Module 75. National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Protected Areas of the World

National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected areas form the cornerstone of global efforts to conserve biodiversity and natural ecosystems. They represent dedicated regions where ecological, biological, and cultural values are preserved against the threats of human exploitation and environmental degradation. These areas are vital for sustaining wildlife populations, protecting endangered species, and maintaining the ecological balance of the planet.

Concept and Classification of Protected Areas

A protected area is a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated, and managed to achieve the long-term conservation of nature and associated ecosystem services. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these areas vary in purpose, level of protection, and permissible human activities.
IUCN Categories of Protected Areas:

1. Category I – Strict Nature Reserve / Wilderness Area: Set aside for scientific research and wilderness protection (e.g., Aguas Calientes, Peru).
2. Category II – National Park: Large natural areas protecting ecological integrity, while allowing education and recreation (e.g., Yellowstone National Park, USA).
3. Category III – Natural Monument: Protects specific natural features such as caves, waterfalls, or unique formations (e.g., Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Australia).
4. Category IV – Habitat/Species Management Area: Managed mainly for conservation through active interventions (e.g., Huascarán National Park, Peru).
5. Category V – Protected Landscape/Seascape: Preserves areas where human interaction with nature has produced distinct character (e.g., Tuscany, Italy).
6. Category VI – Managed Resource Protected Area: Allows sustainable use of natural ecosystems alongside conservation goals (e.g., Pantanal, Brazil).

These categories collectively contribute to global biodiversity conservation by balancing ecological preservation with human needs.

National Parks: Definition and Global Significance

A national park is a large area of land protected by a nation’s government to conserve its natural environment, wildlife, and cultural heritage. It allows controlled tourism, education, and scientific research.
Historical Background: The concept originated in the United States with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, the world’s first national park. This model inspired countries across the world to create similar reserves for conservation and recreation.
Objectives of National Parks:

• Preservation of flora, fauna, and natural landscapes.
• Promotion of environmental education and scientific study.
• Regulation of tourism to support conservation.
• Maintenance of ecological processes and habitat diversity.

Examples of Famous National Parks Worldwide:

• Yellowstone National Park (USA): Renowned for geysers, hot springs, and grizzly bears.
• Serengeti National Park (Tanzania): Famous for annual wildebeest migration and diverse savanna ecosystems.
• Banff National Park (Canada): Known for glacial lakes and alpine forests.
• Kruger National Park (South Africa): Rich in African megafauna, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
• Galápagos National Park (Ecuador): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to unique species studied by Charles Darwin.
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Australia): Protects coral reef systems and marine biodiversity.
• Kaziranga National Park (India): A UNESCO site protecting the one-horned rhinoceros.

Wildlife Sanctuaries: Concept and Importance

A wildlife sanctuary is an area where animal habitats and breeding grounds are protected from hunting, poaching, and other human disturbances. Unlike national parks, limited human activity and resource use may be permitted under strict regulation.
Objectives of Wildlife Sanctuaries:

• Protection of endangered and rare species.
• Maintenance of natural habitats and breeding sites.
• Promotion of conservation awareness and research.

Notable Wildlife Sanctuaries Around the World:

• Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya): A globally significant savanna ecosystem known for large carnivores.
• Corbett National Park (India): Also functions as a tiger reserve, home to Bengal tigers and elephants.
• Chitwan National Park (Nepal): Protects one-horned rhinoceros and gharials.
• Doñana National Park (Spain): A sanctuary for migratory birds between Europe and Africa.
• Everglades National Park (USA): Wetland sanctuary supporting alligators, manatees, and numerous bird species.

Global Network of Protected Areas

The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), managed by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and IUCN, serves as the most comprehensive global inventory of protected regions.
Global Facts (as per recent estimates):

• Over 265,000 protected areas exist worldwide.
• They cover about 17% of the world’s terrestrial and 8% of marine surface areas.
• Many are part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and World Heritage Sites.

Major International Frameworks Supporting Protected Areas:

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992): Encourages conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
• World Heritage Convention (1972): Protects natural and cultural sites of outstanding universal value.
• CITES (1975): Regulates international trade in endangered species.
• Ramsar Convention (1971): Protects wetlands of international importance.
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: Promote balanced relationships between humans and nature through conservation and research.

Protected Areas in India: Overview

India possesses an extensive network of protected areas to conserve its rich biodiversity. As per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Indian protected areas are classified into National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves.
Key Statistics (approximate):

• National Parks: 100+
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: 550+
• Biosphere Reserves: 18
• Conservation Reserves: 100+
• Community Reserves: 200+

Notable Protected Areas in India:

• Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand): India’s first national park, established in 1936.
• Kaziranga National Park (Assam): UNESCO site famous for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
• Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal): Home to the Royal Bengal tiger and world’s largest mangrove forest.
• Gir National Park (Gujarat): The only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion.
• Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan): Renowned bird sanctuary and UNESCO site.
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala): Known for elephants and tropical evergreen forests.
• Hemis National Park (Ladakh): High-altitude reserve for snow leopards.

Biosphere Reserves in India: These integrate conservation with sustainable use of resources. Examples include:

• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – first in India (1986), covering parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
• Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve – protecting mangroves and deltaic ecosystems.
• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve – Himalayan ecosystem with endemic species.
• Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve – marine biodiversity hotspot.

Ecological and Socio-Economic Significance

Protected areas provide vital ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits:

• Biodiversity Conservation: Safeguard species and genetic diversity.
• Climate Regulation: Forested parks act as carbon sinks.
• Water and Soil Conservation: Prevent erosion and maintain hydrological cycles.
• Tourism and Education: Ecotourism generates income and awareness.
• Cultural Preservation: Protect sacred groves and indigenous traditions.

Challenges and Conservation Strategies

Despite their importance, protected areas face numerous challenges such as habitat fragmentation, illegal poaching, invasive species, and human–wildlife conflicts.