What is a Wildlife Sanctuary?
UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam often tests aspirants on environmental & ecological hotspots with Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks being a recurring topic. In backdrop of climate change, biodiversity loss & increased conservation efforts a number of sanctuaries have become particularly significant for UPSC Prelims 2025.
This article by APTI PLUS UPSC Coaching outlines wildlife sanctuaries of India their locations & why they matter.
A wildlife sanctuary is a designated protected area that aims to conserve & safeguard biodiversity including flora, fauna & ecological systems. These regions possess significant ecological, biological, geological & zoological value often rich in species diversity & morphological features.
These are established primarily to protect, conserve & promote natural reproduction & expansion of wildlife. While these areas may include forest reserves they typically exclude territorial waters.
They offer a safe & secure habitat for animals making sure a healthy & undisturbed life recognizing their vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
These sanctuaries often feature towering mountain ranges, dense forests & flowing rivers providing a thriving habitat with sufficient food & water sources for wildlife.
People residing within sanctuary limits may in some cases be granted specific rights. Sanctuaries are created to either protect existing wildlife populations or to aid in their growth by improving or preserving surrounding natural environment.
National Park vs Wildlife Sanctuary vs Biosphere Reserve vs Conservation Reserve
| Feature | National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary | Biosphere Reserve | Conservation Reserve |
| Definition | A protected area reserved for wildlife where no human activity is allowed. | A protected area where animals & plants are safe & limited human activities may be allowed. | A large area that includes protected zones as well as human settlements & buffer zones. | An area near forests or sanctuaries conserved with community involvement. |
| Purpose | To protect ecosystems, flora & fauna in their natural state. | For protecting endangered species & their habitats. | To promote conservation, research & sustainable use of resources. | In order to create a link between local people & conservation efforts. |
| Human Activity | Strictly prohibited (no grazing, no private ownership). | Limited activities allowed like grazing, firewood collection with permission. | Some activities allowed in buffer zones, but core area is protected. | Managed with help of local people; eco-friendly activities may continue. |
| Boundaries | Clearly defined & fixed by government. | Not always fixed; can change with time. | Includes core, buffer & transition zones. | Typically lies between national parks/sanctuaries & inhabited areas. |
| Governing Law | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Programme under UNESCO’s Man & Biosphere (MAB) initiative + Indian policies | Amendment to Wildlife Protection Act, 2002 |
| Ownership Rights | No private rights allowed. | Some private land rights can exist (regulated). | Mixed land use is permitted depending on zone. | Owned by government but managed with community input. |
| Scientific Research & Tourism | Allowed under strict regulation. | Allowed with permission. | Encouraged for research & education. | Mostly for conservation awareness & community-based tourism. |
| Examples | Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga NP (Assam) | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Bhadra WLS (Karnataka) | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve | Sariska Conservation Reserve (Rajasthan), Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary (Punjab) |
| International Recognition | Can be declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. | Usually not internationally recognised unless part of a larger reserve. | Recognised under UNESCO’s MAB programme. | Rarely has international recognition, more local. |
| Total in India (approx.) | 106 National Parks | 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries | 18 Biosphere Reserves (12 under UNESCO) | 100+ Conservation Reserves (& increasing) |
Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
In India wildlife sanctuary is a legally protected area where wildlife is shielded from human threats such as hunting, poaching & habitat destruction. The primary objective is conservation of biodiversity & protection of endangered species.
Under Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 state governments are empowered to declare certain ecologically significant areas as wildlife sanctuaries. These areas are typically of notable geomorphological, ecological & natural importance.
According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) wildlife sanctuaries fall under Category IV protected areas. As of now India has 573 wildlife sanctuaries collectively covering an area of 123762+ square kilometers which constitutes approximately 3.76% of country total land area.
