The Indian wildlife heritage has a unique status worldwide. It has the second largest base of bio diversity in the world, with 441 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 80 National Parks, which have become destinations for visitors from all around the world. Accounts of man-eaters of Kumaon and other wildlife encountered by Jim Corbett, are fascinating and true, and just a glimpse of many other mysteries and delights of the Indian wildlife that is housed in the sanctuaries around the country.
Another incredible feature of these amazing conservatories of exotic wildlife is that they are home to the largest number of tigers and one-horned rhinoceros in the world, as well as the almost extinct Asiatic Lion, and a large percentage of the total elephant population! Also, India’s wildlife sanctuaries which cover about 90,000 sq km house more than 500 species of mammals, over 2000 species of birds, over 500 species of reptiles and amphibians and around 30000 species of insects!
Wildlife sanctuaries were established in India in the pursuit of conserving Indian wildlife, which was suffering due to ecological imbalances caused due to human activities such as farming, lumber activities, hydel projects, etc. The Wildlife Act and the Forest Act ensure protection of wildlife and generate environmental consciousness among people. The wildlife sanctuaries in India have become centers of wildlife and tourism, and have carved a niche for themselves.
Some of the major wildlife sanctuaries in India are:
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