INTRODUCTION: Since the time immemorial when the human being was wandering in search of food and shelter,

animals were the primary source of food. When human being started to lead the settled life, agriculture became their primary source of food. During the long course of time, the human activities like hunting, farming, lumber activities, industrialization, hydel projects and many other activities in pursuit of better and better life caused the ecological imbalance of nature. This aroused the attention of all the national governments and international organization like United Nations to conserve the wildlife of all the nations. In India, the Wildlife Act and Forest Act were passed to ensure the preservation of wildlife and to generate the common environmental consciousness among the people of India. Today, India is one of the prestigious countries in the world where wildlife is both rich and varied. Out of the total land of India, more than 4% of land is under forest cover. The diversified geography of India made it home of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks spread across the country full of terrain, flora and fauna. There are about 482 wildlife sanctuaries and 90 national parks in India, which make India one of the 12-mega diversity areas in the world. At present, India is regarded as paradise of natures lovers where leopard, lion, Asiatic elephant, the Bengal tiger and Siberian crane and several hundreds of species are found across the Indian subcontinents wildlife sanctuaries. India is unique in the richness and diversity of its vegetation and wildlife. Almost 350 mammal species, over a thousand and two hundred species of birds in nearly 2100 forms and more than 30,000 species of insects - provide evidence to the wealthiness of wildlife in India Besides, there are a number of species of fish, amphibians and reptiles. With over 4.5% its geographical area covered by more than 75 national parks and 425 sanctuaries, the range and diversity of India's wildlife heritage matches the grandeur and magnificence of her civilization. India's national parks and wild life sanctuaries (including bird sanctuaries) from Laddakh in Himalayas to Souther tip of Tamil Nadu. These parks, reserves, sanctuaries and forests are vital to the conservation of endangered species, such as Bengal tiger, the Asiatic Elephant, Lion, the Snow Leopard and Siberian Crane. India's first national park, the Corbett was established in the foothills of Himalayas. It supports a great variety of mammals and over 585 species of birds. The Wild Elephant population is on the increase and both tiger and leopard are regularly seen. Kanha National Park is the largest of the original tiger reserves. The park is noted for its local herd of swamp deer. Also in Kaziranga is found a species of the swamp deer found in Kanha A third subspecies (and the largest population) of swamp deer is at the Dudhwa National Park in the northeastern UP.

The magnificent bird sanctuary at Bharatpur Provides a vast breeding area for the native water birds. During the winters (November-March) migratory birds arrive in large numbers, including the Siberian Crane. In the Indian deserts, the most discussed bird is the Great Indian bustard. In western Himalayas, one can see birds like Himalayan monal pheasant, western tragopan, koklass, white crested khalij cheer pleasant, griffon vultures, lammergiers, choughs, ravens. In the Andaman and Nicobar region, about 250 species and sub species of birds are found, such as rare Narcondum hornbill, Nicobar pigeon and megapode. Here are also other birds like white-bellied sea eagle, white breasted swiftlet and several fruit pigeons. All these could be observed in Andaman's 6 national parks and over ninety wildlife sanctuaries. The Himalayas (foothills) are known for big mammals like elephant, sambar, swamp, deer, cheetal, wild boar tiger, panther, hyena, black bear and sloth bear, porcupine, Great Indian one horned rhinoceros, wild buffalo, gagetic gharial, golden langur. Wild ass, sheep, deers, smaller mammals, snow leopards, wolf, cats and brown beers are in plenty in the western Himalayas. While the national park and sanctuaries of northern and central India are better known, there are quite a few parks and sanctuaries in South India, too, e.g. , Madumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagahole National Park in Karnataka. Unlike the situation prevailing over a decade or two ago, Wildlife Safari in India now facilitates seeing a tiger, a rhinoceros or a herd of wild elephant. Ranges of Safari Packages are an offer, courtsey the tourism departments of states as well as tour and travel agencies. These Safari / Safari Packages are unique and unparalleled. The kind of diversity. Indian wildlife can boast off is not available anywhere else in the world. The great Himalayan Mountains, forests, national parks, sanctuaries (including bird sanctuaries) North India Wildlife Sanctuaries India is blessed with a unique and extremely rich and varied flora and fauna. India boasts a total of 88 National Park and 490 Wildlife Sanctuaries, sheltering over 390 mammals, 455 reptiles, 210 amphibians, 1,230 bird species and 30,000 species of insects, making the country one of the most sought after wildlife destinations in the world. Thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists, researchers and tourists from all corners of the world visit numerous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India every year and return back with an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Within India, North India is known for its natural landscapes such as the great Himalayas, vast Gangetic Plains, which are home to numerous National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries of India. The favorable climate and topography of North India support quite unique and rich flora and fauna. Some of the finest and most famous wildlife sanctuaries of not only India but also the world are located in North India. The most famous wildlife sanctuaries of North India are located in the Himalayas and the Aravali mountain ranges of India. In the list most of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in North India are Bharatpur National Park, Corbett National Park and Ranthambore National Park. Bharatpur National Park is world-famous for its bird population. Also known as Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur is counted among the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. Famous as ' Ornithologist's Paradise' Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is home to an innumerable varieties of exotic birds including the world-renowned Siberian Cranes. Located in the picturesque foothills of majestic Himalayas, Corbett National Park is known for its scenic beauty and unique wildlife. The Park is popular for its wildlife population of Tigers, Leopards, and Asian Elephants. A visit to this park would truly be a wonderful experience for all wildlife enthusiasts. Ranthambore National Park is also famous for its population of Tigers. Here you can spot the tigers, prowling in their own natural habitat. The other fascinating wildlife, you can see in Ranthambore National Park include Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Chital, Chinkara, Sambhar deer, langurs, Civets, Macaques, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Indian Wild Boar, Five-striped Palm Squirrels, Indian Flying Foxes and mongoose to name a few with.A visit to Ranthambore National Park can surely be a rewarding experience for all wildlife enthusiasts. Other famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in north India include Sariska National Park Dudhwa National Park, Valley of Flowers National park, Nanda Devi National Park, and Desert National Park among many more. South India Wildlife Sanctuaries