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Wildlife Sanctuaries in News
| Wildlife Sanctuary | State/UT | Notable Event / Update |
| Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | Declared as 18th wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu (Erode district). |
| Poba Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | Declared from reserve forest; focus on eco-restoration. |
| Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary | Maharashtra | Eco-tourism development planned. |
| Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary | Goa | To be declared a tiger reserve after SC directive. |
| Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary | Madhya Pradesh | Newly approved sanctuary (614.07 sq km). |
| Jahangarh Wildlife Sanctuary | Madhya Pradesh | Declared (6.3 sq km in Sheopur district). |
| Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | Oil exploration halted due to ecological sensitivity. |
| Eturunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary | Telangana | 1 lakh trees uprooted due to wind damage. |
| Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary | Rajasthan | Major forest fire incident reported. |
| Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary | Maharashtra | Significant deer population growth. |
| Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary | Maharashtra | Tiger ‘Walker II’ captured on camera traps. |
| Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary | MP/UP/Rajasthan | Proposed boundary change; eco-concerns raised. |
| Mukundra Hills Wildlife Sanctuary | Rajasthan | Proposed changes to sanctuary boundary. |
| Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary | Gujarat | Highlighted for chinkara & desert ecosystem. |
| Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary | Goa | Largest WLS in Goa; in ecological focus with Mollem National Park. |
| Barda Wildlife Sanctuary | Gujarat | Jungle Safari (Phase-1) launched near Kapurdi. |
| Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary | Madhya Pradesh | Declared a tiger reserve; previously WLS since 1976. |
| Mansingh-Deo Wildlife Sanctuary | Maharashtra | Notified as new WLS for tiger connectivity; 42nd PA in Maharashtra. |
| Veerangana Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary | Madhya Pradesh | Declared a tiger reserve; former WLS. |
| Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary | Andhra Pradesh | In focus for Great Indian Bustard conservation. |
| Siruguppa Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary | Karnataka | Declared to protect critically endangered GIB. |
| Bheemunipatnam Wildlife Sanctuary (Proposed) | Andhra Pradesh | Proposed under AP Wildlife Action Plan; coastal biodiversity. |
| Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary | Rajasthan | In spotlight for proposed tiger corridor. |
| Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | Survey for tribal livelihood & eco-development inside WLS. |
| Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh | Monitored for potential tiger corridor linkage from Nepal. |
Notable Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary located in Assam holds honor of being one of first sanctuaries to be established in India. It serves multiple designations a National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve & a Biosphere Reserve.
10 Largest Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
| Rank | Wildlife Sanctuary | Area (km²) | Location |
| 1 | Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary | 7,506.22 | Gujarat |
| 2 | Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary | 4,954 | Gujarat |
| 3 | Desert National Park | 3,162 | Rajasthan |
| 4 | Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary | 1,222 | Maharashtra |
| 5 | Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary | 914.02 | Chhattisgarh |
| 6 | Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | 950 | Assam |
| 7 | Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary | 423.55 | Maharashtra |
| 8 | Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary | 492.46 | Karnataka |
| 9 | Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Sanctuary | 3,568 | Andhra Pradesh |
| 10 | Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary | 362.4 | West Bengal |
10 Smallest Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
| Rank | Wildlife Sanctuary | Area (km²) | Location |
| 1 | Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary | 5.14 | Maharashtra |
| 2 | Bor Wildlife Sanctuary | 61.1 | Maharashtra |
| 3 | Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary | 15.53 | Odisha |
| 4 | Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary | 7.98 | Goa |
| 5 | Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary | 5.4 | Uttar Pradesh |
| 6 | Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary | 635.4 | Telangana |
| 7 | Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary | 38.8 | Assam |
| 8 | Kutch Bustard Sanctuary | 2 | Gujarat |
| 9 | Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary | 3 | Punjab |
