{"id":1135,"date":"2025-11-06T11:17:19","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T11:17:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/?p=1135"},"modified":"2026-04-02T05:22:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T05:22:53","slug":"national-parks-in-india-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/national-parks-in-india-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"National Parks in India, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A <strong>National Park<\/strong> is a legally protected area established by the Government of India to conserve <strong>wildlife, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems<\/strong>. These parks serve as safe habitats where human activities are strictly restricted, allowing flora and fauna to flourish naturally. Unlike <strong>Wildlife Sanctuaries<\/strong>, where limited human use or grazing may be permitted, <strong>National Parks prohibit all forms of exploitation and private ownership<\/strong>. In this article, we will explore the <strong>list of national parks in India<\/strong>, their <strong>key features<\/strong>, and their <strong>importance for UPSC, APSC, and other State PSC exams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <strong>Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972<\/strong>, \u201cA National Park is an area declared by the State Government, whether within a sanctuary or not, to protect the natural environment and wildlife, where no human activity is allowed except those permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Process of Declaring National Park in India:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Identification of Area:<\/strong> The<strong> <\/strong>State Government<strong> <\/strong>identifies an area that has<strong> <\/strong>ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or natural significance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preliminary Notification: <\/strong>The State Government issues a notification in the Official Gazette declaring its intention to constitute the area as a National Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Settlement of Rights: <\/strong>After notification, a Collector (or designated officer) conducts an inquiry to settle the rights of people living or owning land within the proposed area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Final Notification (Declaration as National Park): <\/strong>Once all rights are settled, the State Government issues a final notification in the Official Gazette declaring the area as a National Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Management and Protection: <\/strong>They are under the control of a Chief Wildlife Warden or Park Director.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legal Backing of National Parks in India:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972<\/strong>: Provides the main framework for declaring National Parks\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Section 35: State Government can declare an area as a National Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once notified, boundaries cannot be altered except by law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No grazing, hunting, or private rights allowed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Indian Forest Act, 1927<\/strong>: Offers supplementary provisions for forest conservation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Biodiversity Act, 2002<\/strong>: Supports conservation of biological diversity in and around protected areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>International Conventions<\/strong>: India is a party to CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which strengthen the conservation mandate of National Parks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Features of National Parks in India:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strict Protection<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 No hunting, poaching, grazing, or private land use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation of Biodiversity<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Protects endangered species, rare flora, and fragile ecosystems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eco-tourism &amp; Education<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Parks are open for eco-tourism, research, and awareness, but under strict regulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal Boundaries<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Clearly demarcated and legally protected from deforestation or industrial use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Size &amp; Scope<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Can range from very small (South Button NP, 0.03 km\u00b2) to very large (Hemis NP, 3,350 km\u00b2).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Management<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Controlled by State Forest Departments under guidance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integration with Other Protected Areas<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Many National Parks overlap with&nbsp;<strong>Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, Ramsar Wetlands, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/strong>. For example, Manas National Park in Assam is also a Tiger Reserve established under Project Tiger, 1973.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>List of National Parks in India 2026:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Sl No.<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>National Park<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>State\/UT<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Year<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Area (km<\/strong><strong><sup>2<\/sup><\/strong><strong>)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1<\/td><td>Campbell Bay National Park<\/td><td>Andaman &amp; Nicobar<\/td><td>1992<\/td><td>426<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td>Galathea Bay National Park<\/td><td>Andaman &amp; Nicobar<\/td><td>1991<\/td><td>110<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td>Mahatma Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) National Park<\/td><td>Andaman &amp; Nicobar<\/td><td>1983<\/td><td>28<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td>Middle Button Island National Park<\/td><td>Andaman &amp; Nicobar<\/td><td>1987<\/td><td>0.44<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td>Mount Harriet National Park<\/td><td>Andaman &amp; Nicobar<\/td><td>1987<\/td><td>47<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td><td>North Button Island National Park<\/td><td>Andaman &amp; Nicobar<\/td><td>1987<\/td><td>0.44<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7<\/td><td>Rani Jhansi Marine National Park<\/td><td>Andaman &amp; Nicobar<\/td><td>1996<\/td><td>256<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>8<\/td><td>Saddle Peak National Park<\/td><td>Andaman &amp; Nicobar<\/td><td>1987<\/td><td>33<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9<\/td><td>South Button Island National Park<\/td><td>Andaman &amp; Nicobar<\/td><td>1987<\/td><td>0.03<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>10<\/td><td>Papikonda National Park<\/td><td>Andhra Pradesh<\/td><td>2008<\/td><td>1013<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11<\/td><td>Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park<\/td><td>Andhra Pradesh<\/td><td>2005<\/td><td>2.4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>12<\/td><td>Sri Venkateswara National Park<\/td><td>Andhra Pradesh<\/td><td>1989<\/td><td>354<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>13<\/td><td>Mouling National Park<\/td><td>Arunachal Pradesh<\/td><td>1986<\/td><td>483<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>14<\/td><td>Namdapha National Park<\/td><td>Arunachal Pradesh<\/td><td>1983<\/td><td>1808<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>15<\/td><td>Dibru-Saikhowa National Park<\/td><td>Assam<\/td><td>1999<\/td><td>340<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>16<\/td><td>Dihing Patkai National Park<\/td><td>Assam<\/td><td>2021<\/td><td>234<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>17<\/td><td>Kaziranga National Park<\/td><td>Assam<\/td><td>1974<\/td><td>859<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>18<\/td><td>Manas National Park<\/td><td>Assam<\/td><td>1990<\/td><td>500<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>19<\/td><td>Nameri National Park<\/td><td>Assam<\/td><td>1998<\/td><td>200<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>20<\/td><td>Raimona National Park<\/td><td>Assam<\/td><td>2021<\/td><td>422<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>21<\/td><td>Rajiv Gandhi (Orang) National Park<\/td><td>Assam<\/td><td>1999<\/td><td>79<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>22<\/td><td>Shikhna Jwhwlao<\/td><td>Assam<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>23<\/td><td>Valmiki National Park<\/td><td>Biihar<\/td><td>1989<\/td><td>336<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>24<\/td><td>Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park<\/td><td>Chhatisgarh<\/td><td>1981<\/td><td>1440<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>25<\/td><td>Indravati (Kutru) National Park<\/td><td>Chhattisgarh<\/td><td>1982<\/td><td>1258<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>26<\/td><td>Kanger Valley National Park<\/td><td>Chhattisgarh<\/td><td>1982<\/td><td>200<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>27<\/td><td>Mollem National Park<\/td><td>Goa<\/td><td>1992<\/td><td>107<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>28<\/td><td>Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park<\/td><td>Gujarat<\/td><td>1976<\/td><td>35<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>29<\/td><td>Gir National Park<\/td><td>Gujarat<\/td><td>1975<\/td><td>259<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>30<\/td><td>Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park<\/td><td>Gujarat<\/td><td>1982<\/td><td>163<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>31<\/td><td>Vansda National Park<\/td><td>Gujarat<\/td><td>1979<\/td><td>24<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>32<\/td><td>Kalesar National Park<\/td><td>Haryana<\/td><td>2003<\/td><td>47<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>33<\/td><td>Sultanpur National Park<\/td><td>Haryana<\/td><td>1989<\/td><td>1.4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>34<\/td><td>Great Himalayan National Park<\/td><td>Himachal Pradesh<\/td><td>1984<\/td><td>754<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>35<\/td><td>Inderkilla National Park<\/td><td>Himachal Pradesh<\/td><td>2010<\/td><td>104<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>36<\/td><td>Khirganga National Park<\/td><td>Himachal Pradesh<\/td><td>2010<\/td><td>710<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>37<\/td><td>Pin Valley National Park<\/td><td>Himachal Pradesh<\/td><td>1987<\/td><td>675<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>38<\/td><td>Simbalbara National Park<\/td><td>Himachal Pradesh<\/td><td>2010<\/td><td>29<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>39<\/td><td>Betla National Park<\/td><td>Jharkhand<\/td><td>1986<\/td><td>226<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>40<\/td><td>Anshi National Park<\/td><td>Karnataka<\/td><td>1987<\/td><td>417<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>41<\/td><td>Bandipur National Park<\/td><td>Karnataka<\/td><td>1974<\/td><td>874<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>42<\/td><td>Bannerghatta National Park<\/td><td>Karnataka<\/td><td>1974<\/td><td>26<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>43<\/td><td>Kudremukh National Park<\/td><td>Karnataka<\/td><td>1987<\/td><td>600<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>44<\/td><td>Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park<\/td><td>Karnataka<\/td><td>1988<\/td><td>643<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>45<\/td><td>Anamudi Shola National Park<\/td><td>Kerala<\/td><td>2003<\/td><td>7.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>46<\/td><td>Eravikulam National Park<\/td><td>Kerala<\/td><td>1978<\/td><td>97<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>47<\/td><td>Mathikettan Shola National Park<\/td><td>Kerala<\/td><td>2003<\/td><td>13<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>48<\/td><td>Pambadum Shola National Park<\/td><td>Kerala<\/td><td>2003<\/td><td>1.3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>49<\/td><td>Periyar National Park<\/td><td>Kerala<\/td><td>1982<\/td><td>350<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>50<\/td><td>Silent Valley National Park<\/td><td>Kerala<\/td><td>1984<\/td><td>89<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>51<\/td><td>Bandhavgarh National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1968<\/td><td>449<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>52<\/td><td>Dinosaur Fossils National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>2011<\/td><td>0.9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>53<\/td><td>Fossil National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1983<\/td><td>0.3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>54<\/td><td>Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1975<\/td><td>293<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>55<\/td><td>Kanha National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1955<\/td><td>940<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>56<\/td><td>Kuno National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>2018<\/td><td>748<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>57<\/td><td>Madhav National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1959<\/td><td>375<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>58<\/td><td>Panna National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1981<\/td><td>543<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>59<\/td><td>Sanjay National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1981<\/td><td>467<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>60<\/td><td>Satpura National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1981<\/td><td>585<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>61<\/td><td>Van Vihar National Park<\/td><td>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1979<\/td><td>4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>62<\/td><td>Chandoli National Park<\/td><td>Maharashtra<\/td><td>2004<\/td><td>318<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>63<\/td><td>Gugamal National Park<\/td><td>Maharashtra<\/td><td>1975<\/td><td>361<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>64<\/td><td>Navegaon National Park<\/td><td>Maharashtra<\/td><td>1975<\/td><td>134<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>65<\/td><td>Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park<\/td><td>Maharashtra<\/td><td>1975<\/td><td>257<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>66<\/td><td>Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park<\/td><td>Maharashtra<\/td><td>1983<\/td><td>87<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>67<\/td><td>Tadoba National Park<\/td><td>Maharashtra<\/td><td>1955<\/td><td>117<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>68<\/td><td>Keibul-Lamjao National Park<\/td><td>Manipur<\/td><td>1977<\/td><td>40<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>69<\/td><td>Shiroi (Shirui) National Park<\/td><td>Manipur<\/td><td>1982<\/td><td>100<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>70<\/td><td>Balphakram National Park<\/td><td>Meghalaya<\/td><td>1985<\/td><td>220<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>71<\/td><td>Nokrek Ridge National Park<\/td><td>Meghalaya<\/td><td>1986<\/td><td>48<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>72<\/td><td>Murlen National Park<\/td><td>Mizoram<\/td><td>1991<\/td><td>100<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>73<\/td><td>Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park<\/td><td>Mizoram<\/td><td>1992<\/td><td>50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>74<\/td><td>Intanki National Park<\/td><td>Nagaland<\/td><td>1993<\/td><td>202<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>75<\/td><td>Bhitarkanika National Park<\/td><td>Odisha<\/td><td>1988<\/td><td>145<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>76<\/td><td>Simlipal National Park<\/td><td>Odisha<\/td><td>1980<\/td><td>846<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>77<\/td><td>Desert National