Conservation of wildlife and biodiversity is the need of the hour. By conserving wildlife, we ensure that the future generations can live in a natural world and enjoy the wonders of nature. This is the main purpose why there is a much focus on wildlife sanctuary and national parks these days. But what do they mean and what is the main difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park?
If you are looking for such answers, this article will help you give a clearer view on the same. It attempts to elucidate the difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park.
Significant difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park
1. On the basis of meaning
The first difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park can be done on the basis of their meaning. Wildlife Sanctuary refers to a place reserved exclusively for the use of wildlife that includes all animals, reptiles, insects, birds etc. Sometimes also known as wildlife refuges, it aims to provide habitat and safe and healthy living conditions to the wild animals, especially to the ones that are endangered and on the verge of extinction. It helps them in living their life peacefully and maintaining their viable population.
National Parks, on the other hand, refer to an area exclusively designated by the government for the purpose of conservation of wildlife and biodiversity (due to its natural, cultural and historical significance). It is home to millions of species of animals, birds, insects and microorganisms. Thus, they provide a healthy and safe environment to them.
They not only conserve wildlife, but also provide an amusement of the environmental and scenic heritage in a way that does not cause them any harm, so as to provide enjoyment to the present as well as future generations.
2. On the basis of their objective
The main objective of all wildlife sanctuaries is to make sure that a viable population of the wildlife and their habitats are maintained. For proper management of the sanctuary, guards are appointed to patrol the area. They ensure that the animals’ safety from poaching, predating or harassing. The International Union of Conservation of Nature ( shortly known as IUCN) has grouped the wildlife sanctuaries in Category IV of the protected areas.
On the contrary, the national parks protect the wildlife and natural and scenic heritage of an area. Plantation, cultivation, grazing, hunting, predating of animals and destruction of flowers are highly prohibited in these areas.The International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has grouped them in Category II of the protected areas.
This is thus yet another factor that serves as a major difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park.
3. On the basis of restrictions
When it comes to restrictions, national parks are highly restricted areas and all people are not allowed to visit them. Only certain areas are allowed to be visited. Apart from that, activities allowed by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state are only permitted in the park.
Each National Park has its own set of rules and regulations, many of them being common among them.The rules help in ensuring the sanctity of the Protected Areas (which in turn is important for the safety of animals and visitors in these areas). Rules range from the basis to the super essential- from no littering to not entering the zones after sunset, almost everything.
Wildlife sanctuaries are comparatively less restrictive on the other hand. No official permission is to be taken to visit them and they are generally open to all public.
This is thus yet another factor that serves as a major difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park.
4. On the basis of their boundaries
According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the boundaries of a wildlife sanctuary are not well defined and only controlled biotic interference is allowed. The State Governments may declare an area to be a wildlife sanctuary for the purpose of protection of its wildlife if it considers it to be of adequate ecological significance.
If the State government leases or transfers any area under its control not being to the Central Government, the Central Government then holds the power to declare it as a wildlife sanctuary. If it is satisfied that the conditions laid down in the act (Section 18) in relation to the area being so transferred are fulfilled, it may declare it by notification to be a sanctuary.
On the other hand, the boundaries of national parks are well defined. They are clearly marked and fixed by legislation. This is what causes another difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park. The alternation in the boundaries of a national park can only be made when a resolution is passed by the legislation of the respective state (the one in which the national park is situated).
Related: List of national parks in India
5. On the basis of human activity
Human activities are allowed to a limited extent in the wildlife sanctuaries, as far as they don’t cause any harm to the wildlife. But in the case of national parks, such activities are strictly prohibited by the authorities. This is thus yet another factor that serves as a major point of difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park.
Conclusion
Rare wildlife, plants and natural habitats exist almost everywhere on the earth- from the mountain ranges to the ocean depths, from deserts to the rainforests. We must put in our best efforts to preserve, conserve and manage biodiversity.
The wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserves and national park are designated areas of preservation for the same. There are a total of 103 national parks and 544 wildlife sanctuaries in India. Due to the rising awareness about the cause, protected areas are being declared by the legislation every now and then. Example being the establishment of large wilderness reserves, small sites for particular species and reserves for controlled uses.
To the unknowing, there might seem no difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park. But serving for the same cause– to protect flora and fauna does not mean that there isn’t any difference between the two. One of them being the level of human activities allowed. It is permitted in a wildlife sanctuary (to a limited extent) but is not in case of a national park. This is what this article was all about.
Hopefully, the difference must now be clear!