India has a rich and diverse wildlife in the world as 8% of world’s biodiversity lies here. A callous reality of the fast-track development of the country lies in turning one’s back when it comes to biological species. It is tremendously exasperating that animal species are on the verge of extinction today. In India we may find 2546 species of fishes, 198 species of amphibians, 423 species of mammals and 408 species of reptiles. Some of the wild animals found in India include the royal bengal tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, Asian black bear, rhinoceros, hyena, Asiatic lion, wild dog, golden jackal and many more.
These beautiful animal species in India needs to be protected as their number may pelt down in coming years. For this a dedicated space is designed to nurture the growth of these magnificent animals. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries serves the above purpose. Protection, recreation and conservation of animals are a requisite that is rendered by national parks. And to safeguard animals, animal sanctuaries are maintained. These are managed by the government and rangers ensure that no harassment, poaching or hunting of the animals takes place.
Every year 22 May is celebrated as International Day for Biological Diversity. As India has a wide assortment of flora and fauna wildlife sanctuary and national parks in India has enthralled lot of tourists around world. According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) there are 543 wildlife sanctuaries and India is home to more than 166 National parks. Wildlife hideaway is also called a Wildlife sanctuary. Category VI Protective Areas have 50 Tiger reserves that are under Project Tiger as Bengal Tigers are the most protective species from other species in India. Wildlife shelters such as the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is a natural habitat for tigers and elephants, Kaziranga National Park for rhinoceros and Govind Wildlife Sanctuary give a splendid glimpse of Snow Leopards.
National parks and wildlife shelters on the Indian land proffer great benefits. Since man is creating menace to wildlife in India the confined National parks and wildlife shelters keep animal species out of harm’s way. Not only animals but mountains, gorges, dunes etc are also disappearing due to development. Hence it also conserves landscapes. Tribes also dwell in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and it protects culture of indigenous people. These spaces offer a fantastic site of recreation and leisure to its visitors.
Animal Sanctuaries have dotted Indian landscape with affluent and vivid animal species and have created history on how soft lives are embraced and fostered in India.