Park<\/td><td>Rajasthan<\/td><td>1992<\/td><td>3162<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>78<\/td><td>Keoladeo Ghana National Park<\/td><td>Rajasthan<\/td><td>1981<\/td><td>29<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>79<\/td><td>Mukundra Hills National Park<\/td><td>Rajasthan<\/td><td>2006<\/td><td>200<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>80<\/td><td>Ranthambhore National Park<\/td><td>Rajasthan<\/td><td>1980<\/td><td>282<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>81<\/td><td>Sariska National Park<\/td><td>Rajasthan<\/td><td>1992<\/td><td>274<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>82<\/td><td>Khangchendzonga National Park<\/td><td>Sikkim<\/td><td>1977<\/td><td>1784<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>83<\/td><td>Guindy National Park<\/td><td>Tamil Nadu<\/td><td>1976<\/td><td>2.8<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>84<\/td><td>Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park<\/td><td>Tamil Nadu<\/td><td>1980<\/td><td>6.2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>85<\/td><td>Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park<\/td><td>Tamil Nadu<\/td><td>1989<\/td><td>117<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>86<\/td><td>Mudumalai National Park<\/td><td>Tamil Nadu<\/td><td>1990<\/td><td>103<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>87<\/td><td>Mukurthi National Park<\/td><td>Tamil Nadu<\/td><td>1990<\/td><td>78<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>88<\/td><td>Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park<\/td><td>Telangana<\/td><td>1994<\/td><td>1.4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>89<\/td><td>Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park<\/td><td>Telangana<\/td><td>1994<\/td><td>14.6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>90<\/td><td>Mrugavani National Park<\/td><td>Telangana<\/td><td>1994<\/td><td>3.6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>91<\/td><td>Bison (Rajbari) National Park<\/td><td>Tripura<\/td><td>2007<\/td><td>31.6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>92<\/td><td>Clouded Leopard National Park<\/td><td>Tripura<\/td><td>2007<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>93<\/td><td>City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park<\/td><td>Jammu &amp; Kashmir<\/td><td>1992<\/td><td>9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>94<\/td><td>Dachigam National Park<\/td><td>Jammu &amp; Kashmir<\/td><td>1981<\/td><td>141<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>95<\/td><td>Kazinag National Park<\/td><td>Jammu &amp; Kashmir<\/td><td>2000<\/td><td>91<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>96<\/td><td>Kishtwar National Park<\/td><td>Jammu &amp; Kashmir<\/td><td>1981<\/td><td>425<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>97<\/td><td>Hemis National Park<\/td><td>Ladakh<\/td><td>1981<\/td><td>3350<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>98<\/td><td>Dudhwa National Park<\/td><td>Uttar Pradesh<\/td><td>1977<\/td><td>490<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>99<\/td><td>Gangotri National Park<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>1989<\/td><td>2390<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>100<\/td><td>Govind National Park<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>1990<\/td><td>472<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>101<\/td><td>Jim Corbett National Park<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>1936<\/td><td>521<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>102<\/td><td>Nanda Devi National Park<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>1982<\/td><td>625<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>103<\/td><td>Rajaji National Park<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>1983<\/td><td>820<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>104<\/td><td>Valley of Flowers National Park<\/td><td>Uttarakhand<\/td><td>1982<\/td><td>88<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>105<\/td><td>Buxa National Park<\/td><td>West Bengal<\/td><td>1992<\/td><td>117<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>106<\/td><td>Gorumara National Park<\/td><td>West Bengal<\/td><td>1992<\/td><td>79<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>107<\/td><td>Jaldapara National Park<\/td><td>West Bengal<\/td><td>2014<\/td><td>217<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>108<\/td><td>Neora Valley National Park<\/td><td>West Bengal<\/td><td>1986<\/td><td>160<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>109<\/td><td>Singalila National Park<\/td><td>West Bengal<\/td><td>1986<\/td><td>79<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>110<\/td><td>Sundarbans National Park<\/td><td>West Bengal<\/td><td>1984<\/td><td>1,330<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>National Park in India Map:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-12-at-11.47.57-AM-1024x819.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-12-at-11.47.57-AM-1024x819.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-12-at-11.47.57-AM-300x240.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-12-at-11.47.57-AM-768x614.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-12-at-11.47.57-AM-1536x1229.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-12-at-11.47.57-AM.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Oldest National Park in India:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The&nbsp;oldest National Park in India&nbsp;is&nbsp;Jim Corbett National Park established in&nbsp;1936&nbsp;as&nbsp;Hailey National Park.&nbsp;It is in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nainital &amp; Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Renamed<\/strong>: Ramganga National Park in 1954 and finally named&nbsp;Jim Corbett<strong> <\/strong>National Park&nbsp;in 1957 after the famous hunter-turned-conservationist&nbsp;Jim Corbett.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Its Area<\/strong> is ~520 km\u00b2 (core) and forms a part of the larger&nbsp;Corbett Tiger Reserve (1,318 km\u00b2)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The<strong> <\/strong>Ramganga River flows through the park, forming the lifeline of its ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Key Species of this national park are Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopards, Crocodiles, Otters, and 600+ bird species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora<\/strong>: Sal forests, Chir Pine, Khair, and diverse grasslands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Its significance<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First National Park in India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Tiger Reserve under&nbsp;Project Tiger (1973)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A major ecotourism and conservation hub<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Top 10 Largest National Parks in India:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Rank<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>National Park<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>State\/UT<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Area (km2)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br><br><br>1<\/td><td><br><br><br>Hemis National Park<\/td><td><br><br><br>Ladakh<\/td><td><br><br><br>3,350<\/td><td>Largest NP in India, famous for Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolves, and high-altitude terrain<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>2<\/td><td><br><br>Desert National Park<\/td><td><br>Rajasthan<\/td><td><br>3,162<\/td><td>Covers the Thar Desert, habitat of Great Indian Bustard<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br>3<\/td><td><br><br>Gangotri National Park<\/td><td><br>Uttarakhand<\/td><td><br>2,390<\/td><td>Source of River Ganga, home to Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br><br><br>4<\/td><td><br><br><br>Namdapha National Park<\/td><td><br><br>Arunachal Pradesh<\/td><td><br><br><br>1,808<\/td><td>Richest biodiversity in Eastern Himalayas, Red Panda &amp; Clouded Leopard<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br>5<\/td><td><br><br>Khangchendzonga National Park<\/td><td><br><br>Sikkim<\/td><td><br><br>1,784<\/td><td>UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kanchenjunga peak inside<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>6<\/td><td><br>Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park<\/td><td><br>Chhattisgarh<\/td><td><br>1,441<\/td><td>Important Tiger and Elephant habitat<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br>7<\/td><td><br><br>Indravati National Park<\/td><td><br>Chhattisgarh<\/td><td><br><br>1,258<\/td><td>Known for Wild Buffalo, Tigers, and dense forests<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br>8<\/td><td><br><br>Papikonda National Park<\/td><td><br><br>Andhra Pradesh<\/td><td><br><br>1,013<\/td><td>Godavari riverine ecosystem, Tigers and Hill Mynas<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br>9<\/td><td><br><br><br>Kanha National Park<\/td><td><br><br>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td><br><br>940<\/td><td>Inspiration for&nbsp;<em>The Jungle Book<\/em>, famous for Barasingha &amp; Tigers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>10<\/td><td><br>Bandhavgarh National Park<\/td><td><br>Madhya Pradesh<\/td><td>1,536 (TR area)<strong>&nbsp;\/ ~<\/strong>716 (core)<\/td><td>Highest tiger density in India<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Smallest National Parks in India:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Rank<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>National Park<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>State\/UT<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Area (km<\/strong><strong><sup>2<\/sup><\/strong><strong>)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br>1<\/td><td><br><br>South Button Island NP<\/td><td><br>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands<\/td><td><br><br>0.03<\/td><td>Smallest NP in India, protects marine life, corals, sea turtles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br>2<\/td><td><br>North Button Island NP<\/td><td><br>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands<\/td><td><br><br>0.44<\/td><td>Marine park, dolphins and dugongs found here<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>3<\/td><td><br>Middle Button Island NP<\/td><td><br>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands<\/td><td>&nbsp;0.90<\/td><td>Rich coral reefs and marine biodiversity<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>4<\/td><td><br>Mount Harriet NP<\/td><td><br>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands<\/td><td><br>4.62<\/td><td>Famous for butterflies and trekking routes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br>5<\/td><td><br>Guindy NP<\/td><td><br>Tamil Nadu (Chennai)<\/td><td><br>5.20<\/td><td>Smallest NP in mainland India, urban wildlife habitat<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br><br>6<\/td><td><br>Campbell Bay NP<\/td><td><br>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands<\/td><td><\/td><td>Endemic Nicobar Megapode, saltwater crocodiles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>7<\/td><td><br>Rani Jhansi Marine NP<\/td><td><br>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands<\/td><td><\/td><td>Protects coral reefs and marine ecosystems<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><br>8<\/td><td><br>Saddle Peak NP<\/td><td><br>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands<\/td><td><br>33.00<\/td><td>Highest point in Andamans, tropical rainforest<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>9<\/td><td><br>Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP<\/td><td><br>Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands<\/td><td><\/td><td>Coral reefs, sea turtles, and dugongs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>10<\/td><td><br>Singalila NP<\/td><td><br>West Bengal<\/td><td><br>78.60<\/td><td>Famous for Red Panda and Sandakphu trek<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Difference between Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Aspect<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>National Park<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>Definition<\/td><td>Area designated for the protection of wild animals, especially threatened species.<\/td><td>&nbsp;<br><br>An area strictly reserved for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, where no human interference is allowed except for research or tourism permitted by authorities.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>Legal Status<\/td><td>Declared under Section 18 of the&nbsp;Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.<\/td><td>Declared under&nbsp;Section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>Human Activity<\/td><td>Limited human activities allowed &#8211; like grazing, firewood collection, and rights of tribes if permitted by authorities.<\/td><td>Strictly prohibited \u2013 no grazing, hunting, poaching, or private land rights.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>Ownership Rights<\/td><td>Private ownership or rights may continue; subject to government regulation.<\/td><td>Entirely land becomes Government property. Private ownership or rights are not allowed after notification.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>Boundary Changes<\/td><td>State government can alter boundaries.<\/td><td>Boundaries can only be changed by passing a law in the State Legislature.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>Tourism<\/td><td>Eco-tourism and safari allowed, but with fewer restrictions compared to National Park.<\/td><td>Tourism allowed, but under strict regulations.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br>Examples<\/td><td>Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam).<\/td><td>Jim Corbett NP (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga NP (Assam).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>National Parks in India 2026: Key Features:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Campbell Bay National Park (Great Nicobar, 1992):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated on the <strong>northern part of Great Nicobar Island<\/strong> in the <strong>Nicobar Islands<\/strong>, <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1992<\/strong> to protect the rich biodiversity of the island ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers an area of approximately <strong>426 square kilometers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dense tropical evergreen forests and mangroves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to <strong>Nicobar megapode<\/strong>, <strong>saltwater crocodiles<\/strong>, <strong>Giant robber crabs<\/strong>, <strong>wild boars<\/strong>, <strong>deer<\/strong>, and various bird and butterfly species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate and Terrain:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Receives <strong>heavy rainfall<\/strong> throughout the year with a <strong>humid tropical climate<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The terrain includes <strong>mountains, coastal plains, and streams<\/strong>, supporting diverse habitats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Part of a Larger Protected Area:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Along with <strong>Galathea National Park<\/strong>, it forms the <strong>Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve<\/strong>, recognized by <strong>UNESCO<\/strong> for its ecological importance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Galathea Bay National Park (Great Nicobar, 1992):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>southern part of Great Nicobar Island<\/strong>, in the <strong>Nicobar district<\/strong> of the <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1992<\/strong>, along with Campbell Bay National Park, to conserve the island\u2019s unique tropical ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers approximately <strong>110 square kilometers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Characterized by <strong>tropical rainforests<\/strong>, <strong>coastal vegetation<\/strong>, and <strong>mangroves<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to rare and endangered species such as the <strong>Nicobar pigeon<\/strong>, <strong>saltwater crocodile<\/strong>, <strong>giant leatherback sea turtle<\/strong>, and <strong>Nicobar macaque<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Geographical Features:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Includes