| 10 | Thol Wildlife Sanctuary | 7 | Gujarat |
Provisions for Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
As per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
| Provision | Details |
| 1. Declaration by State Government | If State Government finds an area to be of significant ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological importance it may issue a preliminary notification declaring its intention to constitute area as a Wildlife Sanctuary. After claims are settled a final notification can be issued defining boundaries & confirming its status as a sanctuary. |
| 2. Declaration by Central Government | Central Government may declare a region as a sanctuary if it deems area important for preserving or propagating wildlife & their habitats. |
| 3. Boundaries of Sanctuary | The notification must clearly specify area & its boundaries. If territorial waters are involved boundaries must be determined in consultation with Chief Naval Hydrographer making sure interests of local fishermen are protected. Sanctuary boundaries cannot be altered without approval of National Board for Wild Life. 1991 Amendment Act allows territorial waters to be included in sanctuaries. |
| 4. Settlement of Rights | -State Government appoints a Collector to examine & determine existing rights of individuals in area. After declaration notice no new rights can be acquired except through succession (testamentary or intestate).The government must arrange for alternate supply of fuel, fodder & forest produce to affected people. |
| 5. Claims of Rights | If any person claims rights over land: Collector will accept or reject claim fully or partially. If accepted Collector may Exclude land from sanctuary. Acquire land or rights under Land Acquisition Act, 1894 or accept voluntary surrender with compensation. Allow continued use of land within sanctuary bounds after consultation with Chief Wild Life Warden. |
| 6. Entry into a Protected Area | Only following may enter or reside in a sanctuary: Public servants on duty Persons with permission from Chief Wild Life Warden Persons with rights to immovable property within sanctuary Persons travelling on a public highway through sanctuary Dependents of any of above Others may only enter if permitted under specific conditions. |
| 7. Grant of Permit for Entry | Chief Wild Life Warden may grant entry permits for: Wildlife research or investigation Photography Scientific studyTourism Legal business transactions with residents inside sanctuary |
| 8. Role of Authorities | Chief Wild Life Warden is responsible for direction, management & maintenance of all protected areas. National Board for Wild Life advises on boundary modifications & sanctuary management. State Board for Wild Life advises State Government on creation & administration of protected areas. |
For more such articles, please refer to IAS GYAN
Why Are Wildlife Sanctuaries Important?
Wildlife sanctuaries are special places where animals, plants & nature are protected. They help both people & natureand must be saved for future.
They Help Protect Animals
Many animals especially endangered ones need a safe place to live.
In sanctuaries animals stay in their natural homes where they can move freely, find food & have babies safely. Scientists & animal lovers also visit sanctuaries to learn about animal behavior & how to save them.
They Protect Forests & Nature
Governments and developers are cutting down many forests to build cities and roads. But inside sanctuaries, authorities protect trees and plants, allowing nature to flourish undisturbed. They also preserve beautiful natural spots like rivers, waterfalls, hills, and mountains from pollution and destruction.
They Save Tribes & Their Culture
Some tribal people have lived in forests for thousands of years. Sanctuaries protect not just animals but also tribal communities & their way of life. These tribes help protect forests & keep their culture alive without worrying about developers cutting down their land.
They Save Endangered Species
Some animals & plants are in danger of disappearing forever. Sanctuaries give them a safe place to live & grow away from harmful human activities like hunting & pollution.
They Help Keep Nature Balanced
Many different animals, plants & ecosystems are connected. Sanctuaries keep all of them safe in their original setting this is called in situ conservation. This helps maintain biodiversity or variety of life on Earth.
They Support Ecotourism
People can visit sanctuaries to see animals in their natural homes not in cages.
People refer to this kind of travel as ecotourism. It helps people learn about animals & nature.
The money earned from ticket sales is used to improve sanctuary & support conservation efforts.
They Help Us Learn & Raise Awareness
Sanctuaries are great places for students, teachers & nature lovers to learn about wildlife.
Famous people & charities also support sanctuaries which helps spread awareness.
The more people know more they care about protecting nature.
