National Park is located in the state of Rajasthan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its diverse bird population, with over 370 species of birds recorded.
Great Himalayan National Park: A haven for endangered species
Great Himalayan National Park is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to a variety of endangered species, including the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and snow leopard.
Dachigam National Park: A conservation success story
Dachigam National Park is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is known for its successful conservation efforts of the endangered Kashmir stag or hangul. The park also houses a variety of other wildlife species, including leopards, Himalayan black bears, and langurs.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: A biodiversity hotspot
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Karnataka and is known for its diverse wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, Indian elephants, and sloth bears. The sanctuary also houses a variety of bird species and is a popular destination for birdwatchers.
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary: A lesser-known gem
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Maharashtra and is a lesser-known gem among India’s wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and wild dogs.
Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: A biodiversity hotspot in the south
Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Tamil Nadu and is known for its rich biodiversity. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, Indian elephants, and sloth bears.
Manas National Park: A biosphere reserve and World Heritage Site
Manas National Park is located in the state of Assam and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve. The park is known for its population of Indian rhinoceros and is also home to a variety of other wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, and Indian elephants.
okhla bird sanctuary
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated at the point where the river Yamuna enters the state of Uttar Pradesh from the state of Delhi. The sanctuary was established in 1990 and covers an area of about 4 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is home to more than 300 species of birds, including several migratory bird species that come from as far as Siberia during the winter months. Some of the bird species that can be found in the sanctuary include the painted stork, white ibis, common teal, northern pintail, gadwall, shoveler, mallard, and many more.
Apart from birds, the sanctuary is also home to several other species of animals and plants, including jackals, mongoose, monitor lizards, and a variety of trees and shrubs. The sanctuary is an important conservation area for birds and their habitats and attracts a large number of bird watchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
ranganathittu bird sanctuary
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary located in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River in the Mandya district, and covers an area of about 0.67 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is home to a large number of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. Some of the bird species that can be found in the sanctuary include painted storks, Asian openbill storks, common spoonbills, woolly-necked storks, black-headed ibis, egret, cormorants, and several species of ducks and geese.
Apart from birds, the sanctuary is also home to several other species of animals, including crocodiles, otters, and fish. The sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, who come to observe the birds and their habitats. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between June and November, when the migratory birds arrive.
bharatpur bird sanctuary
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo National Park, is a bird sanctuary located in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The sanctuary is situated in the city of Bharatpur and covers an area of about 29 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is home to over 360 species of birds, both resident and migratory, making it one of the best birdwatching destinations in the world. Some of the bird species that can be found in the sanctuary include painted storks, open-billed storks, cormorants, darters, egrets, herons, grey francolin, purple sunbird, spotted owlet, Indian skimmer, and several species of ducks and geese.
Apart from birds, the sanctuary is also home to several other species of animals, including spotted deer, nilgai, wild boar, jackal, and mongoose. The sanctuary is a popular destination for tourists and bird enthusiasts, who come to observe the birds and their habitats. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and February, when the migratory birds arrive.
bhadra wildlife sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is situated in the Western Ghats and covers an area of about 492 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is home to a large number of flora and fauna species, including several endangered species. Some of the animal species that can be found in the sanctuary include tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, black panthers, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, and several species of primates such as macaques and langurs.
Apart from animals, the sanctuary is also home to a variety of bird species, including Malabar grey hornbill, blue-winged parakeet, greater flameback, and several species of eagles and hawks.
The sanctuary is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, who come to explore the forest trails, go on wildlife safaris, and indulge in various adventure activities such as trekking and camping. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and May.
karnala bird sanctuary
Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated in the Raigad district and covers an area of about 4.8 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is home to a large number of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. Some of the bird species that can be found in the sanctuary include Malabar whistling thrush, crested serpent eagle, heart-spotted woodpecker, golden oriole, and several species of flycatchers, bulbuls, and sunbirds.
Apart from birds, the sanctuary is also home to several species of animals and plants, including monkeys, barking deer, and a variety of trees and shrubs. The sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, who come to observe the birds and their habitats.
The sanctuary is also a popular destination for trekking and hiking, with several trails and routes for visitors to explore. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and February, when the migratory birds arrive.
kumarakom bird sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, is a bird sanctuary located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and covers an area of about 14 acres.
The sanctuary is home to a large number of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. Some of the bird species that can be found in the sanctuary include herons, darters, egrets, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, and several species of kingfishers and woodpeckers.
Apart from birds, the sanctuary is also home to several species of animals and plants, including otters, turtles, and a variety of trees and shrubs. The sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, who come to observe the birds and their habitats.
The sanctuary is also a popular destination for boating, with several boat tours and rides available for visitors to explore the lake and the sanctuary. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and February, when the migratory birds arrive.
dalma wildlife sanctuary
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Jharkhand. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 195 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, and wild boars.
coringa wildlife sanctuary
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and covers an area of approximately 235 square kilometers. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the critically endangered white-backed vulture and the fishing cat.
asola bhatti wildlife sanctuary
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Delhi and covers an area of approximately 32 square kilometers. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including jackals, Indian porcupines, nilgais, and Indian palm civets.
pobitora wildlife sanctuary
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Assam and covers an area of approximately 38 square kilometers. It is home to the world’s highest density of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as other wildlife species such as leopards, wild boars, and Asiatic buffaloes.
salim ali bird sanctuary
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Goa and covers an area of approximately 1.78 square kilometers. The sanctuary is named after the famous Indian ornithologist Salim Ali and is home to a variety of bird species, including the western reef heron, the striated heron, and the little bittern.
Importance of Wildlife Sanctuaries
Wildlife sanctuaries play a crucial role in conserving the natural heritage of India. They provide a safe haven for endangered species of animals and plants and help maintain ecological balance. They also attract tourists from all over the world, which helps in promoting tourism and boosting the economy of the country.
Conclusion
India’s wildlife sanctuaries are a source of pride and joy for the country. They are an important part of the natural heritage of India and must be preserved and conserved for future generations. By protecting these sanctuaries, we can ensure the survival of some of the most endangered species of animals and plants in the world.
FAQs
- What is the difference between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park?
A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where wild animals and plants are conserved and protected from human encroachment, whereas a national park is a protected area that aims to protect natural landscapes and ecosystems. Wildlife sanctuaries usually have fewer restrictions and are more focused on conserving wildlife species.
- What are some of the threats faced by wildlife sanctuaries in India?
Wildlife sanctuaries in India face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, poaching, and human encroachment. Climate change and pollution also pose significant threats to the natural habitats of the wildlife species.
- Can tourists visit wildlife sanctuaries in India?
Yes, tourists can visit wildlife sanctuaries in India. However, they must follow strict guidelines to ensure that they do not disturb the natural habitat of the animals. Visitors must also follow the rules and regulations set by the park authorities.
- What is the best time to visit wildlife sanctuaries in India?
The best time to visit wildlife sanctuaries in India is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is mild, and the wildlife is more active.
- How can we contribute to the conservation of wildlife in India?
We can contribute to the conservation of wildlife in India by supporting conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices. This can include reducing our carbon footprint, supporting eco-tourism, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation. By working together, we can help preserve the natural heritage of India for future generations.