the <strong>Galathea River<\/strong> and <strong>Galathea Bay<\/strong>, providing crucial nesting grounds for <strong>marine turtles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The park\u2019s <strong>coastal and marine ecosystem<\/strong> supports high biodiversity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Together with <strong>Campbell Bay National Park<\/strong>, it forms the <strong>Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve<\/strong>, recognized by <strong>UNESCO<\/strong> for its global ecological importance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (South Andaman, 1983)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated near <strong>Wandoor<\/strong>, about <strong>29 km southwest of Port Blair<\/strong> in the <strong>South Andaman district<\/strong>, <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1983<\/strong> to protect the <strong>marine ecosystem<\/strong> and <strong>coral reefs<\/strong> of the Andaman region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers approximately <strong>281.5 square kilometers<\/strong>, including <strong>open sea, creeks, and 15 small islands<\/strong> such as <strong>Jolly Buoy<\/strong> and <strong>Red Skin Island<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rich in <strong>coral reefs<\/strong>, <strong>mangroves<\/strong>, and <strong>seagrass beds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marine life includes <strong>clownfish<\/strong>, <strong>parrotfish<\/strong>, <strong>sea anemones<\/strong>, <strong>starfish<\/strong>, <strong>sea cucumbers<\/strong>, and <strong>marine turtles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The surrounding islands also have <strong>tropical rainforests<\/strong> with species like <strong>Andaman wild pig<\/strong> and <strong>fruit bats<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aims to conserve <strong>coral reefs<\/strong>, <strong>marine biodiversity<\/strong>, and <strong>nesting sites of sea turtles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serves as an important <strong>eco-tourism and research destination<\/strong> in the Andaman Islands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Special Features:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Offers <strong>glass-bottom boat rides<\/strong> and <strong>snorkeling<\/strong> to view corals without disturbing marine life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Managed by the <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Forest Department<\/strong> under the <strong>Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong> &#8211;<strong>Middle Button Island National Park (Ritchie\u2019s Archipelago, 1987)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Ritchie\u2019s Archipelago<\/strong> of the <strong>Andaman Islands<\/strong>, about <strong>40 km northeast of Port Blair<\/strong> in the <strong>South Andaman district<\/strong>, India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Established:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1987<\/strong> to protect the rich <strong>marine and terrestrial biodiversity<\/strong> of the archipelago.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers an area of approximately <strong>64 square kilometers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dominated by <strong>tropical evergreen forests<\/strong>, <strong>mangroves<\/strong>, and <strong>coral reefs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fauna includes <strong>spotted deer<\/strong>, <strong>Andaman wild pig<\/strong>, <strong>monitor lizards<\/strong>, <strong>sea turtles<\/strong>, <strong>dolphins<\/strong>, and a wide variety of <strong>coral fish<\/strong> and <strong>marine invertebrates<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marine Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The surrounding waters host vibrant <strong>coral reefs<\/strong> and <strong>marine life<\/strong>, making it a crucial site for <strong>marine conservation<\/strong> and <strong>underwater research<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Connectivity:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Located close to <strong>North Button Island National Park<\/strong> and <strong>South Button Island National Park<\/strong>, together forming part of the <strong>Ritchie\u2019s Archipelago protected area network<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>Mount Harriet National Park (South Andaman, 1987)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>South Andaman district<\/strong> of the <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands<\/strong>, near <strong>Port Blair<\/strong>. It forms part of the <strong>Mount Harriet range<\/strong>, the third-highest peak in the islands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1987<\/strong> to conserve the region\u2019s <strong>evergreen forests<\/strong> and unique <strong>island biodiversity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>46.6 square kilometers<\/strong> of hilly and forested terrain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rich in <strong>tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fauna includes <strong>Andaman wild pig<\/strong>, <strong>Andaman tree shrew<\/strong>, <strong>nesting sea eagles<\/strong>, <strong>Andaman serpent eagle<\/strong>, <strong>monitor lizards<\/strong>, and <strong>butterflies<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The park is home to several <strong>endemic species<\/strong> found only in the Andaman Islands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geographical Features:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Mount Harriet peak (365 m)<\/strong> offers a panoramic view of the <strong>North Bay and surrounding islands<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was once the <strong>summer headquarters of the British Chief Commissioner<\/strong> during the colonial period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>North Button Island National Park (1987)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A small island park with&nbsp;<strong>scrub and littoral forests<\/strong>, it supports&nbsp;<strong>dugongs, dolphins, and turtles<\/strong>&nbsp;in its coastal waters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora<\/strong>: Scrub vegetation, littoral flora<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Fauna<\/strong>: Dugongs, dolphins, turtles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features<\/strong>: Part of Button Island group, marine ecosystem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>Rani Jhansi Marine National Park (South Andaman, 1996)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rich in&nbsp;<strong>seagrass meadows and coral reefs<\/strong>, this park conserves&nbsp;<strong>dugongs, turtles, and saltwater crocodiles<\/strong>&nbsp;along its coast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora<\/strong>: Seagrass meadows, coral reefs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Fauna<\/strong>: Dugong, turtles, crocodiles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>Saddle Peak National Park (North Andaman, 1987)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home to the&nbsp;<strong>highest peak in Andamans (732 m)<\/strong>, it has&nbsp;<strong>evergreen forests and bamboo groves<\/strong>. The&nbsp;<strong>Kalpong River<\/strong>, the only river in the islands, originates here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora<\/strong>: Evergreen forests, bamboo groves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Fauna<\/strong>: Hill myna, wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features<\/strong>: Highest peak of Andamans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>River<\/strong>: Kalpong River<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>South Button Island National Park (1987)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>smallest National Park (0.03 km\u00b2)<\/strong>, famous for its&nbsp;<strong>coral reefs and marine species<\/strong>&nbsp;like dugongs, dolphins, and turtles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora<\/strong>: Coastal shrubs, coral reefs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Fauna<\/strong>: Dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features<\/strong>: Smallest NP of India, marine biodiversity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Papikonda National Park (Andhra Pradesh, 2008)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Papikonda protects moist deciduous forests along the Godavari basin with teak, Terminalia and bamboo patches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The park supports&nbsp;<strong>tigers, elephants, gaur and rich birdlife<\/strong>, and includes steep hills and forested ridges along the Godavari tributaries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Teak, Terminalia, bamboo, riparian vegetation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, deer, many birds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Riverine corridors, escarpments, biodiversity hotspot in Eastern Ghats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers:<\/strong>&nbsp;Godavari tributaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park (Andhra Pradesh, 2005)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A very small coastal\/island reserve near Rameswaram protecting littoral vegetation and shorebird habitat; valuable for marine and shore species. It shelters&nbsp;<strong>sea birds and nesting turtles<\/strong>&nbsp;and features sandbars and reef flats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Coastal scrub, salt-tolerant vegetation, mangrove fringe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sea birds, marine turtles, shore crabs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Coastal islets, reef flats, important nesting beaches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Sri Venkateswara National Park (Andhra Pradesh, 1989)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Located in the Eastern Ghats near Tirupati, the park contains montane forests, dry deciduous patches and shola-like pockets with rich endemic flora. It supports&nbsp;<strong>sloth bear, leopard, chital and many endemic birds<\/strong>, and features deep valleys and streams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry deciduous, scrub, some shola patches, medicinal plant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sloth bear, leopard, deer, endemic birds and reptiles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Hilly terrain, sacred hills, biodiversity in Eastern Ghats<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong><\/strong> &#8211; <strong> National Park (Arunachal Pradesh, 1986)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mouling is a high-rainfall evergreen forest area with dense canopy, bamboos and rich understory connecting to eastern Himalayan biodiversity. The park is home to&nbsp;clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, red panda reports and diverse avifauna, with steep valleys and pristine rivers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Evergreen forest, bamboo, rhododendron patches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, leopard, diverse birds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Steep valleys, high rainfall, intact rainforest tracts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong><\/strong>&#8211; <strong> National Park (Arunachal Pradesh, 1983)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Changlang district<\/strong> of <strong>Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong>, near the <strong>Indo-Myanmar border<\/strong> in Northeast India. It lies within the <strong>Eastern Himalayas<\/strong> biodiversity hotspot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1983<\/strong> and later designated as a <strong>Tiger Reserve<\/strong> under <strong>Project Tiger<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> One of India\u2019s largest protected areas, covering about <strong>1,985 square kilometers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vegetation ranges from <strong>tropical evergreen forests<\/strong> to <strong>alpine meadows<\/strong>, depending on altitude (200 m to 4,500 m).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to over <strong>1,000 plant species<\/strong> and <strong>hundreds of animal species<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is the <strong>only park in the world<\/strong> known to host <strong>four big cat species<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other species include <strong>red panda<\/strong>, <strong>Hoolock gibbon<\/strong>, <strong>Himalayan black bear<\/strong>, <strong>takin<\/strong>, and numerous birds and butterflies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate and Terrain:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Receives <strong>heavy rainfall<\/strong> and has dense, inaccessible forests, making it one of the most pristine wilderness areas in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recognized as a <strong>biodiversity hotspot<\/strong> and a <strong>major ecological corridor<\/strong> between India and Southeast Asia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Managed under the <strong>Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972<\/strong> and <strong>Project Tiger<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India<\/strong>&#8211;  <strong>Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Assam, 1999):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts<\/strong> of <strong>Assam<\/strong>, near the confluence of the <strong>Dibru and Lohit Rivers<\/strong> on the <strong>northern bank of the Brahmaputra River<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1999<\/strong>; originally notified as a <strong>Wildlife Sanctuary in 1986<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>340 square kilometers<\/strong> (core area) and forms part of the <strong>Dibru\u2013Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve<\/strong> (covering a total of <strong>765 square kilometers<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Characterized by <strong>tropical moist deciduous forests<\/strong>, <strong>grasslands<\/strong>, and <strong>wetlands<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to rare and endangered species such as the <strong>white-winged wood duck<\/strong>, <strong>feral horses (descendants of old army horses)<\/strong>, <strong>hoolock gibbon<\/strong>, <strong>Gangetic river dolphin<\/strong>, <strong>elephant<\/strong>, and <strong>leopard<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A paradise for <strong>birdwatchers<\/strong>, hosting over <strong>350 bird species<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geographical Features:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The park lies in a <strong>floodplain area<\/strong>, with rivers and wetlands that change course frequently, creating rich and diverse habitats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declared as one of the <strong>Important Bird Areas (IBA)<\/strong> of India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serves as a major site for <strong>wetland and grassland conservation<\/strong> in Northeast India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tourism:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eco-tourism and <strong>river safaris<\/strong> are popular around <strong>Maguri Beel<\/strong>, located just outside the park, offering views of birds and river dolphins.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Dihing Patkai National Park (Assam, 2021):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts<\/strong> of <strong>Upper Assam<\/strong>, forming part of the <strong>Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve<\/strong> along the foothills of the <strong>Patkai Hills<\/strong> (on the Assam\u2013Myanmar border).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park on June 9, 2021<\/strong>, making it <strong>Assam\u2019s 7th National Park<\/strong> \u2014 the highest number for any state in India at the time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers approximately <strong>234.26 square kilometers<\/strong> of lush, contiguous rainforest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known as the <strong>\u201cAmazon of the East\u201d<\/strong>, it contains <strong>the largest stretch of lowland tropical rainforest in India<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vegetation includes <strong>evergreen and semi-evergreen trees<\/strong>, <strong>bamboos<\/strong>, <strong>orchids<\/strong>, and <strong>climbers<\/strong>, forming dense canopy layers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rich in biodiversity with species such as <strong>Asian elephants<\/strong>, <strong>Hoolock gibbons<\/strong>, <strong>clouded leopards<\/strong>, <strong>tigers<\/strong>, <strong>leopards<\/strong>, <strong>Himalayan black bears<\/strong>, <strong>sambar deer<\/strong>, and numerous reptiles and amphibians.