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Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary And National Park

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Wildlife is considered the primary natural heritage around the world. Regular industrialization and deforestation have created the threat of extinction of wildlife. therefore countries designate wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves, and more for conserving and preserving this natural heritage.

What is Wildlife Sanctuary?

The word sanctuary is derived from the Sanskrit word Abhay and Aranya. Abhaya means where animals can roam and Aranya means forest. So we can say that the place where animals roam in the forest is called a sanctuary.

  • A wildlife sanctuary is an area set aside for the conservation of wildlife, where human activities are limited and regulated.
  • The primary aim of a wildlife sanctuary is to protect wildlife and their habitat from human interference and promote their conservation.
  • The areas within a wildlife sanctuary can be natural or man-made, and they are protected by law to ensure that the animals living within them are not disturbed.
  • Rangers or guards are appointed to patrol the region For proper management of the sanctuary. Rangers and guards ensure the safety of animals, from poaching, predating, or harassment.

What is National Park?

A national park is a protected area that is designated by the government to preserve the natural environment. National parks are usually larger than wildlife sanctuaries and are home to a variety of wildlife species.

  • It is completely run by the government, there is no personal involvement of any person in it. national parks are used for the Conservation of wildlife or the protection of tree plants.
  • Human traffic is completely restricted in the National Park.

Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

Basis of Comparison

Wildlife Sanctuary

National Park

Purpose A wildlife sanctuary has been built for the conservation of wildlife. Along with wildlife, trees, and plants are also protected in the National Park.
Restrictions  They have lesser restrictions and they are open to the public They are highly restricted and allow access to some people only
security  Wildlife sanctuaries are less secure than national parks. National parks are more secure than wildlife sanctuaries
Size   Smaller Larger
Basic Objective  To protect wildlife and their habitat To promote conservation, tourism and recreation
Upgrade It can be upgraded to a national park But a national park cannot be downgraded to a sanctuary.
Boundaries There are no fixed boundaries for Wildlife Sanctuary Boundaries are fixed and defined.

Wildlife Protection Act of 1972

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 is an important legislation in India that aims to protect wildlife and their habitats in the country. 

 Key Features of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972

  • The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and the prevention of their hunting, poaching, or destruction.
  • The Act establishes protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves to conserve wildlife and their habitats.
  • The Act prohibits the hunting of wild animals, including their skins, trophies, and meat, except under certain conditions, such as for scientific research or management purposes.

Some Facts Related to Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park:

  • The Sundervan area in West Bengal is famous for Royal Bengal Tiger.
  • The Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir is famous for Hangul (Kashmiri tag). 
  • The Rann of Kachchh is the natural habitat of the wild ass.
  • Ostriches are found in the Desert National Park, Jaisalmer. 
  • There are over 500 wildlife sanctuaries and 104 national parks in India.

Last Updated : 22 Mar, 2023
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