Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

Wildlife constitutes the primary natural heritage, all around the world. Continuous industrialization and deforestation, has posed a threat of extinction to the wildlife. So, to conserve and preserve the natural heritage of the country wildlife sanctuaries, national park, biosphere reserves, etc. are earmarked. Wildlife sanctuaries refer to an area which provides protection and favourable living conditions to the wild animals.

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. Lastly, biosphere reserves are the protected areas, which tend to conserve the genetic diversity of the plants, animals birds, etc.

The article excerpt attempts to clarify the difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park, so take a read.

Content: Wildlife Sanctuary Vs National Park

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Wildlife Sanctuary	National Park
Meaning	Wildlife Sanctuary, is a natural habitat, owned by the government or private agency, that safeguards particular species of birds and animals.	National park is the protected area, which are established by the government, to conserve wildlife and also develop them.
Preserves	Animals, birds, insects, reptiles, etc.	Flora, fauna, landscape, historic objects, etc.
Objective	To make sure that viable population of the wildlife and their habitats are maintained.	To protect the natural and historic objects and wildlife of an area.
Restriction	Restrictions are less and it is open to public.	Highly restricted, random access to people is not allowed.
Official Permission	Not required	Required
Boundaries	Not fixed	Fixed by legislation
Human activity	Allowed but up to a certain extent.	Not allowed at all.

Definition of Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife Sanctuary, as the name suggests, is the place, that is reserved exclusively for the use of wildlife, which includes animals, reptiles, insects, birds etc. Otherwise called as wildlife refuges, it 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.

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 harassing.

International Union of Conservation of Nature, shortly called as IUCN has grouped wildlife sanctuaries in Category IV of protected areas.

Definition of National Park

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 to them.

National Parks, not only conserve wildlife, but it 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. The plantation, cultivation, grazing, hunting and predating of animals, destruction of flowers are highly prohibited.

International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared National Parks in Category II of the protected areas. To visit National Parks, official permission from the relevant authorities is required.

Conclusion

Wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks are the favourite tourist spot for the nature lovers. Most of the national parks were initially wildlife sanctuaries, which are then upgraded to national parks.

In India, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 has been enacted, with the aim of providing protection to the species that are facing the threat of getting extinct and also to propagate conservation area of the nation, i.e. national parks.