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to over <strong>300 species of birds<\/strong>, including <strong>great hornbills<\/strong> and <strong>rare migratory birds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geographical &amp; Ecological Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lies adjacent to <strong>Jeypore Rainforest<\/strong> and <strong>Dihing River<\/strong>, forming part of the <strong>Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong> and <strong>Elephant Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serves as a crucial <strong>elephant corridor<\/strong> connecting Assam with Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recognized for its <strong>rich biodiversity<\/strong>, <strong>rainforest ecosystem<\/strong>, and <strong>role in maintaining ecological balance<\/strong> in Upper Assam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Declared a national park following public and environmentalist campaigns against coal mining in the area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>  <strong>National Parks in India<\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Kaziranga National Park (Assam, 1974):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Golaghat and Nagaon districts<\/strong> of <strong>Assam<\/strong>, along the <strong>southern bank of the Brahmaputra River<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1974<\/strong>; originally designated as a <strong>Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950<\/strong> and later declared a <strong>Tiger Reserve in 2006<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>430 square kilometers<\/strong>, and together with surrounding buffer areas forms part of the <strong>Kaziranga Tiger Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Famous for the <strong>Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros<\/strong> \u2014 home to more than <strong>two-thirds of the world\u2019s population<\/strong> of this species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also hosts <strong>Royal Bengal tigers<\/strong>, <strong>Asian elephants<\/strong>, <strong>wild water buffaloes<\/strong>, and <strong>swamp deer<\/strong> \u2014 earning it the title of <strong>\u201cBig Five\u201d park of India<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich birdlife with over <strong>480 species<\/strong>, including migratory birds, making it a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Comprises <strong>tall elephant grass<\/strong>, <strong>tropical moist deciduous forests<\/strong>, <strong>swampy lagoons<\/strong>, and <strong>riverine habitats<\/strong> created by the Brahmaputra\u2019s floodplains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate and Geography:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Experiences <strong>annual floods<\/strong> from the Brahmaputra River, which help replenish nutrients and maintain the park\u2019s unique ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> and an <strong>Important Bird Area (IBA)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognized globally for its <strong>successful rhino conservation efforts<\/strong> and diverse ecological landscape.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tourism:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Popular for <strong>jeep and elephant safaris<\/strong>, birdwatching, and eco-tourism activities managed by the <strong>Assam Forest Department<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Manas National Park (Assam, 1990)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Baksa, Chirang, and Udalguri districts<\/strong> of <strong>Assam<\/strong>, along the <strong>foothills of the Bhutan Himalayas<\/strong>. It shares its northern boundary with the <strong>Royal Manas National Park<\/strong> of Bhutan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1990<\/strong>. It was earlier a <strong>Wildlife Sanctuary (1928)<\/strong> and became a <strong>Tiger Reserve (1973)<\/strong> under <strong>Project Tiger<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>500 square kilometers<\/strong> and forms part of the larger <strong>Manas Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Manas River<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known for its <strong>rich biodiversity<\/strong>, including <strong>tigers<\/strong>, <strong>Indian elephants<\/strong>, <strong>Indian rhinoceros<\/strong>, <strong>gaur (Indian bison)<\/strong>, and <strong>barasingha (swamp deer)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to several <strong>endangered and endemic species<\/strong>, such as the <strong>pygmy hog<\/strong>, <strong>golden langur<\/strong>, and <strong>hispid hare<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over <strong>450 species of birds<\/strong>, including <strong>great hornbills<\/strong>, <strong>bengal floricans<\/strong>, and <strong>scarlet minivets<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Comprises <strong>sub-Himalayan alluvial grasslands<\/strong>, <strong>moist deciduous forests<\/strong>, and <strong>riverine habitats<\/strong> nourished by the <strong>Manas River<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation and Recognition:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Designated as a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985)<\/strong> for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also recognized as a <strong>Biosphere Reserve (1989)<\/strong> and part of the <strong>Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Serves as an <strong>important transboundary conservation area<\/strong> between India and Bhutan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A prime example of successful <strong>community-based conservation<\/strong> involving local Bodo communities after a period of political unrest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Nameri National Park (Assam, 1998):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Sonitpur district<\/strong> of <strong>Assam<\/strong>, along the <strong>foothills of the Eastern Himalayas<\/strong>, bordering <strong>Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong>. It lies on the <strong>banks of the Jia-Bhoroli River<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1998<\/strong>; earlier, it was part of the <strong>Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers approximately <strong>200 square kilometers<\/strong> and forms part of the <strong>Nameri Tiger Reserve<\/strong>, established under <strong>Project Tiger<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vegetation includes <strong>tropical evergreen<\/strong>, <strong>semi-evergreen<\/strong>, and <strong>deciduous forests<\/strong>, with rich undergrowth of <strong>bamboo and cane<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to <strong>tigers<\/strong>, <strong>leopards<\/strong>, <strong>elephants<\/strong>, <strong>gaur<\/strong>, <strong>sambar deer<\/strong>, and <strong>clouded leopards<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A paradise for <strong>bird lovers<\/strong>, with over <strong>370 bird species<\/strong>, including the <strong>white-winged wood duck<\/strong> (state bird of Assam), <strong>great hornbill<\/strong>, and <strong>black stork<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geography and Ecosystem:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The park is nourished by the <strong>Jia-Bhoroli River<\/strong>, which supports diverse aquatic life and is popular for <strong>river rafting<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serves as an ecological corridor connecting to <strong>Pakhui (Pakke) Tiger Reserve<\/strong> in Arunachal Pradesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Important for the conservation of <strong>Eastern Himalayan biodiversity<\/strong> and <strong>endangered bird species<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Managed under the <strong>Nameri Tiger Reserve<\/strong>, emphasizing both <strong>wildlife protection<\/strong> and <strong>eco-tourism<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Raimona National Park (Assam, 2021)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The park is in the Kachugaon forest division, Gossaigaon subdivision of&nbsp;Kokrajhar district&nbsp;in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On 5 June 2021, the Government of Assam declared Raimona a National Park during the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Environment_Day\">World Environment Day<\/a>. The area officially became a National Park on June 9, 2021.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raimona National Park is the 2nd National Park in Bodoland and 6th in Assam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This declaration transformed the Ripu-Chirang Wildlife Sanctuary of Kachugaon into the 6th National Park of Assam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raimona protects semi-evergreen forests and grasslands with excellent corridor value linking to other protected areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Key fauna include&nbsp;<strong>elephants, tigers, gaur and rich birdlife<\/strong>, and it features typical Brahmaputra foothill terrain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Semi-evergreen forest, grasslands, riparian vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Elephant, tiger, gaur, diverse birds and reptiles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Features:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Sonkosh River is on the west side of the park, along the inter-state boundary of West Bengal and Assam from Indo-Bhutan border up to fire line Ride-6 southwards (BP30).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the east, it is bordered by the Saralbhanga River, and runs northwards to the Indo-Bhutan international boundary on the north, with the rest of the Ripu Reserve Forest on the south.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The park is located near the Himalayan foothills.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It joins with Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan and Buxa Tiger Reserve of West Bengal to form a large area for protecting nature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211;  <strong>Rajiv Gandhi (Orang) National Park (Assam, 1999)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated on the <strong>north bank of the Brahmaputra River<\/strong>, covering areas in <strong>Darrang and Sonitpur districts<\/strong> of <strong>Assam<\/strong>. It lies between the <strong>Kaziranga National Park<\/strong> and the <strong>Manas Tiger Reserve<\/strong>, forming an important wildlife corridor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1999<\/strong>; earlier notified as a <strong>Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers approximately <strong>79 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it one of the <strong>smallest National Parks in Assam<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known as the <strong>mini Kaziranga<\/strong> because it hosts a similar ecosystem and species composition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to the <strong>Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros<\/strong>, <strong>Royal Bengal Tiger<\/strong>, <strong>Asiatic elephant<\/strong>, <strong>wild boar<\/strong>, <strong>hog deer<\/strong>, and <strong>leopards<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports rich birdlife, including <strong>kingfishers<\/strong>, <strong>pelicans<\/strong>, <strong>storks<\/strong>, and <strong>Indian rollers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation and Landscape:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Characterized by <strong>alluvial floodplains<\/strong>, <strong>grasslands<\/strong>, <strong>riverine forests<\/strong>, and <strong>wetlands<\/strong> formed by the Brahmaputra River system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seasonal floods replenish nutrients, maintaining its ecological balance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declared a <strong>Tiger Reserve in 2016<\/strong>, making it part of India\u2019s <strong>Project Tiger network<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays a crucial role in the <strong>Brahmaputra Valley\u2019s ecosystem<\/strong> as a safe haven for rhinos and tigers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211;  <strong>Shikhna Jwhwlao National Park (Assam, declared in 2024 and notified in 16 February, 2025)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This national park is the 3<sup>rd<\/sup> in BTR and 8<sup>th<\/sup> National Park in Assam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park is located in Chirang and Kokrajhar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It covers an area of 321.90 sq.km.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The new National Park of BTR Assam is named after the Bodo legend Sikhna Jwhwlao. He was also popularly known as Jaolia Dewan. He fought against the British in the Anglo-Bhutan war in 1865.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Valmiki National Park (Bihar, 1989)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Valmiki protects Terai-Duar forest and grassland, situated in Bihar, supports tigers, elephants and diverse fauna. Its landscape includes riverine belts and tall grasses with&nbsp;<strong>tiger, elephant, leopard and abundant birds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sal, mixed deciduous, riparian vegetation, tall grass.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, deer species, birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Terai ecosystem, wildlife corridors to Nepal, rich biodiversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers:<\/strong>&nbsp;Gandak tributaries and riparian streams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211;  <strong>Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park (Chhattisgarh, 1981):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Koriya district<\/strong> of <strong>Chhattisgarh<\/strong>, near the <strong>border with Madhya Pradesh<\/strong>. It lies in the <strong>northern part of the state<\/strong>, forming a vital wildlife corridor between <strong>Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)<\/strong> and <strong>Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1981<\/strong>. It was earlier part of the <strong>Sanjay National Park<\/strong>, which was later divided between <strong>Chhattisgarh<\/strong> and <strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong> after the state\u2019s formation in 2000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>1,440.7 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it one of the <strong>largest National Parks in Chhattisgarh<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rich in <strong>tropical deciduous and sal forests<\/strong>, with patches of <strong>bamboo and grasslands<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Major species include <strong>tiger<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>Indian wild dog (dhole)<\/strong>, <strong>sloth bear<\/strong>, <strong>sambar<\/strong>, <strong>chital<\/strong>, <strong>nilgai<\/strong>, and <strong>four-horned antelope (chousingha)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avifauna includes <strong>peafowl<\/strong>, <strong>jungle fowl<\/strong>, <strong>parakeets<\/strong>, and <strong>racket-tailed drongos<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geographical Features:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The park lies in the <strong>Vindhyan mountain ranges<\/strong>, characterized by <strong>plateaus, hills, and river valleys<\/strong>, including the <strong>Sanjay River<\/strong> and its tributaries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A significant <strong>tiger habitat<\/strong> forming part of the <strong>Central Indian Landscape<\/strong>, connecting other protected areas for genetic diversity of wildlife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proposed as a <strong>Tiger Reserve<\/strong>, recognized for its ecological and biodiversity value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Naming:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Named after <strong>Guru Ghasidas<\/strong>, the revered <strong>19th-century Satnami saint and social reformer<\/strong> from Chhattisgarh, who advocated for equality and compassion for all living beings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211;  <strong>Indravati (Kutru) National Park (Chhattisgarh, 1982):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Indravati is a rugged, forested park with teak and mixed deciduous cover which supports&nbsp;<strong>wild Asian buffalo, tiger and gaur<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It plays a crucial role in central Indian biodiversity conservation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Indravati River system is a main hydrological feature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Teak, mixed deciduous species, riparian vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Wild Asian buffalo, tiger, gaur, deer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Rugged hills, remote forests, low human density.