Major Wildlife Sanctuaries of the World

Wildlife sanctuaries are regions under protection where different kinds of mammals, birds, and reptiles are kept in their natural habitat. They are necessary to protect the biodiversity of the planet. These protected areas not only aid in the conservation of wildlife but also advance tourism, research, and education. Many endangered species can be found living in the world's largest wildlife sanctuaries, which offer them a secure environment in which to flourish.

Visitors from all over the world come to these sanctuaries to take in the beauty of nature and learn about the value of conservation.

Most Important Wildlife Sanctuaries of the World

Here are brief descriptions about major wildlife sanctuaries of the world −

Serengeti National Park

• Serengeti National Park is situated in Tanzania, East Africa.

• Over 14,750 square km of it are covered by a variety of habitats, including savanna, grasslands, and forests.

• The Park is well-known for the annual wildebeest migration, during which millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move there in search of food and water.

• Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs are among the many that call it home.

• Elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and African wild dogs are a few other prominent animals that can be seen in the park.

Yellowstone National Park

• Wyoming is the home of Yellowstone National Park, though it also stretches into Montana and Idaho.

• It was the first national park in the world and the United States when it was established in 1872.

• Grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison are among the variety of creatures that call its 2.2 million acres of land home.

• In addition, the park is well-known for its geothermal attractions, like as Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts roughly every 90 minutes.

• The Park also has Yellowstone Lake, the biggest high-elevation lake in North America.

Galapagos Islands

• The Galapagos Islands lie 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean.

• The archipelago consists of more than 100 islets in addition to the 18 major islands and 3 smaller islands.

• A wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to this region, call it home.

• The significance of the islands to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is well known.

• To preserve the distinctive flora and fauna of the islands, the Galapagos National Park was created in 1959.

• The Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies are a few of the more prominent species that may be found on the islands.

Kruger National Park

• One of Africa's largest game reserves, Kruger National Park is situated in north-eastern South Africa.

• Its 19,485 square kilometre territory is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

• 147 mammal species, 118 reptile species, and more than 500 bird species can all be found in Kruger National Park.

• The "Big Five" game animals—lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffaloes—are among its most renowned attractions.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

• The world's biggest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is situated in north-eastern Australia and spans an area of more than 344,000 square kilometres.

• More than 1,500 different fish species, 600 different varieties of coral, and a vast range of other marine creatures, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and whales, all call it home.

• The Park was created in 1975 to safeguard the richness of the reef ecosystem, and UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage Site.

Masai Mara National Reserve

• The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in southwest Kenya, an East African country.

• An area of roughly 1,510 square kilometres makes up the reserve.

• The Mara River, which runs through the reserve, and the Maasai people are honoured in its name.

• The reserve is renowned for its wildlife, which includes the yearly wildebeest migration, during which over two million animals travel between the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park.

• Animals from a wide variety of species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, zebras, and gazelles, can be found in the Masai Mara.

• The reserve is a haven for birdwatchers with more than 450 different species of birds living there.

Sundarbans National Park

• In Bangladesh and India, the Sundarbans National Park is situated in the delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.

• The Park, which has a surface area of almost 10,000 square kilometres, is home to the largest mangrove forest in the world.

• A Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans National Park.

• Wildlife of all kinds may be seen in the park, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodiles, Indian pythons, and other bird and fish species.

• The Sundari tree, which provides charcoal, fuel, and wood, is one of the rare plants found in Sundarbans National Park, which is also well-known for its unusual vegetation.

Banff National Park

• The first national park to be created in Canada, Banff National Park is situated in Alberta and dates back to 1885.

• The park's 6,641 square kilometre surface is made up of mountainous terrain, glaciers, forests, and alpine meadows.

• Numerous animals, such as elk, moose, bears, bighorn sheep, and wolves, can be found in Banff.

• The Park contains more than 1,000 glaciers and ice fields, including the 325 square km Columbia Icefield.

• The national park system of Canada was first established near the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, which are among the various hot springs in Banff.

Ranthambore National Park

• The Sawai Madhupur district of Rajasthan, India is home to Ranthambore National Park.

• It was established as a wildlife refuge in 1955 and has a 392 square km size.

• The Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and several bird species.

• The tiger population in Ranthambore is particularly well-known since it has been effectively conserved and protected.

• Additionally, the park is home to several old temples and buildings including the Ranthambore Fort.

Jim Corbett National Park

• The Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India, is home to Jim Corbett National Park.

• It was India's first national park when it was created in 1936, and it bears the name Jim Corbett in honour of the British hunter and environmentalist.

• Its 520 sq. km. surface is home to approximately 580 kinds of birds, 488 plant species, and a wide variety of fauna, including Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, and sloth bears.

• The Ramganga River, a major water source for the park's animals and home to a big fish population, is another feature of the area.

Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries of the World

Here’s list of wildlife sanctuaries of the world, their location and important protected species.

Wildlife Sanctuary	Location	Important Protected Species
Serengeti National Park	Tanzania	Wildebeest, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African elephants
Yellowstone National Park	United States	Grizzly bears, gray wolves, bison, elk, trumpeter swans
Galapagos Islands	Ecuador	Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins
Kruger National Park	South Africa	African elephants, African lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, African buffaloes
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park	Australia	Great Barrier Reef, humpback whales, sea turtles, dugongs
Masai Mara National Reserve	Kenya	African lions, cheetahs, African leopards, hyenas, wildebeest
Sundarbans National Park	India and Bangladesh	Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, Indian python, spotted deer
Banff National Park	Canada	Grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, wolves, elk
Ranthambore National Park	India	Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, striped hyenas, sambar deer
Jim Corbett National Park	India	Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Himalayan black bears, leopards

Conclusion

There are many different types of wildlife sanctuaries around the world, each with its own distinct ecology, vegetation, and fauna. These protected areas are essential for the survival and protection of threatened species, the preservation of the natural balance, and the development of ecotourism. These protected areas, which range from the African savannas to the tropical rainforests and the coral reefs of the Pacific, show off the splendour and diversity of our world.

Climate change, habitat degradation, and poaching are just a few of the difficulties these reserves face. These amazing animal reserves must continue to exist for future generations, and it is our duty to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the location of Serengeti National Park?

Serengeti National Park is located in Tanzania.

What are the major protected species of Yellowstone National Park?

The important protected species of Yellowstone National Park include grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk.

What unique animals can be found in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are known for their unique animals, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.

Which big cats can be found in Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is home to the big five game animals, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

What is the extent of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park covers an area of 344,400 square kilometers.

What is the location of Masai Mara National Reserve?

Masai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya.

What is the unique feature of Sundarbans National Park?

Sundarbans National Park is the world's largest delta and is home to the Bengal tiger.

Which Canadian province is Banff National Park located in?

Banff National Park is located in the province of Alberta, Canada.

What is the important protected species of Ranthambore National Park?

The important protected species of Ranthambore National Park include tigers, leopards, and Indian wild dogs.

What is the location of Jim Corbett National Park?

Jim Corbett National Park is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India.