Steps Taken for Protection of Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
| Initiative / Law / Scheme | Year | Purpose / Description |
| Wildlife Protection Act | 1972 | Prohibits hunting, protects animal habitats, empowers creation of sanctuaries & national parks. |
| Project Tiger | 1973 | Conservation programme to protect Bengal tigers & their habitats. |
| Indian Forest Act | 1927 | Regulates forest use, categorizes forests, controls forest produce collection. |
| Forest Conservation Act | 1980 | Prevents deforestation & diversion of forest land for non-forest uses. |
| Project Elephant | 1992 | Aims to conserve elephants & their corridors. |
| Wildlife Institute of India (WII) | 1982 | Conducts research, training & education in wildlife management. |
| Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) | 1883 | Oldest NGO in India for wildlife study & conservation. |
| Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History | – | Located in Tamil Nadu; specializes in bird studies & their conservation. |
| National Biodiversity Act | 2002 | Promotes conservation of biological diversity & fair sharing of benefits. |
| Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules | 2010 | Protects India’s wetlands, especially those vital to wildlife & birdlife. |
| Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) | 2007 | Prevents illegal wildlife trade (skins, organs, etc.) & supports enforcement. |
| Collaborative Forest Management | Ongoing | Involves local communities in forest & wildlife protection. |
| National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) | 2005 | Strengthens tiger conservation efforts & manages protected areas. |
| National Wildlife Action Plan (3rd Plan) | 2017–2031 | Strategic plan for wildlife conservation with climate change adaptation goals. |
| Community Reserves & Conservation Reserves | 2002 amendment to WPA | Encourages local people to protect wildlife & share responsibility. |
| CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority) | 2016 (Act) | Ensures afforestation & conservation when forest land is diverted. |
| Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) | Ongoing | Buffer zones around sanctuaries & parks to limit harmful activities. |
| Project Snow Leopard | 2009 | Conservation of snow leopards & high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems. |
| International Commitments – CITES & CBD | India is a member | India follows global wildlife trade regulations & biodiversity goals. |
State-wise break up of Wildlife Sanctuaries
| State & UT | State Area (km²) | No. of WLS | Area (km²) | % of State Area |
| Andhra Pradesh | 160229 | 13 | 6771.40 | 4.23 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 83743 | 13 | 7614.56 | 9.09 |
| Assam | 78438 | 17 | 1728.95 | 2.20 |
| Bihar | 94163 | 12 | 2851.67 | 3.03 |
| Chhattisgarh | 135191 | 11 | 3760.28 | 2.78 |
| Goa | 3702 | 6 | 647.91 | 17.50 |
| Gujarat | 196022 | 23 | 16618.42 | 8.48 |
| Haryana | 44212 | 7 | 118.21 | 0.27 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 55673 | 28 | 6115.97 | 10.99 |
| Jharkhand | 79714 | 11 | 1955.82 | 2.45 |
| Karnataka | 191791 | 38 | 8216.69 | 4.28 |
| Kerala | 38863 | 18 | 2156.21 | 5.55 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 308245 | 24 | 7046.19 | 2.29 |
| Maharashtra | 307713 | 49 | 7861.70 | 2.55 |
| Manipur | 22327 | 7 | 708.14 | 3.17 |
| Meghalaya | 22429 | 4 | 94.11 | 0.42 |
| Mizoram | 21081 | 9 | 1359.75 | 6.45 |
| Nagaland | 16579 | 4 | 43.91 | 0.26 |
| Odisha | 155707 | 19 | 7094.65 | 4.56 |
| Punjab | 50362 | 13 | 326.60 | 0.65 |
| Rajasthan | 342239 | 25 | 5592.38 | 1.63 |
| Sikkim | 7096 | 7 | 399.10 | 5.62 |
| Tamil Nadu | 130058 | 33 | 7096.54 | 5.46 |
| Telangana | 114840 | 9 | 5672.70 | 4.94 |
| Tripura | 10486 | 4 | 603.64 | 5.76 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 240928 | 26 | 5822.20 | 2.42 |
| Uttarakhand | 53483 | 7 | 2690.12 | 5.03 |
| West Bengal | 88752 | 16 | 1440.18 | 1.62 |
| Andaman & Nicobar | 8249 | 97 | 395.60 | 4.80 |
| Chandigarh | 114 | 2 | 26.01 | 22.82 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | 491 | 1 | 92.17 | 18.77 |
| Daman & Diu | 112 | 1 | 2.19 | 1.96 |
| Delhi | 1483 | 1 | 19.61 | 1.32 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 163090 | 14 | 1815.04 | 1.11 |
| Ladakh | 59146 | 2 | 9000.00 | 15.22 |
| Lakshadweep | 32 | 1 | 0.01 | 0.03 |
| Puducherry | 480 | 1 | 3.90 | 0.81 |
| TOTAL | 3287263 | 573 | 123762.56 | 3.76 |
Conclusion
Wildlife sanctuaries play a vital role in preserving Indian rich biodiversity. They protect endangered species, maintain ecological balance, support local communities & serve as centers for education, research & ecotourism. Their conservation is not just about protecting nature but also about securing our future.
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