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers:<\/strong>&nbsp;Indravati River<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh, 1982):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kanger Valley is famous for its moist deciduous forests, spectacular limestone caves (Kutumsar, Dandak) and waterfalls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is biologically rich with&nbsp;<strong>leopards, sloth bears and hornbills<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The park\u2019s streams carve through karst topography, creating unique cave systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Moist deciduous, bamboo, riparian flora.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Leopard, sloth bear, deer, hornbills, reptiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Limestone caves, waterfalls, karst formations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211;  <strong>Mollem National Park (Goa, 1992):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Located in the Western Ghats, this national park contains evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with high endemism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is contiguous with larger forest blocks supporting&nbsp;<strong>gaur, langurs, leopards and diverse birds<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its terrain includes lateritic plateaus, streams and scenic valleys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Evergreen and semi-evergreen, lateritic plateaus, bamboo.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Gaur, leopard, sloth bear (occasionally), endemic birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Western Ghats biodiversity, Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuary adjacency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> <strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park (Gujarat, 1976):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Velavadar is prime grassland and saline marsh habitat for herds of&nbsp;<strong>blackbuck, wolves and grassland birds<\/strong>, featuring flat open plains with seasonal wetlands.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is famous for excellent sightings of blackbuck and grassland conservation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Grasslands, saline marsh vegetation, scrub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Blackbuck, wolf, striped hyena, grassland birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Open grass plains, seasonal marshes, high blackbuck density.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> <strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Gir National Park (Gujarat, 1975):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gir is the last stronghold of the&nbsp;<strong>Asiatic lion<\/strong>, set in dry deciduous and scrub forest with rocky outcrops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supports a healthy carnivore and ungulate community.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gir\u2019s wadis and streams sustain lion prides, leopards, nilgai and chital.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry deciduous, scrub, Acacia, Euphorbia and teak pockets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Asiatic lion, leopard, nilgai, chinkara, deer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Rocky hills (Girnar), dry deciduous tracts, lion conservation success.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park (Gujarat, 1982):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This marine national park protects unique intertidal life, coral reefs and tidal flats supporting migratory birds and marine organisms. It is vital for&nbsp;<strong>coral communities, invertebrates and migratory shorebirds<\/strong>, with extensive mudflats and reef patches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Intertidal algae, seagrass patches, sparse mangroves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Marine invertebrates, reef fishes, migratory birds, dugong (nearby).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tidal flats, coral patches, marine biodiversity in semi-arid setting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers or waterbodies:<\/strong>&nbsp;Coastal marine ecosystem (Gulf of Kachchh)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Vansda National Park (Gujarat, 1979):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vansda is a small moist deciduous patch with mixed forest and riparian corridors.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supports&nbsp;<strong>leopards, sloth bear, deer and diverse birds<\/strong>&nbsp;and serves as a green island amid agricultural land.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Moist deciduous species, teak pockets, riparian growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Leopard, sloth bear, deer, many resident birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Hillocks, riverside vegetation, biodiversity in southern Gujarat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kalesar National Park (Haryana, 2003):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kalesar contains Sal and mixed deciduous forests in the Shivalik foothills and offers habitat for&nbsp;<strong>leopard, barking deer and diverse avifauna<\/strong>, with undulating terrain and seasonal streams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sal, mixed deciduous, riverine vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Leopard, barking deer, jackal, birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Shivalik foothills, cooler microclimate, forested ridges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sultanpur National Park (Haryana, 1989):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Gurugram (Gurgaon) district<\/strong> of <strong>Haryana<\/strong>, about <strong>40 km from Delhi<\/strong> on the <strong>Gurugram\u2013Jhajjar highway<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1989<\/strong>; it was earlier designated as a <strong>Bird Sanctuary in 1972<\/strong> on the recommendation of <strong>Dr. Salim Ali<\/strong>, the famous Indian ornithologist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers an area of approximately <strong>1.43 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it one of the <strong>smallest National Parks in India<\/strong>, yet an important bird habitat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Renowned as a <strong>birdwatcher\u2019s paradise<\/strong>, supporting more than <strong>250 species of resident and migratory birds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common species include <strong>painted stork<\/strong>, <strong>black-necked stork<\/strong>, <strong>white ibis<\/strong>, <strong>egrets<\/strong>, <strong>kingfishers<\/strong>, <strong>cormorants<\/strong>, <strong>sandpipers<\/strong>, and <strong>spoonbills<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Migratory birds arrive from as far as <strong>Europe, Siberia, and Central Asia<\/strong> during winter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Habitat and Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Comprises <strong>wetlands, shallow marshes, and grassy patches<\/strong> surrounded by <strong>acacia trees<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Sultanpur Jheel (lake)<\/strong> is the central feature, providing feeding and nesting grounds for waterfowl.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plays a crucial role in conserving <strong>wetland ecosystems<\/strong> and <strong>migratory bird populations<\/strong> in northern India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognized as a <strong>Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance)<\/strong> in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 1984):&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Kullu district<\/strong> of <strong>Himachal Pradesh<\/strong>, in the <strong>western part of the Himalayan range<\/strong>. It includes the catchment areas of <strong>Tirthan, Sainj, Jiwa Nal, and Parvati rivers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared a <strong>National Park in 1984<\/strong> and later inscribed as a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014<\/strong> for its outstanding biodiversity and natural beauty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers around <strong>1,171 square kilometers<\/strong>, comprising <strong>alpine meadows, temperate forests, and glacial zones<\/strong> ranging from <strong>1,500 to over 6,000 meters above sea level<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geography and Climate:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encompasses rugged terrain with <strong>snow-clad peaks, valleys, and rivers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The park experiences <strong>subtropical to alpine climatic zones<\/strong>, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home to over <strong>375 fauna species<\/strong>, including <strong>Himalayan brown bear<\/strong>, <strong>snow leopard<\/strong>, <strong>blue sheep (bharal)<\/strong>, <strong>musk deer<\/strong>, and <strong>Himalayan tahr<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>deodar, oak, rhododendron, and coniferous forests<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hosts many <strong>endemic and threatened species<\/strong> unique to the Himalayan ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A vital part of the <strong>Himalayan biodiversity hotspot<\/strong>, conserving ecosystems across altitudinal gradients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Inderkilla National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2010):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inderkilla is a small temperate forest patch with mixed broadleaf and conifer trees supporting&nbsp;<strong>Himalayan birds and small mammals<\/strong>, offering scenic riverside trails and rich birdlife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Mixed broadleaf and coniferous species, oak, rhododendron.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Himalayan birds, small mammals, occasional leopard.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Khirganga National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2010):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A montane park of conifers and alpine meadows famous for pilgrimage and trekking, Khirganga supports&nbsp;<strong>pheasants, mountain ungulates and mixed forest fauna<\/strong>&nbsp;and has scenic mountain streams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Conifers, alpine meadows, rhododendron patches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Himalayan pheasants, small carnivores, mountain ungulates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Trek routes, high meadows, pilgrimage trails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pin Valley National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 1987)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pin Valley is a cold-desert national park in Spiti with arid high-altitude steppes, hosting&nbsp;<strong>snow leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal and Himalayan wolf<\/strong>, and notable for Pin River valley landscapes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Cold desert shrubs, juniper, sparse alpine flora.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Snow leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal, Himalayan wolf.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;High-altitude cold desert, unique flora, pastoral valleys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Pin River<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Parks in India <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Simbalbara National Park (Himachal Pradesh, 2010)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A small Shivalik forest patch with mixed deciduous cover, Simbalbara supports&nbsp;<strong>deer, leopard and varied birdlife<\/strong>, and features hilly terrain and seasonal watercourses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sal and mixed deciduous species, scrub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Leopard, deer, small carnivores, resident birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Shivalik foothills, scenic ridges, tribal landscapes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Betla National Park (Jharkhand, 1986)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Betla is part of the Palamau tiger landscape with plateau and forested valleys, home to&nbsp;<strong>tigers, elephants, sloth bears and rich birdlife<\/strong>, and features rocky outcrops and waterfalls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Teak, sal, mixed deciduous forests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, elephant, sloth bear, gaur, birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Plateau forests, waterfalls, tribal settlements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anshi (Kali) National Park (Karnataka, 1987)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anshi forms part of the Kali Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats with evergreen forests and high rainfall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supports&nbsp;<strong>tigers, leopards, king cobra and Malabar giant squirrel<\/strong>, and is crisscrossed by the Kali River.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Evergreen, semi-evergreen, riparian plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, leopard, king cobra, Malabar giant squirrel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;High rainfall evergreen tracts, Kali River, biodiversity hotspot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Kali River<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bandipur National Park (Karnataka, 1974)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts<\/strong> of <strong>Karnataka<\/strong>, at the foothills of the <strong>Nilgiri Mountains<\/strong> in the <strong>Western Ghats<\/strong>. It shares its boundaries with <strong>Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)<\/strong>, <strong>Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)<\/strong>, and <strong>Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka)<\/strong> \u2014 together forming the <strong>Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1974<\/strong> under <strong>Project Tiger<\/strong>, making it one of India\u2019s earliest and most important <strong>Tiger Reserves<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> <strong>868 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming part of the largest contiguous forest area in southern India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rich in <strong>tropical dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests<\/strong>, with <strong>teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and bamboo<\/strong> being dominant species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hosts a diverse range of wildlife including <strong>Royal Bengal Tiger<\/strong>, <strong>Asian Elephant<\/strong>, <strong>gaur (Indian bison)<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>sloth bear<\/strong>, <strong>sambar deer<\/strong>, <strong>chital<\/strong>, <strong>mongoose<\/strong>, and <strong>wild boar<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also a habitat for over <strong>200 species of birds<\/strong>, such as <strong>crested serpent eagle<\/strong>, <strong>Indian roller<\/strong>, and <strong>grey junglefowl<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Part of the <strong>Project Tiger network<\/strong>, contributing significantly to <strong>tiger population recovery<\/strong> in southern India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serves as a crucial <strong>wildlife corridor<\/strong> connecting the Western and Eastern Ghats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Declared a <strong>core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1986)<\/strong>, recognized by UNESCO.