India is blessed with a very rich and varied flora and fauna. The country is known for its diverse geographical features such as topography and climate, which greatly affect the flora and fauna distribution in a region. North and south India greatly differ in their geographical features. While north India has some of the highest mountain ranges in the great Himalayas, the Deccan plateau and the Western and Eastern Ghats are the prominent geographical features of south India. The climate of north and south also differs in a big way, resulting into a different flora and fauna for these regions. Though most of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in northern and central part of India, South India is known for some of the finest wildlife and bird sanctuaries of the world. The landscapes of south India are full of lush green sceneries and are known for its natural beauty and charm. Most of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in south India are located in scenic destinations. South India also enjoys a moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year making a perfect holiday destination for wildlife lovers. The most famous wildlife sanctuaries in south India are Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary) in Kerala, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. All the above-mentioned sanctuaries are now attained the status of National Parks of India. Periyar and Bandipur wildlife sanctuaries are also two of the famous tiger reserves of India, covered under the Project Tiger Plan. Periyar National Park is world-famous for Asiatic elephants. Watching and photographing elephants at close quarters in the park can be a great and rewarding experience for the wildlife lovers. With thickly wooded hills, plateaus, deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, marshes and streams, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary also offers a perfect holiday retreat. Other important wildlife sanctuaries in south India are the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Silent Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, the Pulicat and Srisailam wildlife sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh and the Annamalai (Indira Gandhi) Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Central India Wildlife Sanctuaries

India is blessed with a unique and extremely rich and varied flora and fauna. India boasts a total of 88 National Park and 490 Wildlife Sanctuaries, sheltering over 390 mammals, 455 reptiles, 210 amphibians, 1,230 bird species and 30,000 species of insects, making the country one of the most sought after wildlife destinations in the world. Thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists, researchers and tourists from all corners of the world visit numerous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India every year and return back with an unforgettable wildlife experience. Within India, Central India is known for its unique and diverse geographical features such as topography, soil, climate and vegetation. Almost, whole of Central India lies in the Peninsular Plateau. Many hill ranges like Vindhya, Satpura, Aravali, Maikal and Ajanta are located in the region and support a unique and varied flora and fauna. Like North India, Central India is also very rich in wildlife and plants. Some of the finest national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of India lie in the region, representing a unique concentration of fauna and flora wealth. There are over 15 national parks and 35 wildlife sanctuaries in Central India. The most prominent and important wildlife reserves in Central India are Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Panna National Park, Pench National Park and Indravati National Park. Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the finest and most picturesque tiger reserves of India, located in the scenic surroundings of the Vindhya hill ranges and the eastern flank of Satpura hill ranges (in all 32 hills surround this beautiful park) in Madhya Pradesh. Spread over an area of around 448.84 sq km, Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary was notified as a National Park in 1968 and included in the famous Project Tiger in 1993. The Bandhavgarh National Park is known for its tiger populations whose number is now estimated between 45-50. But, the prime attractions of Bandhavgarh National Park are White Tigers. Other important wild animals in Bandhavgarh National Park include Leopards, Wild dogs or Dholes, Sloth Bears, Rhesus Macaques, Sambar, Chital, Indian Muntjac, Chausingha (4-horned antelope) among many others. Bandhavgarh National Park also shelters a sizable population of birds and reptiles. Around 250 species of birds, comprising of both resident and migratory birds, have been identified and listed in the park. Other major attractions of Bandhavgarh National Park are the magnificent Bandhavgarh Fort and the sandstone caves, harboring Brahmi inscriptions and colourful tiger images dating back to the 1st Century B.C. Enjoying a wildlife safari to track the tigers and other wilds, is another big

attraction for the wildlife enthusiasts here. Kanha National Park is the largest of the original tiger reserves. Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is known for its exceptional natural beauty and the unique and diverse flora and fauna. The immense natural beauty of Kanha even inspired the famous author Rudyard Kipling to write his all time classic Jungle Book. Like Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha is well known for its Tigers and local herd of endangered Barasinghas (Swamp Deer). According to recent surveys, the tiger population in the Kanha Tiger Reserve stands around 70-75, promising better opportunities for sighting tigers in their own habitat. An enjoyable and exciting Elephant Safari is another major attraction in Kanha National Park. Exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of Kanha from top of an elephant's back would surely be a unique and rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

