Wildlife Conservation and Its management (MSc & BSc Zoology)
National park
There are 104 existing national parks in India covering an area of 40501.13 km2, which is 1.23% of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, May, 2019).
National park, an area set aside by a national government for the preservation of the natural environment. A national park may be set aside for purposes of public recreation and enjoyment or because of its historical or scientific interest. Most of the landscapes and their accompanying plants and animals in a national park are kept in their natural state. The national park is rich in biodiversity, where new plant and animal species are being discovered every year.
National parks are areas that aim to protect the natural environment. They are also involved in public recreation and enjoyment activities. In a national park, the landscapes and its flora and fauna are present in their natural state.
They are strictly reserved areas meant for the betterment of the wildlife. They are reserved for improvement of wildlife. In them cultivation, grazing, forestry operation and habitat manipulation is prohibited.
Inside The National park:
Only an approved person can enter into a national park, either via paying a visitor ticket or an approved letter from the governing body. The visitors can only observe the park inside a vehicle that routes through defined trails. Visitors cannot get out of the vehicle for any reason unless there is an approved place for visitors. Photography is allowed but research and educational work can be done with a prior permission. The park cannot be used for any reason like firewood, timber, fruits etc. Human activity is not allowed.
BENEFITS OF NATIONAL PARKS
1. National Parks Protect wildlife
At present, many animal species are facing extinction, because their natural habitats are being steadily destroyed. National parks are established to safeguard these habitats and provide a safe space for wildlife to breed and survive.
2. National Parks protect landscapes
Not only animals are at risk of disappearing but, landforms like mountains, rainforests valleys, etc. are at risk of disappearing due to the actions of humans and also the natural action of the environment. Many landforms are at risk from pollution, and if they are controlled under national park status, they have a better chance of survival. In national parks, they are protected from development, destruction, and pollution.
3. National Parks help to preserve the history
The historical structures that are built on national park land are preserved. They give us a better idea of how people lived in the past, and how their cultures worked.
4. Help in Preserving Cultures and Tribes
In many national parks around the world, people live away and apart from main civilization, and their culture and members (tribes) are largely protected under the status of the national park. Thus, National parks not only protect animals and wildlife, in a way they protect people too.
5. Giving people the chance for healthy living
National parks provide the public with space where the natural environment is uninterrupted and integrated so that people can slow down, enjoy nature. People get a chance to relax and combat the stress of busy lives and breathe fresh and healthy air.
List of National Parks in India
National parks provide a heaven for wildlife away from civilization. India has currently over 104 national parks distributed across the country, stretching across various biomes.
Bandipur National Park in Karnataka
Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh
Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand
Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh
Gir National Park and Sasan Gir Sanctuary in Gujarat
Hemis National Park in Jammu & Kashmir
Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh
Kaziranga National Park in Assam
Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Manas National Park in Assam
Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka
Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh
Periyar National Park in Kerala.
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan
Sariska National Park in Rajasthan
The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh