National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Compare and contrast between National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. List any five important National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India. Briefly explain the salient features of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. (12 MARKS) (GS3 – KAS MAINS 2015)
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are both protected areas for the conservation of flora and fauna, but they differ in their management objectives, characteristics, and purposes.
National Parks:
National Parks are areas of exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity, designated to protect and preserve the natural environment. The primary focus of National Parks is on the conservation of ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural processes. Human activities are strictly regulated, and only activities like tourism and research are allowed, subject to strict guidelines. National Parks are typically larger in size and have more stringent protection measures.
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Wildlife Sanctuaries, on the other hand, are areas designated to protect specific species or habitats. The focus is on conserving particular species or groups of species, and human activities like forestry, grazing, and tourism are allowed with certain restrictions. Wildlife Sanctuaries are generally smaller in size compared to National Parks and have less stringent protection measures.
Comparison of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries:
| Characteristic | National Parks | Wildlife Sanctuaries |
| Primary Focus | Conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity | Conservation of specific species or habitats |
| Human Activities | Strictly regulated; only tourism and research allowed | Allowed with restrictions, like forestry, grazing, and tourism |
| Size | Typically larger | Smaller in size |
| Protection Measures | More stringent | Less stringent |
Five important National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India:
National Parks:
- Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand - Known for its Bengal tiger population and scenic beauty.
- Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh - Famous for its conservation of the Bengal tiger and Indian wild dog.
- Kaziranga National Park, Assam - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its one-horned rhinoceros population.
- Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh - Has the highest density of Bengal tigers in India.
- Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka - Known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and elephants.
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala - Known for its elephant population and scenic beauty.
- Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana - A haven for birdwatchers, with over 100 species of birds.
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra - Home to the Indian giant squirrel and other endangered species.
- Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu - Known for its elephant population and diverse wildlife.
- Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat - A unique sanctuary with a mix of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Salient features of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is a comprehensive legislation that provides a legal framework for the conservation and protection of wildlife in India. The key features of the Act are:
- Prohibition on hunting, poaching, and trade of endangered species.
- Establishment of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves.
- Regulation of human activities in protected areas.
- Penalties for wildlife offenses, including fines and imprisonment.
- Establishment of the National Board for Wildlife and State Wildlife Advisory Boards for conservation efforts.
- Provision for the protection of wildlife habitats and corridors.
- Regulation of trade in wildlife products.
In addition The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, has six schedules that categorize and provide specific protections for different species of plants and animals. Here is a brief overview of the schedules:
Schedule I:
- Provides absolute protection to species listed, including prohibition on hunting, trade, and possession.
- Includes endangered species like Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and snow leopard.
Schedule II:
- Provides protection to species listed, with some exceptions for hunting and trade.
- Includes species like elephant, leopard, and hyena.
Schedule III:
- Provides protection to species listed, with some exceptions for hunting and trade.
- Includes species like sloth bear, wolf, and wild dog.
Schedule IV:
- Provides protection to species listed, with some exceptions for hunting and trade.
- Includes species like tortoises, crocodiles, and monitor lizards.
Schedule V:
- Includes plants and animals that are not necessarily threatened but are protected due to their economic or cultural significance.
- Includes species like sandalwood, red sanders, and certain species of birds.
Schedule VI:
- Includes plants that are prohibited from being cultivated, sold, or traded.
- Includes species like cannabis, opium poppy, and coca plant.
These schedules provide a framework for the conservation and management of wildlife in India, and are an essential part of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
In conclusion, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are both crucial for the conservation of India's rich biodiversity. While National Parks focus on the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, Wildlife Sanctuaries focus on the conservation of specific species or habitats. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides a legal framework for the conservation and protection of wildlife in India, and its implementation is essential for the long-term survival of India's wildlife.
