National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are protected natural habitats, declared by the government of a country according to the regulations from the IUCN (The World Conservation Union) to preserve the wildlife through the conservation of ecosystems. Wildlife constitutes the primary natural heritage, all around the world. Continuous industrialization and deforestation, has posed a threat of extinction to the wildlife. On the other hand, the national park provides protection to the entire set of the ecosystem, i.e. flora, fauna, landscape, etc. of that region; which tend to conserve the genetic diversity of the plants, animals birds, etc.
Wildlife sanctuaries refer to an area that provides protection and favorable living conditions to the wild animals. A National park is the area of countryside, which is specifically designated for wildlife, where they can live freely and use natural resources.
To visit national parks, official permission is to be taken from the requisite authorities. In contrast, no official permission is to be taken to visit a wildlife sanctuary. Human activities are allowed to a limited extent in the wildlife sanctuaries, but in the case of national parks, they are strictly prohibited by the authorities.
Difference between Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
- Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural habitat, owned by the government or private agency, that safeguards particular species of birds and animals.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries are famous for the conservation of wildlife, which includes animals, insects, microorganisms, birds, etc. of different genes and species.
- Wildlife Sanctuary provides habitat, and safe & healthy living conditions to the wild animals especially to the endangered and rare ones so that they can live peacefully for their entire life and maintain their viable population.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries aims at ensuring that a substantial population of the wildlife and their habitats are maintained.
- For proper management of the sanctuary, rangers or guards are appointed to patrol the region. They ensure the safety of animals, from poaching, predating, or harassment.
NATIONAL PARK
- A national park is a protected area, which is established by the government, to conserve wildlife and also develop them.
- National Parks are highly known for preserving the flora, fauna, landscape, and historical objects.
- National Park implies an area that is exclusively designated by the government for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity due to its natural, cultural, and historical significance. It is home to millions of animals, birds, insects, microorganisms, etc. of different genes and species, which provides a healthy and safe environment for them.
- National Parks safeguard the environmental, scenic, and cultural heritage of the region.
- National Parks, not only conserves wildlife but also provides an amusement of the environmental and scenic heritage, in a way and by those means that does not cause harm to it, so as to provide enjoyment to the future generations.
