What is the difference between National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary?

Difference Between National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

Have you ever got confused between Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park? Well, you are not alone! Both are different and have specific objectives.

A Wildlife Sanctuary aims to protect endangered species and their natural habitats while a National Park preserves diverse environmental resources to balance the wildlife ecosystem.

This blog highlights the major differences between national parks and wildlife sanctuaries based on their purpose and other specifications. Let’s get more insights to better understand.

National Park vs Wildlife Sanctuary: Key Comparisons

When it comes to understand “what is the difference between National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary?” then you need to compare them with each other. Below, we have given a comparison chart. Check it out:

Differences National ParkWildlife Sanctuary
ObjectiveThe primary goal is to preserve the wildlife’s environmental resources and protect them.The initial aim is to protect the endangered and specific species of wildlife.
Management The focus is to maintain the ecosystem by preserving cultural resources and landscapes.The focus is to preserve the wildlife by protecting diverse species.
Human ActivityPeople can explore wildlife through available activities like safaris, wildlife watching, hiking, and more.Humans are restricted to this place to minimize the disturbance to wildlife.
SizeA National Park covers many sq. km. areas and protects diverse landscapes and environmental resources.A wildlife sanctuary varies in size, often smaller.

National Park

A National Park is a designated area declared by the government to protect valuable natural resources like diverse flora and fauna. This helps in biodiversity conservation and the flourishing of the green environment. Here, we have given some facts and key significance about the National Park that you should know.

The Facts About National Park:

  • The first National Park was established in 1936.
  • First National Park was Jim Corbett National Park.
  • Formerly it was known as Hailey National Park.
  • In 1970s, there were 5 National Parks.
  • Today, 106 National Parks are in India.
  • These parks cover a total area of 44,402.95 sq. km.

The Importance Of National Park

  • Biodiversity Conservation:
    National Parks protect various types of animal species & flora from being extinct.
  • Habitat Protection: 
    National Parks keep natural habitats safe & protect wildlife from human harm by restricting human interference.
  • Endangered Species: 
    National Parks focus on rescuing endangered animals & helping them survive and recover.
  • Education Hub: 
    National Parks teach people about biodiversity & importance of conservation.
  • Economic Benefits: 
    Tourism in National Park supports local communities and wildlife conservations.

Top National Parks in India

Here is a list of some popular national parks in India.

  • Ranthambore National Park
  • Gir National Park
  • Jim Corbett National Park
  • Kanha National Park
  • Sundarbans National Park

Note: Just like Ranthambore National Park Safari, tourists can enjoy wildlife safaris of other national parks as well. 

Wildlife Sanctuary

A Wildlife Sanctuary or Nature Reserve or Wildlife Refuge is a place for declining species to feel safe. This protects them and helps to increase their population. Below, we have mentioned some facts and important things about it that you should know.

The Facts About Wildlife Sanctuary:

  • In 1936, the first Wildlife Sanctuary was established
  • It is Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
  • The Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest allowed the state government to announce a wildlife sanctuary to be a National Park.
  • Today, India has 573 wildlife sanctuaries.
  • These cover a total area of 123,762.56 sq. km.
  • According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, no human activity is allowed in the Wildlife Sanctuary until the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) approves it.

The Importance Of Wildlife Sanctuary:

  • Conserve Wildlife: 
    Endangered animals are protected in their natural habitat with strict supervision of Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Protect Landscapes: 
    This is a dedicated place for animals where human interference is prohibited.
  • Preserve Biodiversity: 
    This place preserves all its species of animals and diverse birds by keeping dangerous human activities away like hunting.
  • Promote Ecotourism: 
    Tourists are allowed here for educational & research purposes. 

Top Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Here is a list of some famous wildlife sanctuaries in India.

  • Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Govind Wildlife Sanctuary

Tiger Reserve

Tiger Reserve is a dedicated forest zone to save big cats like tigers. A tiger reserve can be a National Park or a Nature Reserve. And it may be both too or just be only a tiger reserve. Tiger Reserves are effective and important in conserving endangered tigers and increasing their population.

The Facts About Tiger Reserve

  • In 1973, “Project Tiger” was launched to save the extinct population of tigers.
  • With many conservation efforts and government support, today only India has a more than 70% population of world tigers.
  • Currently, 54 tiger reserves are available in India.

Top Tiger Reserve in India

Here is the list of globally recognized tiger reserves in India.

  • Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
  • Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
  • Sasan Gir Tiger Reserve
  • Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
  • Periyar Tiger Reserve

The Takeaway!

What is the difference between National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary? If you are a wildlife lover, then this question may bother you. Don’t worry! We are here to help. Our this blog highlights everything from primary objectives to economic benefits with comparisons that you need to know to understand how a Wildlife Sanctuary is apart from a National Park. We regularly share valuable and informative content like this. Stay connected with us for more insightful blogs!