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bannerghatta National Park (Karnataka, 1974)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bannerghatta is an urban-proximate protected area with scrub and moist deciduous patches, a zoo complex and butterfly park, hosting&nbsp;<strong>leopard, sloth bear and many small mammals<\/strong>, and offering educational facilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Moist deciduous scrub, mixed vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Leopard, sloth bear, deer, birds, reptiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Zoo, butterfly park, urban wildlife education centre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kudremukh National Park (Karnataka, 1987)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kudremukh features shola-grassland mosaics and rolling ridges in the Western Ghats with evergreen tracts, supporting&nbsp;<strong>gaur, endemic amphibians and diverse birds<\/strong>, and scenic montane streams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Shola forests, montane grasslands, wet evergreen patches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Gaur, endemic amphibians, birds, occasional tiger.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Rolling ridges, iron-ore geology, montane biodiversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tributaries of Netravati and Tunga<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park (Karnataka, 1988)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nagarahole is a moist deciduous to evergreen matrix in the Nilgiris-Western Ghats complex supporting&nbsp;<strong>tiger, elephant, dhole and rich birdlife<\/strong>, with Kabini reservoir and riparian habitats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Moist deciduous, teak, riparian vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, Asian elephant, dhole, deer, many bird.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Kabini Reservoir, riverine corridors, prime safari destination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Kabini River \/ reservoir<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anamudi Shola National Park (Kerala, 2003)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Located in the <strong>Idukki district<\/strong> of <strong>Kerala<\/strong>, within the <strong>Western Ghats<\/strong>. It lies close to <strong>Munnar<\/strong> and forms part of the <strong>Anamalai sub-cluster<\/strong> of the Western Ghats, along with <strong>Eravikulam<\/strong>, <strong>Pampadum Shola<\/strong>, and <strong>Mathikettan Shola<\/strong> National Parks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 2003<\/strong> to protect the unique <strong>shola forests<\/strong> (montane evergreen forests) and <strong>grassland ecosystems<\/strong> of the southern Western Ghats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers approximately <strong>7.5 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it one of the <strong>smallest National Parks in Kerala<\/strong>, but rich in biodiversity and endemism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Topography and Climate:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The park is situated at an elevation ranging from <strong>2,000 to 2,300 meters<\/strong> above sea level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Characterized by <strong>cool, misty weather<\/strong>, high rainfall, and dense vegetation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vegetation includes <strong>tropical evergreen forests<\/strong>, <strong>shola patches<\/strong>, and <strong>montane grasslands<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to species such as <strong>Nilgiri tahr<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>gaur<\/strong>, <strong>elephant<\/strong>, <strong>sambar deer<\/strong>, and <strong>Malabar giant squirrel<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Birdlife includes <strong>Nilgiri wood pigeon<\/strong>, <strong>black-and-orange flycatcher<\/strong>, and other <strong>Western Ghats endemics<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Part of the <strong>Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays a key role in conserving <strong>high-altitude ecosystems<\/strong> and <strong>watersheds<\/strong> that feed rivers like <strong>Periyar<\/strong> and <strong>Pambar<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Eravikulam National Park (Kerala, 1978)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eravikulam is famed for its rolling shola-grassland habitat and the&nbsp;<strong>endemic Nilgiri tahr<\/strong>, with Neelakurinji blooms and montane streams around Anamudi peak. It supports specialized montane flora and seasonal floral spectacles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Montane grasslands, shola forests, Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Nilgiri tahr, panther, endemic birds and plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Anamudi slopes, seasonal flower blooms, high altitude meadows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mathikettan Shola National Park (Kerala, 2003)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mathikettan protects a remnant shola island that acts as an elephant corridor between larger Western Ghats forests and houses endemic flora and birds. It\u2019s crucial for&nbsp;<strong>elephant movement, endemic frogs and birdlife<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Shola forest patches, montane shrubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Asian elephant (corridor use), endemic birds, amphibians.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Corridor function, small shola remnant, conservation value, fragile ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pambadum Shola National Park (Kerala, 2003)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A very small shola reserve preserving high-altitude cloud forest fragments with endemic plants and unique microclimate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supports&nbsp;<strong>montane birds and amphibians<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Shola trees, montane shrubs, endemic plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Endemic birds, amphibians, small mammals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Small shola patch, high conservation value, fragile ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Periyar National Park (Kerala, 1982)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Periyar embraces evergreen and moist deciduous forests around Periyar Lake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is renowned for&nbsp;<strong>Asian elephants, tigers and boat safaris<\/strong>&nbsp;that allow lake-based wildlife viewing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Evergreen, moist deciduous, reedbeds along lake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Asian elephant, tiger, sambar, Nilgiri langur, rich avifauna.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Periyar Lake (boat safaris), spice plantations, eco-tourism hub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Periyar Lake \/ Periyar River<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Silent Valley National Park (Kerala, 1984)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Palakkad district<\/strong> of <strong>Kerala<\/strong>, within the <strong>Nilgiri Hills<\/strong> of the <strong>Western Ghats<\/strong>. It forms part of the <strong>Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve<\/strong>, bordering <strong>Tamil Nadu<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1984<\/strong> after a major environmental movement opposing a hydroelectric project that threatened its unique ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Encompasses about <strong>89.52 square kilometers<\/strong>, consisting primarily of <strong>tropical evergreen rainforests<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geography and Climate:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lies along the <strong>Kundali River<\/strong>, a tributary of the <strong>Bharathapuzha River<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experiences <strong>high rainfall<\/strong> and <strong>dense canopy cover<\/strong>, creating one of the <strong>most undisturbed tracts of rainforest in India<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Famous as the habitat of the <strong>Lion-tailed Macaque<\/strong>, an <strong>endangered and endemic primate<\/strong> of the Western Ghats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other species include <strong>Nilgiri langur<\/strong>, <strong>Malabar giant squirrel<\/strong>, <strong>tiger<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>elephant<\/strong>, and <strong>king cobra<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in plant diversity with <strong>over 1,000 species<\/strong>, including many <strong>rare orchids and medicinal plants<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declared a <strong>Core Area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1986)<\/strong> and part of the <strong>Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1968):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Umaria district<\/strong> of <strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong>, in the <strong>Vindhya Hills<\/strong> region of central India. It lies between the <strong>Satpura<\/strong> and <strong>Vindhya ranges<\/strong> and forms part of the <strong>Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1968<\/strong> and later included in <strong>Project Tiger in 1993<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers around <strong>448.8 square kilometers<\/strong> as the core area, with a <strong>buffer zone<\/strong> of about <strong>820 square kilometers<\/strong>, together forming the <strong>Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Historical and Cultural Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Named after the <strong>ancient Bandhavgarh Fort<\/strong>, believed to have been gifted by <strong>Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana<\/strong>, according to legend.The fort and ruins scattered through the park reflect its historical and archaeological importance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known for having one of the <strong>highest densities of tigers<\/strong> in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other species include <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>sloth bear<\/strong>, <strong>gaur (Indian bison)<\/strong>, <strong>sambar<\/strong>, <strong>chital<\/strong>, <strong>nilgai<\/strong>, and <strong>wild boar<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich avifauna includes <strong>peacocks<\/strong>, <strong>eagles<\/strong>, <strong>parakeets<\/strong>, and <strong>vultures<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vegetation is primarily <strong>tropical dry deciduous forest<\/strong> dominated by <strong>sal, dhobin, saja, and bamboo<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Significance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A critical part of the <strong>Central Indian Tiger Landscape<\/strong>, maintaining genetic connectivity with other reserves like <strong>Kanha<\/strong> and <strong>Pench<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays a vital role in tiger conservation and eco-balance in the Vindhyan ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dinosaur Fossils National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 2011)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This tiny park conserves important dinosaur fossil beds and unique sedimentary geology; its value is largely&nbsp;<strong>paleontological rather than living fauna<\/strong>, and it\u2019s an educational research site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sparse dry deciduous \/ scrub (site is primarily geological).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;(Paleontological remains) \u2014 fossil flora\/fauna significance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Fossil outcrops, research and education site, protected geology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fossil National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1983)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A very small area preserving fossilized flora and fauna embedded in sedimentary rocks, important for paleontological research and interpretation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry scrub around fossil beds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Fossil significance (no major living megafauna).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Fossil beds, sedimentary geology, interpretive value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1975)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pench is a mixed deciduous forest straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, rich in&nbsp;<strong>tigers, sloth bears, deer and avifauna<\/strong>, with the Pench River coursing through scenic valleys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Mixed deciduous, teak, bamboo, riparian vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, sloth bear, chital, langur, many birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Pench River, forested valleys, inspiration for \u201cJungle Book\u201d settings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers:<\/strong>&nbsp;Pench River.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1955)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in <strong>Mandla and Balaghat districts<\/strong>, in the <strong>Maikal range of the Satpuras<\/strong>, Madhya Pradesh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1955<\/strong> and later included under <strong>Project Tiger in 1973<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>940 square kilometers<\/strong> as the core area of the <strong>Kanha Tiger Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong> Dominated by <strong>sal and mixed deciduous forests<\/strong>, with <strong>meadows (sondha) and grasslands<\/strong> supporting rich biodiversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong> Known for <strong>Royal Bengal Tiger<\/strong>, <strong>barasingha (swamp deer)<\/strong> \u2014 its <strong>state animal<\/strong> and flagship species \u2014 along with <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>wild dog<\/strong>, <strong>gaur<\/strong>, and <strong>sambar<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A successful <strong>barasingha conservation<\/strong> program revived the species from near extinction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serves as a <strong>model tiger reserve<\/strong> for scientific management and eco-restoration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recognition:<\/strong> Inspiration for <strong>Rudyard Kipling\u2019s \u201cThe Jungle Book\u201d<\/strong>, representing India\u2019s classic central highland ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 2018)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Sheopur district<\/strong> of <strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong>, near the <strong>Vindhyan Hills<\/strong>, forming part of the <strong>semi-arid region of central India<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 2018<\/strong>; earlier notified as a <strong>Wildlife Sanctuary in 1981<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>748 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming part of the <strong>Kuno Wildlife Division<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Characterized by <strong>dry deciduous forests<\/strong> and <strong>grasslands<\/strong> with species like <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>chital<\/strong>, <strong>nilgai<\/strong>, <strong>wild boar<\/strong>, and <strong>jackal<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over <strong>120 species of birds<\/strong> and diverse reptiles inhabit the park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Selected as the site for <strong>Project Cheetah<\/strong>, the <strong>reintroduction of African cheetahs<\/strong> to India after 70 years (launched in <strong>2022<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Originally identified for <strong>Asiatic lion translocation<\/strong> from Gir, Gujarat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ecosystem Role:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Represents the <strong>Aravalli\u2013Vindhyan landscape<\/strong>, vital for restoring large carnivore populations in central India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Madhav National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1959)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Madhav is a lowland park with reservoirs and mixed forests, offering habitat for&nbsp;<strong>sambar, spotted deer and common carnivores<\/strong>, as well as cultural sites and historical palaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry deciduous, reservoir-edge vegetation, riparian plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sambar, chital, wild boar, resident birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Upper Lake, historical palaces, accessible tourism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1981)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Panna and Chhatarpur districts<\/strong> of <strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong>, along the <strong>Vindhyan Hills<\/strong>, near <strong>Khajuraho<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1981<\/strong> and included under <strong>Project Tiger in 1994<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers around <strong>542.7 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming the core of the <strong>Panna Tiger Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong> Comprises <strong>dry deciduous forests<\/strong> with <strong>teak, sal, and bamboo<\/strong>, interspersed with <strong>grasslands and plateaus<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home to <strong>tiger<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>chital<\/strong>, <strong>nilgai<\/strong>, <strong>sloth bear<\/strong>, and <strong>sambar<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Ken River<\/strong> flows through the park, supporting rich <strong>aquatic biodiversity<\/strong> including <strong>mugger crocodiles<\/strong> and <strong>gharial<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known for successful <strong>tiger reintroduction<\/strong> after local extinction in 2009.