Introduction to National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

National Parks

National parks are protected areas established by the government for the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats. They are crucial for scientific research, education, and recreation, but have stricter regulations compared to wildlife sanctuaries.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Wildlife sanctuaries are also protected areas aimed at conserving wildlife. They allow certain human activities like grazing and tourism under regulated conditions, providing more flexibility compared to national parks.

Importance of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

  1. Biodiversity Conservation: They protect endangered species and maintain ecological balance.
  2. Research and Education: Serve as outdoor laboratories for scientific research and educational activities.
  3. Tourism and Recreation: Attract tourists, promoting eco-tourism and generating revenue.
  4. Cultural Preservation: Some areas preserve the cultural heritage of indigenous communities.

Notable National Parks in India

1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

  • Established: 1936 (as Hailey National Park)
  • Significance: Oldest national park in India, famous for Bengal tigers.
  • Key Fauna: Tigers, elephants, leopards, and various bird species.

2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

  • Established: 1905
  • Significance: Known for the largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses.
  • Key Fauna: Rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, and swamp deer.

3. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

  • Established: 1984
  • Significance: Largest mangrove forest, home to the Bengal tiger.
  • Key Fauna: Bengal tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and various bird species.

4. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

  • Established: 1980
  • Significance: Known for its tiger population and historical Ranthambore Fort.
  • Key Fauna: Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species.

5. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

  • Established: 1974
  • Significance: Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
  • Key Fauna: Tigers, elephants, gaurs, and various bird species.

Notable Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

  • Established: 1950
  • Significance: Known for its elephant population and Periyar Lake.
  • Key Fauna: Elephants, tigers, and various bird species.

2. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan

  • Established: 1955
  • Significance: Tiger reserve known for its historical temples.
  • Key Fauna: Tigers, leopards, and various bird species.

3. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park), Rajasthan

  • Established: 1971
  • Significance: UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for avian fauna.
  • Key Fauna: Migratory birds, including Siberian cranes, and various resident birds.

4. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

  • Established: 1951
  • Significance: Known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity.
  • Key Fauna: Tigers, leopards, elephants, and various bird species.

5. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

  • Established: 1928
  • Significance: UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its biodiversity.
  • Key Fauna: Tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, and various bird species.

Important Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India 

1. Which is the oldest national park in India?

A. Kaziranga National Park
B. Jim Corbett National Park
C. Ranthambore National Park
D. Sundarbans National Park

Answer: B. Jim Corbett National Park

2. Kaziranga National Park is famous for the conservation of which animal?

A. Bengal Tiger
B. Asiatic Lion
C. Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros
D. Snow Leopard

Answer: C. Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros

3. Sundarbans National Park is located in which Indian state?

A. West Bengal
B. Odisha
C. Assam
D. Bihar

Answer: A. West Bengal

4. Which national park is known for its population of Bengal tigers and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A. Bandipur National Park
B. Kanha National Park
C. Sundarbans National Park
D. Manas National Park

Answer: C. Sundarbans National Park

5. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in which state of India?

A. Tamil Nadu
B. Karnataka
C. Kerala
D. Andhra Pradesh

Answer: C. Kerala

6. Which wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan is also known as Keoladeo National Park?

A. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
B. Ranthambore National Park
C. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
D. Desert National Park

Answer: C. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

7. Bandipur National Park is part of which larger biosphere reserve?

A. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
B. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
C. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
D. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

Answer: A. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

8. Which of the following is a major attraction of Manas Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Asiatic Lions
B. Snow Leopards
C. Indian One-Horned Rhinoceroses
D. Great Indian Bustards

Answer: C. Indian One-Horned Rhinoceroses

9. The Jim Corbett National Park was originally established under which name?

A. Corbett Tiger Reserve
B. Hailey National Park
C. Ramganga National Park
D. Uttarakhand National Park

Answer: B. Hailey National Park

10. Which national park is known for its historical Ranthambore Fort?

A. Kanha National Park
B. Ranthambore National Park
C. Bandhavgarh National Park
D. Pench National Park

Answer: B. Ranthambore National Park

11. In which state is the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Andhra Pradesh

Answer: B. Karnataka

12. The Periyar Lake is situated in which wildlife sanctuary?

A. Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
B. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
C. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
D. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: C. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

13. Which national park is located in Assam and is famous for its biodiversity and scenic beauty?

A. Kaziranga National Park
B. Manas National Park
C. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
D. Nameri National Park

Answer: B. Manas National Park

14. Which wildlife sanctuary is known for the protection of Siberian Cranes during the winter season?

A. Keoladeo National Park
B. Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary
C. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
D. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Answer: A. Keoladeo National Park

15. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve includes which of the following national parks?

A. Periyar National Park
B. Sundarbans National Park
C. Bandipur National Park
D. Keoladeo National Park

Answer: C. Bandipur National Park