What is Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary And National Park?
The difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary And National Park is that Wildlife is the main natural heritage, worldwide. Continuous industrialization and deforestation have posed a threat of extinction to wildlife. Therefore, to conserve and preserve the country’s natural heritage, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves, etc. They are assigned. Wildlife sanctuaries refer to an area that provides protection and living conditions favorable to wild animals.
On the other hand, the national park provides protection to the entire ecosystem, that is, flora, fauna, landscape, etc. of that region. Finally, biosphere reserves are protected areas, which tend to preserve the genetic diversity of plants, animals, birds, etc.
Comparative chart
| Basis for comparison | Wildlife sanctuary | National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Sense | Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural habitat, owned by the government or private agency, that protects particular species of birds and animals. | The national park is the protected area, established by the government, to conserve wildlife and also to develop it. |
| Preserves | Animals, birds, insects, reptiles, etc. | Flora, fauna, landscape, historical objects, etc. |
| objective | Ensure that the viable population of wildlife and their habitats is maintained. | To protect the natural and historic objects and wildlife of an area. |
| Restriction | The restrictions are minor and open to the public. | Highly restricted, random access to people is not allowed. |
| Official permit | Not required | Necessary |
| Limits | Not fixed | Set by the legislation. |
| Human activity | Allowed but to some extent. | It is not allowed at all. |
Definition of wildlife sanctuary
Wildlife Sanctuary, as the name implies, is the place that is reserved exclusively for wildlife use, which includes animals, reptiles, insects, birds, etc. wild animals, especially those in danger of extinction and the rare ones, so that they can live in peace for a lifetime and keep their population viable.
For proper management of the sanctuary, rangers or guards are appointed to patrol the region. They guarantee the safety of animals, from poaching, predation or harassment.
The International Union of Conservation of Nature, shortly called IUCN, has grouped wildlife sanctuaries in Category IV protected areas.
Definition of National Park
The National Park implies an area designated exclusively by the government for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity due to its natural, cultural and historical importance. It is home to millions of animals, birds, insects, microorganisms, etc. from different genes and species, which gives them a healthy and safe environment.
The National Parks not only conserves wildlife but also provides a diversion of environmental and landscape heritage, in a manner and by those means that do not harm it, in order to provide enjoyment to future generations. Planting, cultivation, grazing, hunting, and predation of animals, destruction of flowers is highly prohibited.
The International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared National Parks in Category II of protected areas. To visit the National Parks, official permission from the relevant authorities is required.
Key differences between the wildlife sanctuary and the national park
The following points explain the difference between the wildlife sanctuary and the national park:
- The wildlife sanctuary can be understood as regions where wildlife and its habitat are protected from any disturbance. Conversely, a national park is the area of the field, which is specifically designed for wildlife, where they can live freely and use natural resources.
- Wildlife sanctuaries are famous for wildlife conservation, which includes animals, insects, microorganisms, birds, etc. of different genes and species. On the other hand, National Parks are well known for preserving flora, fauna, landscape and historical objects.
- Wildlife sanctuaries aim to ensure that a substantial population of wildlife and its habitats is maintained. On the contrary, national parks safeguard the environmental, landscape and cultural heritage of the region.
- When it comes to restrictions, national parks are highly restricted areas, which are not open to all people, while wildlife sanctuaries have fewer restrictions than national parks.
- To visit the national parks, the official permit must be taken from the required authorities. In contrast, no official permission should be taken to visit a wildlife sanctuary.
- The boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries are not sacrosanct. However, national parks have clearly marked boundaries.
- Human activities are allowed to some extent in wildlife sanctuaries, but in the case of national parks, they are strictly prohibited by the authorities.
conclusion
Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are the favorite tourist spot for nature lovers. Most of the national parks were initially wildlife sanctuaries, which are then updated to national parks.
In India, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was enacted, with the objective of providing protection to species that face the threat of extinction and also to propagate the nation’s conservation area, that is, national parks.
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