- India is home to a rich variety of wildlife due to its diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and deserts.
- To protect and conserve its wildlife, India has established numerous Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, and Biosphere Reserves.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries are areas where animal habitats are protected, and human activities are regulated to avoid harm to wildlife.
- India has over 550 Wildlife Sanctuaries, including notable ones like Periyar (Kerala) and Ranthambore (Rajasthan).
- National Parks are areas strictly reserved for the protection of wildlife and natural habitats, with no human interference allowed.
- India has 106 National Parks, including Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), the first National Park in India, and Kaziranga (Assam), famous for its one-horned rhinoceros.
- Biosphere Reserves are designated areas that aim to conserve biodiversity while supporting sustainable development.
- India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, including the Sundarbans, Nilgiri, and Nanda Devi.
- The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its mangroves and Bengal tigers.
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the first Biosphere Reserve in India and spans Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
- National parks and sanctuaries serve as critical habitats for endangered species like the Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, and Indian elephant.
- The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, provides the legal framework for the establishment of these protected areas.
- Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, focuses on the conservation of tigers and their habitats.
- Project Elephant aims to protect elephants and mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
- Notable tiger reserves include Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Sariska.
- Wetland conservation initiatives protect crucial habitats for migratory birds, like the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park).
- UNESCO has recognized several Indian Biosphere Reserves as part of its Man and the Biosphere Programme, including the Nilgiri and Sundarbans.
- Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion.
- Kaziranga and Manas National Parks in Assam are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Ranthambore is known for its tiger population and historical forts.
- Marine National Parks like the one in the Gulf of Kutch protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
- Desert National Park in Rajasthan conserves the unique ecosystem of the Thar Desert.
- Manas Biosphere Reserve is both a tiger reserve and an elephant reserve.
- The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh protects the alpine flora and fauna of the western Himalayas.
- Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is famous for its undisturbed rainforests and endemic species.
- India's diverse protected areas safeguard iconic species like the snow leopard and red panda.
- Challenges include poaching, deforestation, and climate change, which threaten the integrity of these areas.
- Eco-tourism in protected areas supports conservation efforts while generating local employment.
- Buffer zones around sanctuaries and parks minimize human-wildlife conflicts.
- Species-specific conservation efforts include the Vulture Conservation Programme to protect critically endangered vultures.
- National parks like Dachigam (Kashmir) focus on species such as the Hangul deer.
- Conservation efforts are supplemented by global initiatives like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Protected areas help preserve genetic diversity, which is crucial for ecological resilience.
- Community reserves involve local populations in protecting wildlife and their habitats.
- The Eco-sensitive zones around protected areas regulate activities to prevent ecological damage.
- India's forests, wetlands, and grasslands are essential components of its natural heritage.
Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves
Which is the largest biosphere reserve in India?
Kaziranga National Park is famous for which animal?
In which state is Gir National Park located?
Where is the Sundarbans National Park located?
Which biosphere reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for which animal?
In which state is Kanha National Park located?
What is the primary focus of Manas National Park?
Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in which state?
Which is the first national park established in India?
In which state is the Valley of Flowers National Park located?
Where is the Dachigam National Park located?
Bandipur National Park is located in which state?
Which sanctuary is known for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard?
Where is the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve located?
Simlipal National Park is situated in which state?
In which state is the Silent Valley National Park located?
Which sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats and is famous for its tigers?
Which national park in India is home to the snow leopard?
Where is the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve located?
Ranthambore National Park is located in which state?
In which state is the Bhitarkanika National Park situated?
Which is the largest mangrove forest in India?
In which state is the Anamalai Tiger Reserve located?
Bandhavgarh National Park is famous for which species?
Which state is home to the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park?
Panna National Park is located in which state?
Which sanctuary is known for housing the Asiatic Lion?
Which national park is located near the Brahmaputra River?
In which state is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary situated?
In which state is the Khangchendzonga National Park located?
Which park is associated with the conservation of Olive Ridley Turtles?
Pench National Park is situated in which two states?
Where is the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve located?
Which national park is home to the endangered Hangul?
Which wildlife sanctuary is located in the Thar Desert?
In which state is the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary located?
What is the main focus of the Project Elephant in India?
Which national park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?