Exploring India's Wildlife Sanctuaries

India's wildlife sanctuaries preserve unique ecosystems, from the Himalayan highlands to the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats. They are vital for sustaining the country's biodiversity.

Unlike national parks, sanctuaries in India have more flexible land use policies, permitting activities like grazing and timber harvesting under regulation to coexist with wildlife conservation efforts.

The Indian rhinoceros and the Asiatic lion are examples of conservation successes. Once on the brink, their numbers have increased significantly within protected sanctuaries like Kaziranga and Gir.

India's sanctuaries are a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting spectacular species like the Great Indian Hornbill. The Bharatpur Sanctuary alone records over 230 species of birds.

Wildlife sanctuaries are critical refuges for endangered species, such as the Hangul in Dachigam or the Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam, providing them a chance for survival amidst escalating habitat loss.

Some sanctuaries implement innovative community-based conservation, engaging local tribes and villagers in protection efforts, promoting eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods.

Beyond fauna, sanctuaries like the Valley of Flowers protect unique floral species. This UNESCO World Heritage Site blooms with hundreds of rare and endemic flowers, including the elusive Brahma Kamal.