West India Wildlife Sanctuaries India is blessed with a very rich and varied flora and fauna. The varied topography and a modest and favorable climate of India support a large variety of plant and wild species. India has 88 National Parks and 492 wildlife sanctuaries, which are home to over 390 mammal and 1,230 bird species, making the country one of the richest in wildlife resources. Within India, West India is an exciting place for wildlife enthusiasts, mainly because it resides some of the unique wild attractions in its numerous National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the most popular wildlife destinations of India are located in West India, especially in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The moderate climate in West India supports the growth of a unique flora and fauna. Over 40 mammals species and more than 450 birds species of have been identified and listed in the various sanctuaries in west India. The Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is the only home of the world-famous Asiatic lions, numbering about 300. The most important and famous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in west India are Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat), the Little Rann of Kutch (also

famous as the Dhangadhra Sanctuary), the Velavadar National Park (Gujarat) and the Marine National Park and Sanctuary (Gujarat). Other notable National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries in west India are the Krishnagiri Upavan National Park (Maharashtra), Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra), Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat) and the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa. The Marine Wildlife Sanctuary in Pirotan Island is the India's first Marine National Park. Marine Wildlife Sanctuary (Pirotan) was established in 1980 and was declared a National Park in 1982. The park is known for Ridley Turtles, Shrimps, Sponges, Eels, Green Sea Urchin and Dolphins among many others. The Velavadar National Park was established in 1969 and is famous for its Blackbuck population. The Little Rann of Kutch was set up in 1973 and is famous for the Indian Wild Ass, Wolf and Desert Cat. Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary East India Wildlife Sanctuaries India is blessed with a unique and extremely rich and varied flora and fauna. India boasts a total of 88 National Park and 490 Wildlife Sanctuaries, sheltering over 390 mammals, 455 reptiles, 210 amphibians, 1,230 bird species and 30,000 species of insects, making the country one of the most sought after wildlife destinations in the world. Thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists, researchers and tourists from all corners of the world visit numerous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India every year and return back with an unforgettable wildlife experience. The East India Wildlife Sanctuaries are known for their, unique, rare and varied flora and fauna. Some of the most endangered wildlife species of the world are found in the various sanctuaries of East India such as amazing One-horned Rhinoceros and Wild Buffalos in Kaziranga National Park in Assam and the Hispid Hare and Pigmy Hog, who were rediscovered in the grasslands of Manas Wildlife Sanctuary also in east India Assam after being thought extinct for about

30 years. The two most famous and important wildlife sanctuaries in East India are the Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. Almost entirely different in their physical appearance and character, these twin sanctuaries of Assam form a perfect triangle with Guwahati. While Manas sanctuary lies at the foot of the Bhutan hills on the banks of River Manas, Kaziranga sanctuary is a flat area with elephant grass and swamps with large patches of semi-green forest. Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is the finest sanctuary in East India, situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940 and attained the status of a national park in 1976. Kaziranga is world-renowned for its population of the Great one-horned Rhinoceros- one of the most endangered species in the world. The park also has a sizable population of the Wild Buffalos and Elephants. Other major wildlife in Kaziranga National Park include the majestic Tigers, the main predator of the sanctuary and the only natural enemy of the Rhinos, Barasinghas, Hog Deer and many more. Kaziranga also has a sizable population of exotic and rare birds. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is known as one of the finest and most picturesque wildlife reserves in the world. Established in 1928, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1000 sq miles, 151 miles of which forms the core area, covered under the famous Project Tiger. Manas National Park is also known for its wildlife diversity. The sanctuary is home to over 20 most endangered species of birds and wild animals, which are listed under the schedule1 (highly endangered) in the IUCN Red data book. Two of the most endangered species namely Hispid Hare and Pigmy Hog are found in Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. Other famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of East India are Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary, Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Keibul Lamjao Wildlife Sanctuary, Sirohi Wildlife Sanctuary and Kangchendzonga Wildlife Sanctuary. Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary Bibliography One of the major objective of the National Wildlife Database is to develop a extensive bibliographic database on different aspects of wildlife science for the use in teaching and research. Currently database is having more than 16 thousand references related to the Indian flora, fauna, socio-economics of people near protected areas, wildlife disease, conservation & management problems and other aspects related to existing and proposed protected areas.

The collected information data contains primary as well as secondary info this subject topic is selected to know details related to, the wildlife sancturies info provided here is collected from various sources such as the refference books on wildlife sancuturies and magazine , periodicals and articles from PETA We are also scanning literatures on Indian wildlife from the libraries of Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) etc.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE AND SINCERE THANKS TO MY SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR INSTILLING CONFIDENCE IN ME TO CARRY OUT THIS PROJECT WORK AND EXTEND VALUABLE GUIDANCE AND ENCOURANGEMENT WITHOUT WHICH UNDERTAKING THE PROJECT WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN POSSIBLE.