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designated as a <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Notable Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contains scenic spots like the <strong>Pandav Falls<\/strong> and <strong>Ken Gharial Sanctuary<\/strong>, adding geological and ecological value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sanjay National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1981):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Sidhi and Singrauli districts<\/strong> of <strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong>, within the <strong>northern Vindhya ranges<\/strong>, adjoining <strong>Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Established:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1981<\/strong>. After the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, the park area was divided, with the Chhattisgarh portion renamed <strong>Guru Ghasidas National Park<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers approximately <strong>466.7 square kilometers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong> Dominated by <strong>tropical deciduous forests<\/strong> with <strong>sal<\/strong>, <strong>teak<\/strong>, <strong>bamboo<\/strong>, and <strong>mixed hardwood species<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inhabited by <strong>tiger<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>wild dog (dhole)<\/strong>, <strong>sloth bear<\/strong>, <strong>sambar<\/strong>, <strong>chital<\/strong>, and <strong>nilgai<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also home to several <strong>bird species<\/strong> and <strong>reptiles<\/strong>, including <strong>peafowl<\/strong> and <strong>monitor lizards<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Part of the <strong>Central Indian tiger landscape<\/strong>, ensuring wildlife connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays a vital role in maintaining the <strong>forest and watershed ecosystem<\/strong> of the region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Satpura National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1981)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Hoshangabad (now Narmadapuram) district<\/strong> of <strong>Madhya Pradesh<\/strong>, in the <strong>Satpura mountain range<\/strong> of central India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1981<\/strong>; forms part of the <strong>Satpura Tiger Reserve<\/strong> along with <strong>Bori<\/strong> and <strong>Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuaries<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>524 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming the core of a large contiguous forest belt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong> Characterized by <strong>moist and dry deciduous forests<\/strong>, with <strong>sal<\/strong>, <strong>teak<\/strong>, <strong>bamboo<\/strong>, and <strong>tendu<\/strong> trees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inhabited by <strong>tiger<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>sloth bear<\/strong>, <strong>Indian giant squirrel<\/strong>, <strong>wild dog<\/strong>, <strong>gaur<\/strong>, and <strong>sambar.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich birdlife, including <strong>malabar whistling thrush<\/strong> and <strong>crested serpent eagle<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A crucial part of the <strong>Satpura\u2013Maikal landscape<\/strong>, maintaining biodiversity and tiger movement corridors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Van Vihar National Park (Madhya Pradesh, 1979)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Van Vihar in Bhopal is an urban national park combining semi-natural enclosures with natural habitats to support&nbsp;<strong>deer, primates and small carnivores<\/strong>&nbsp;while serving as a recreation and education area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Urban woodland, planted trees, shrubs, lawns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Deer, small mammals, birds in semi-natural enclosures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Urban green lung, environmental education, walking trails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chandoli National Park (Maharashtra, 2004)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chandoli is a Western Ghats park with evergreen and mixed forests, reservoirs and high endemism supporting&nbsp;<strong>tigers, gaur, leopards and endemic amphibians<\/strong>&nbsp;in rugged terrain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Evergreen, semi-evergreen, riparian vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, gaur, leopard, endemic amphibians, birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Reservoirs, Western Ghats biodiversity, steep ridges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gugamal National Park (Maharashtra, 1975)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Part of Melghat, Gugamal protects dry deciduous forests and is part of a larger tiger landscape with&nbsp;<strong>tigers, sloth bears, and varied ungulates<\/strong>, amid tribal habitats and seasonal rivers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Teak, dry deciduous species, scrub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, sloth bear, gaur, deer, birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Part of Melghat landscape, seasonal streams, tribal settlements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Navegaon National Park (Maharashtra, 1975)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Navegaon comprises deciduous forests and a central lake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supports&nbsp;<strong>waterbirds, deer and occasional large carnivores<\/strong>, with boating and tourism around Navegaon Lake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry deciduous, riparian vegetation around lake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Waterbirds, deer, occasional leopard, resident birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Navegaon Lake<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park (Maharashtra, 1975)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pench national park features mixed deciduous forests and river corridors with a healthy tiger population and rich avifauna along the Pench River.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Teak, mixed deciduous, bamboo, riparian vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, deer, many bird species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Pench River<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park (Maharashtra, 1983)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An urban protected area within Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi NP has moist deciduous forest, Kanheri caves and supports&nbsp;<strong>leopards, langurs and numerous birds<\/strong>, serving as an urban biodiversity hub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Moist deciduous forest, teak, shrubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Leopard, langur, small mammals and various bird species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra, 1955)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tadoba is a large deciduous park with lakes and waterholes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is home for fauna like&nbsp;<strong>tigers, sloth bears and gaur<\/strong> and known for reliable wildlife sightings and dry deciduous forest tracts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Teak, bamboo, dry deciduous forest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Bengal tiger, sloth bear, gaur, deer, birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Waterholes, lakes, good safari infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tadoba and local seasonal water bodies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keibul-Lamjao National Park (Manipur, 1977)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Bishnupur district<\/strong> of <strong>Manipur<\/strong>, on the <strong>southwestern part of Loktak Lake<\/strong> \u2014 the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1977<\/strong>; originally designated as a <strong>Wildlife Sanctuary in 1966<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>40 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it the <strong>only floating national park in the world<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The park is made up of <strong>\u201cphumdis\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 floating masses of soil, vegetation, and organic matter \u2014 which form the base for plants and animals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flora and Fauna:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The last natural habitat of the <strong>Sangai<\/strong> or <strong>brow-antlered deer<\/strong> (<em>Rucervus eldii eldii<\/em>), the <strong>state animal of Manipur<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also supports <strong>hog deer<\/strong>, <strong>wild boar<\/strong>, <strong>otters<\/strong>, and many <strong>migratory birds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declared a <strong>Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance)<\/strong> in <strong>1990<\/strong> as part of the <strong>Loktak Lake ecosystem<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shirui (Shiroi) National Park (Manipur, 1982)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shirui encompasses montane forests around the Shiroi hill and is famed for rare endemic flora such as the&nbsp;<strong>Shirui lily, montane birds and cloud forests<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Montane shrubs, endemic orchids (Shirui lily area).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Endemic plants, montane birds, small mammals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Shiroi hills, high-altitude meadows, rare flora conservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Balphakram National Park (Meghalaya, 1985)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Balphakram is a high plateau of grasslands and forests with cultural importance and species like&nbsp;<strong>gaur, elephant and diverse birds<\/strong>, featuring deep gorges and scenic highland views.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Grasslands, subtropical broadleaf forest, shrubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Gaur, elephant (seasonal), leopard, many birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Plateau grassland, gorges, sacred tribal landscapes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nokrek Ridge National Park (Meghalaya, 1986)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>West Garo Hills district<\/strong> of <strong>Meghalaya<\/strong>, about <strong>45 km from Tura<\/strong> town.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1986<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers around <strong>47.5 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming part of the <strong>Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (1988)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Composed of <strong>tropical and subtropical evergreen forests<\/strong> with dense <strong>canopy cover<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>rare orchids<\/strong>, <strong>medicinal plants<\/strong>, and <strong>citrus species<\/strong> \u2014 believed to be the <strong>origin of Citrus indica (wild orange)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home to <strong>Asian elephant<\/strong>, <strong>Hoolock gibbon<\/strong>, <strong>clouded leopard<\/strong>, <strong>barking deer<\/strong>, and <strong>Himalayan black bear<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Birdlife includes <strong>hornbills<\/strong>, <strong>pheasants<\/strong>, and various <strong>migratory species<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recognized as a <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2009)<\/strong> for its biodiversity and genetic resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serves as an important <strong>catchment area<\/strong> for rivers like <strong>Simsang<\/strong>, <strong>Ganol<\/strong>, and <strong>Dareng<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geographical Note:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nokrek Peak<\/strong> is the <strong>highest point in the Garo Hills<\/strong>, offering a unique montane ecosystem within the park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Murlen National Park (Mizoram, 1991)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Murlen is a dense evergreen forest with high understorey diversity, supporting&nbsp;<strong>elephants (transient), clouded leopard (possible) and many birds<\/strong>, and contains steep hills and streams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Evergreen forest, bamboo, understory shrubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Possible clouded leopard, elephants (transient), birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dense evergreen tracts, high biodiversity, tribal territories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park (Mizoram, 1992)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Phawngpui is a high plateau and cliff system with montane meadows and endemic flora, important for&nbsp;<strong>montane birds and rare plants<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Montane grasslands, rhododendron, endemic herbs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Montane birds, rare orchids, small mammals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Blue Mountain plateau, cliffs, seasonal meadows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Intanki National Park (Nagaland, 1993)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Intanki National Park near Kohima preserves evergreen, semi-evergreen forest with rich birdlife including&nbsp;<strong>pheasants and hornbills<\/strong>, and supports small carnivores and primates in hilly terrain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Semi-evergreen and evergreen species, bamboo.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Hornbills, pheasants, small carnivores, primates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Proximity to Kohima, birding hotspots, hill streams.