Algeria National Parks
Botswana National Parks
Cameroon National Parks
DR Congo National Parks
Egypt National Parks
Ethiopia National Parks
Ghana National Parks
Kenya National Parks
Madagascar National Parks
Morocco National Parks
Namibia National Parks
Rwanda National Parks
South Africa National Parks
Tanzania National Parks
National parks in India are IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) category II protected areas. India’s first national park was established in 1936, now known as Jim Corbett National Park, in Uttarakhand. In 1970, India had only five national parks.
In 1972, India enacted the Wildlife Protection Act and Project Tiger in 1973 to safeguard the habitats of conservation reliant species and currently there are 106 national parks in India. Further legislation strengthening protection for wildlife was introduced in the 1980s.
There are 106 existing national parks in India covering an area of 44,402.95 km2 which is 1.35% of the geographical area of the country. In addition to the above, 75 other National Parks covering an area of 16,608 km2 (6,412 sq mi) are proposed in the Protected Area Network Report. The network of parks will go up 176 after full implementation of the above report.
As of my last update, there are 104 national parks in India. These national parks protect a diverse range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, grasslands, wetlands, and high-altitude mountains.
They are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. India’s national parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, trekking, and eco-tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The largest national park in India is Hemis National Park. Located in the eastern part of Ladakh in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis National Park covers an area of approximately 4,400 square kilometers (about 1,700 square miles).
This expansive park is known for its high-altitude terrain, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, and various species of birds. Hemis National Park is also home to several Buddhist monasteries and is considered a significant conservation area for protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The park offers opportunities for wildlife safaris, trekking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers visiting Ladakh
The smallest national park in India is South Button Island National Park. Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, South Button Island National Park covers an area of approximately 0.03 square kilometers (about 0.012 square miles).
Despite its small size, this national park is significant for its rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and various species of fish. It is also home to the endangered dugong, a marine mammal also known as the sea cow.
South Button Island National Park offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the pristine underwater world of the Andaman Sea, making it a popular destination for marine enthusiasts and eco-tourists visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The first national park established in India is Hailey National Park, which is now known as Jim Corbett National Park. Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state in northern India.
It covers an area of approximately 520 square kilometers (about 200 square miles) and is named after Jim Corbett, a British hunter, conservationist, and author who played a key role in establishing the park. Jim Corbett National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, and various species of birds.
It was established with the aim of protecting the endangered Bengal tiger and is considered one of the oldest and most famous national parks in India. Jim Corbett National Park is also a popular destination for wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and eco-tourism.
