Wildlife Sanctuaries in India for Competitive Exams 2025

In this chapter, we will learn about wildlife sanctuaries in India. A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area designated to conserve animals, birds, and plants. In these regions, wild animals and their habitats are protected from human interference, hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction. The main aim of wildlife sanctuaries in India is to provide a comfortable living to the birds and animals. India has numerous beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, featuring dense forests, large rivers, high and beautiful mountains.

Unlike national parks in India, many wildlife sanctuaries allow certain regulated human activities such as grazing, cultivation, and even some settlements, provided they do not harm the animals or their habitat. Tourism is also permitted in many wildlife sanctuaries, but it is usually regulated to minimize human disturbance.

On August 21, 1972, the Indian Parliament enacted the Wildlife (Protection) Act to safeguard and protect the country’s wildlife. The main aim of this Act is to protect wild animals, birds, and plants, ensuring the ecological and environmental security of the country.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India are classified as IUCN Category IV protected areas, which are made to protect specific species or habitats. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, state governments are empowered to declare certain areas as Wildlife Sanctuaries if they possess ecological, geomorphologic, or zoological significance.

Importance of Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Wildlife sanctuaries in India are important because of several reasons:

• Wildlife sanctuaries provide a safe habitat for rare, endangered, and vulnerable species.
• They protect animals from hunting, poaching, and habitat loss.
• Sanctuaries provide a natural environment where wildlife can live, breed, and thrive without human interference.
• They help maintain ecological balance by preserving forests, rivers, and ecosystems that all life depends on.
• Wildlife sanctuaries also protect certain plant species from excessive exploitation.
• They serve as natural laboratories for ecological and zoological research.
• By preserving forests and biodiversity, wildlife sanctuaries contribute to climate regulation.
• Without sanctuaries, various animals would die out, and the balance of nature would be lost.

Number and Area of Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

There are 573 wildlife sanctuaries in India according to the National Wildlife Database Centre (November 2023). They cover a total area of 123,762.56 km², which constitutes approximately 3.76% of the country’s geographical area.

Another 218 Wildlife Sanctuaries have been proposed under the Protected Area Network (PAN) Report, which covers a combined area of approximately 16,829 km². Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, is recognized as the oldest bird sanctuary in India. It was established in 1796, which makes it one of the earliest protected bird habitats in the world.

Largest Wildlife Sanctuaries in India (by Area)

In the terms of area, the largest wildlife sanctuary in India is the Kutch (Kachchh) Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Great Rann of Kutch, Kutch district, Gujarat. This covers an area of 7,506.22 square kilometers. This sanctuary is established in February 1986.

Ranthambore National Park, located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, is one of the most famous tiger reserves in India. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, became a Project Tiger reserve in 1973, and was upgraded to a national park in 1980.

Here is a list of the six largest wildlife sanctuaries in India by area, based on the most recent data available (2023–2024):

1. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
• Area: 7,506.22 sq km
• Established: 1986
• Famous for: Chinkara, Hyena, Fox, Flamingo, etc.

2. Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary

• Location: Gujarat (Little Rann of Kutch)
• Area: 4,954 sq km
• Established: 1972
• Famous for: Wild Ass, Chinkara, Blue bull, Houbara bustard, Wolf, Waterfowls, Herpetofauna

3. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Arunachal Pradesh
• Area: 4,149 sq km
• Established: 1992
• Famous for: Mishmi takin, red panda, snow leopard, etc.

4. Nagarjunsagar–Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
• Area: 3,568 sq km
• Established: 1978
• Famous For: Tigers, leopards, Indian pangolin, forested gorges, etc.

5. Desert National Park (also acts as a sanctuary)

• Location: Rajasthan
• Area: 3,162 sq km
• Established: 1980
• Famous For: Great Indian bustard, desert fox, chinkara, etc.

6. Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Odisha
• Area: 2,750 sq km
• Established: 1979
• Famous For: Tigers, elephants, orchids, waterfalls, etc.

List of Wildlife Sanctuaries of India (State-wise)

List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Union Territories

Here’s the complete list of Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Union Territories of India:

FAQs on Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Here’s frequently asked questions on Wildlife Sanctuaries in India that are often searched in Google search. These questions are also very important for competitive exams. So, you should keep in mind.