How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There in India?

India is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife. According to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), India has 574 existing wildlife sanctuaries, covering approximately 1,27,241.24 square kilometres. Keep reading to know jn detail.

How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There in India?

India has 574 wildlife sanctuaries. They cover approximately 1,27,241.24 sq km. Wildlife sanctuaries are spread across different states and Union Territories.

Which State Has the Most Wildlife Sanctuaries in India?

Maharashtra has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries among India’s states, with 49 sanctuaries in the state-wise data published by the Wildlife Institute of India. Other states with a large number include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

What Is a Wildlife Sanctuary?

A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area notified for the protection, propagation or development of wildlife and its environment. Under India’s wildlife protection framework, certain regulated human activities may be allowed in sanctuaries, subject to the applicable laws and management regulations.

Which Law Protects Wildlife Sanctuaries in India?

Wildlife sanctuaries are recognised as one of India’s protected-area categories under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The other major protected-area categories include National Parks, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves.

What Is the Difference Between a Wildlife Sanctuary and a National Park?

Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are both protected areas, but their rules are not identical. Certain regulated human activities may be permitted. Protection is generally more stringent, with greater restrictions on activities such as grazing and resource use. Both aim to conserve wildlife, habitats and biodiversity. India currently has 106 National Parks and 574 Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Which Is the Oldest Wildlife Sanctuary in India?

According to the Wildlife Institute of India’s wildlife sanctuary database, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest notified wildlife sanctuary in India, established in 1940. Mudumalai is located in Tamil Nadu and is part of an important wildlife landscape in the Western Ghats.

Which Are the Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India?

Some well-known wildlife sanctuaries in India include

Which State Has the Largest Number of Wildlife Sanctuaries?

Maharashtra has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries among the states, with 49. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and other states also have great networks of wildlife sanctuaries.

How Many Protected Areas Are There in India?

Wildlife sanctuaries are only one category of India’s protected-area network. The Wildlife Institute of India currently reports approximately 1,134 protected areas, including:

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India