Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
Here are brief descriptions of some important wildlife sanctuaries in India:
- Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand): Amidst he foothills of the Himalayas, exists one of India’s oldest national parks- the Jim Corbett National Park. It os famous for housing Bengal Tigers and a diverse range of flora and fauna like Asian Elephants, Indian Leopards, Sloth Bears, and over 600 species of birds.
- Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan): Located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is famous for Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sloth Bears, and a variety of bird species.
- Kaziranga National Park (Assam): Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous worldwide for its population of Indian Rhinoceros, being the highest no. of rhinoceros found in the world. Other major animals found are: Asian Elephants, Bengal Tigers, Wild Water Buffaloes, and a diverse birdlife, including the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork.
- Sunderbans National Park (West Bengal): Sunderbans, a vast mangrove forest, is the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for being the home for the Royal Bengal Tigers. Saltwater Crocodile and the Indian Otter are also seen here.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala): Amidst the Western Ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its population of Indian Elephants and Bengal Tigers. It also offers boat safaris on the Periyar Lake to spot wildlife.
- Gir Forest National Park (Gujarat): In the world, Gir Forest National Park is the only place where Asiatic Lions can be found. Indian Leopards, Sloth Bears, Indian Cobras, and a variety of bird species are found as well.
- Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh): With one of the highest densities of Bengal Tigers in India, Bandhavgarh National Park is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s famous for the Indian Bison (Gaur) and various species of deer.
- Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh): Kanha National Park is famous for its lush forests and diverse wildlife including the Bengal Tigers, Indian Bison (Gaur), Barasingha Deer (Hardground Swamp Deer), Indian Leopards, and various bird species.
Wildlife Sanctuaries of India
Wildlife Sanctuaries of India: A wildlife sanctuary is an area where both animals & their natural environment are protected from any kind of interference. In such an area, activities like tourism, trapping, killing, and poaching of animals are strictly prohibited. As of now, India has a total of 573 Wildlife sanctuaries. They play a major role in protecting wildlife and act as a country’s natural wealth.
In this article, we have talked about the list of Wildlife sanctuaries of India, State, and Union Territory wise, the significance of wildlife sanctuaries, and why they are made.