For conserving nature and protecting wildlife, both wildlife sanctuaries and national parks serve an important role in biodiversity conservation. Both play an essential role in preserving wildlife and nature. Wildlife sanctuaries mainly focus on protecting specific species within their natural habitats, and national parks are often used for minimising the involvement of human activities for research purposes and scientific research, and also for land conservation.
In this article, we will explore the wildlife sanctuaries & national parks and check the difference between a wildlife sanctuary and a national park.
What is a wildlife sanctuary?
A wildlife sanctuary is basically a protected area where animals and birds are kept protected and live freely in a natural environment without any human interventions. These sanctuaries are made to protect specific animals, especially those who are under threat. Many human activities, like poaching, capturing, or disturbing animals, are totally strictly banned in wildlife sanctuaries.
Source: periyarnationalparkonline
What are the features of wildlife sanctuaries?
Features of wildlife sanctuaries are:
| Aspect | Description |
| Conservation of Threatened Species | Ideal for observing, breeding, and protecting endangered animals in their natural habitat. |
| Protection from Disturbance | Human interference is kept to a minimum to ensure peace and safety for wildlife. |
| Biodiversity Support | Sanctuaries preserve not just animals but also the plants and ecosystems they depend on. |
| Eco-Tourism (with care) | Guided eco-tours allow people to experience nature responsibly while spreading awareness. |
What are national parks?
National parks are beyond the protection of specific animals. National Parks are a place in which to focus on conserving entire ecosystems, including landscapes, plant life and cultural heritage. These national parks are officially protected and managed under government with many strict rules and regulations.
Many activities, like hunting, grazing of livestock and even commercial activities, are banned inside the national parks.
The first national park of India is Hailey National Park, which was established in 1936. Now, it is known as Jim Corbett National Park.
Source: corbettparkonline
What are the features of national parks?
Features of national parks are:
| Aspect | Description |
| Wide-Scale Conservation | Preserves plants, animals, rivers, forests, and landscapes together. |
| Protection of Endangered Wildlife | Offers a more comprehensive safety net for rare species. |
| Learning and Awareness | National parks are hubs for environmental education and conservation awareness. |
| Boost to Local Economy | They support ecotourism and generate employment in nearby communities. |
Difference Between a Wildlife Sanctuary and a National Park | ||
|---|---|---|
| Aspect | Wildlife Sanctuary | National Park |
| Main Purpose | Protection of specific species and their natural habitats | Broader conservation of entire ecosystems and landscapes |
| Human Activities | Limited and regulated to avoid disturbance | Heavily restricted; some eco-tourism allowed under strict rules |
| Ownership/Control | Often government-owned or supported by research institutions | Completely under government protection and control |
| Size & Coverage | Varies in size; often smaller and species-specific | Usually larger, covering a variety of terrain and biodiversity |
| Legal Status | Less stringent protection under the Wildlife Protection Act | Stricter legal protection and management policies |
Conclusion
Both wildlife sanctuaries and national parks play a vital role in India's effort to preserve its natural heritage. Sanctuaries provide a focused shelter for endangered species, allowing them to recover and thrive. National parks, on the other hand, offer holistic conservation—protecting plants, animals, and entire ecosystems. Together, they form the backbone of India's biodiversity protection strategy.
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