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha, 1988)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Kendrapara district<\/strong> of <strong>Odisha<\/strong>, near the <strong>Dhamra and Brahmani river deltas<\/strong> along the <strong>east coast of India<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1988<\/strong>; it was earlier part of the <strong>Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (1975)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>145 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming the <strong>core area<\/strong> of the <strong>Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary complex<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dominated by <strong>mangrove forests<\/strong>, <strong>mudflats<\/strong>, and <strong>estuarine wetlands<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Second-largest <strong>mangrove ecosystem in India<\/strong> after the Sundarbans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Famous for the <strong>saltwater crocodile<\/strong>, India\u2019s <strong>largest reptile<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also home to <strong>Indian python<\/strong>, <strong>king cobra<\/strong>, <strong>monitor lizard<\/strong>, and <strong>spotted deer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A haven for <strong>migratory and resident birds<\/strong>, including <strong>Asian openbill<\/strong>, <strong>egrets<\/strong>, and <strong>black ibis<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declared a <strong>Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance)<\/strong> in <strong>2002<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports critical <strong>mangrove and estuarine biodiversity<\/strong>, essential for coastal protection and breeding of marine species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Includes the <strong>Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary<\/strong>, the <strong>world\u2019s largest nesting site<\/strong> for <strong>olive ridley sea turtles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Simlipal National Park (Odisha, 1980)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Mayurbhanj district<\/strong> of <strong>Odisha<\/strong>, forming part of the <strong>Eastern Ghats<\/strong> and the <strong>Simlipal Biosphere Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1980<\/strong>; later included under <strong>Project Tiger in 1973<\/strong> and recognized as a <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>845 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming the <strong>core zone<\/strong> of the larger <strong>Simlipal Tiger Reserve (2,750 sq km)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dominated by <strong>tropical semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests<\/strong>, with species like <strong>sal<\/strong>, <strong>bamboo<\/strong>, and <strong>mango<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contains <strong>over 1,000 species of flowering plants<\/strong> and several <strong>medicinal herbs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home to <strong>Royal Bengal Tiger<\/strong>, <strong>Asian elephant<\/strong>, <strong>gaur<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, and <strong>sambar<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notable for its <strong>melanistic (black) tigers<\/strong> occasionally sighted in the region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich birdlife includes <strong>hornbills<\/strong>, <strong>peafowl<\/strong>, and <strong>crested serpent eagles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Acts as a vital <strong>tiger and elephant habitat<\/strong> in eastern India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important for <strong>watershed protection<\/strong> of rivers like <strong>Budhabalanga<\/strong> and <strong>Khairi<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Features:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contains scenic <strong>Barehipani<\/strong> and <strong>Joranda waterfalls<\/strong>, among India\u2019s highest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A blend of <strong>natural beauty and tribal culture<\/strong>, inhabited by <strong>Santhal and Ho communities<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Desert National Park (Rajasthan, 1992)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Thar Desert<\/strong>, spanning <strong>Jaisalmer and Barmer districts<\/strong> of <strong>Rajasthan<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1992<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>3,162 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it one of <strong>India\u2019s largest national parks<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation &amp; Landscape:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Characterized by <strong>sand dunes<\/strong>, <strong>rocky outcrops<\/strong>, <strong>salt lakes<\/strong>, and <strong>sparse desert vegetation<\/strong> like <strong>cacti<\/strong>, <strong>sewan grass<\/strong>, and <strong>acacia<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Represents the <strong>fragile ecosystem<\/strong> of the Indian desert.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Habitat for <strong>Great Indian Bustard<\/strong> (critically endangered), <strong>chinkara<\/strong>, <strong>desert fox<\/strong>, <strong>blackbuck<\/strong>, and <strong>hedgehog<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reptiles include <strong>sand boa<\/strong> and <strong>monitor lizards<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>migratory and resident desert birds<\/strong>, such as <strong>larks<\/strong>, <strong>shrikes<\/strong>, and <strong>falcons<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crucial for the survival of the <strong>Great Indian Bustard<\/strong>, one of India\u2019s most threatened bird species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps preserve the <strong>unique biodiversity<\/strong> of the arid Thar ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fossil evidence found here, including <strong>marine and plant fossils<\/strong>, indicates the area was once under the <strong>sea millions of years ago<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan, 1981)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated near <strong>Bharatpur<\/strong> in <strong>eastern Rajasthan<\/strong>, between the <strong>Ganga and Chambal river basins<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1981<\/strong>; earlier a <strong>bird sanctuary (1956)<\/strong> and later a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>29 square kilometers<\/strong>, consisting mainly of <strong>wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One of the <strong>world\u2019s most famous bird sanctuaries<\/strong>, hosting over <strong>370 bird species<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A key wintering ground for <strong>migratory birds<\/strong> such as <strong>Siberian crane<\/strong> (formerly), <strong>bar-headed goose<\/strong>, <strong>painted stork<\/strong>, and <strong>pelican<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also shelters <strong>deer, nilgai, python<\/strong>, and <strong>monitor lizards<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ecosystem:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The wetlands are <strong>man-made<\/strong>, created by diverting water from the <strong>Ajan Bund<\/strong> reservoir.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports a rich <strong>aquatic ecosystem<\/strong> vital for migratory species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recognized as a <strong>Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance)<\/strong> in <strong>1981<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays a crucial role in <strong>bird conservation and research<\/strong> in South Asia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known as the <strong>\u201cBird Paradise\u201d of India<\/strong> and one of the <strong>best-managed national parks<\/strong> in the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mukundra Hills National Park (Rajasthan, 2006)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mukundra Hills is a rocky, semi-arid national park with scrub and dry deciduous forest supporting&nbsp;<strong>leopards, nilgai and chinkara<\/strong>, and includes waterholes and reservoirs in a rugged terrain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry deciduous scrub, thorny species, scrub grass.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Leopard, nilgai, chinkara, small carnivores.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Granite outcrops, reservoirs, rewilding efforts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Small reservoirs and seasonal streams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ranthambhore National Park (Rajasthan, 1980)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Sawai Madhopur district<\/strong> of <strong>southeastern Rajasthan<\/strong>, between the <strong>Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1980<\/strong>; initially a <strong>wildlife sanctuary (1955)<\/strong> and later included under <strong>Project Tiger in 1973<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>392 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming the <strong>core of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (1,334 sq km)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dominated by <strong>dry deciduous forests<\/strong>, <strong>thorn scrub<\/strong>, and <strong>rocky hills<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Main tree species include <strong>dhok<\/strong>, <strong>babul<\/strong>, and <strong>ber<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Famous for its <strong>Royal Bengal Tigers<\/strong>, often seen in daylight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also home to <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>sloth bear<\/strong>, <strong>hyena<\/strong>, <strong>sambar<\/strong>, and <strong>chital deer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>bird species<\/strong>, including <strong>peacocks<\/strong>, <strong>parakeets<\/strong>, and <strong>crested serpent eagles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One of India\u2019s <strong>most successful tiger reserves<\/strong>, showcasing effective <strong>Project Tiger outcomes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays a key role in maintaining the <strong>Aravalli\u2013Vindhyan ecosystem<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The historic <strong>Ranthambhore Fort<\/strong> (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) lies within the park, adding <strong>cultural and historical significance<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sariska National Park (Rajasthan, 1992)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sariska National Park preserves Aravalli hill ecosystem with dry deciduous forests. It supports fauna like tigers, leopards and spotted deer&nbsp;and contains forts and heritage sites within its landscape.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry deciduous, scrub, acacia, riverine patches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, leopard, nilgai, chital, birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Aravalli ridges, forts, dry forest conservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim, 1977)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in <strong>North and West Sikkim districts<\/strong>, surrounding the <strong>world\u2019s third-highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga (8,586 m)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1977<\/strong>, got <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site (Mixed \u2013 Natural &amp; Cultural) <\/strong>designation in 2016.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>1,784 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it <strong>Sikkim\u2019s largest protected area<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ranges from <strong>subtropical forests<\/strong> to <strong>arctic tundra<\/strong>, depending on altitude.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>rhododendrons, oaks, firs<\/strong>, and <strong>alpine meadows<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Habitat for <strong>snow leopard<\/strong>, <strong>red panda<\/strong>, <strong>Himalayan black bear<\/strong>, <strong>musk deer<\/strong>, and <strong>blue sheep<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over <strong>550 bird species<\/strong>, including <strong>blood pheasant<\/strong> and <strong>satyr tragopan<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Protects the <strong>Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot<\/strong> and vital <strong>glacial systems<\/strong> feeding major rivers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural and spiritual significance for <strong>Sikkim\u2019s Buddhist communities<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Combines <strong>sacred landscapes and rich biodiversity<\/strong>, representing a rare <strong>blend of nature and spirituality<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Guindy National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1976)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An urban park within Chennai, Guindy preserves scrub and thorn forest with&nbsp;<strong>spotted deer, monitor lizards and many resident birds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry scrub, thorny shrubs, planted trees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Spotted deer, blackbuck (nearby), monitor lizards, birds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1980)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This marine park across island banks and coral reefs is vital for&nbsp;dugong conservation, sea turtles and extensive coral\/seagrass beds, supporting artisanal fisheries and marine biodiversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Seagrass beds, coral reefs, algal beds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dugong, sea turtles, reef fishes, corals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Marine islands, seagrass meadows, coral shoals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1989)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Anamalai Hills<\/strong> of the <strong>Western Ghats<\/strong>, in <strong>Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts<\/strong> of <strong>Tamil Nadu<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1989<\/strong>; forms part of the <strong>Anamalai Tiger Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>108 square kilometers<\/strong>, within the larger <strong>Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong> (958 sq km).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Includes <strong>tropical moist deciduous<\/strong>, <strong>evergreen<\/strong>, and <strong>shola forests<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>bamboo<\/strong>, <strong>teak<\/strong>, and <strong>rosewood<\/strong> species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inhabited by <strong>tiger<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>elephant<\/strong>, <strong>gaur<\/strong>, <strong>lion-tailed macaque<\/strong>, and <strong>Nilgiri tahr<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over <strong>250 bird species<\/strong>, including <strong>great Indian hornbill<\/strong> and <strong>Malabar pied hornbill<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Part of the <strong>Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> and crucial for <strong>watershed protection<\/strong> and <strong>biodiversity conservation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contains scenic <strong>Aliyar and Nirar dams<\/strong>, <strong>grassland plateaus<\/strong>, and <strong>rich montane habitats<\/strong> supporting endemic species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1990)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mudumalai is at the tri-junction of southern forests and supports&nbsp;tigers, elephants, gaurs and many bird species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has links with the Bandipur and Wayanad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry deciduous, teak, riparian strips, bamboo in parts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, dhole, many birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Moyar River, wildlife corridors, diverse terrain for safaris.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers:<\/strong>&nbsp;Moyar River<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mukurthi National Park (Tamil Nadu, 1990)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Situated in Tamil Nadu, Mukurthi conserves high-altitude shola-grassland mosaic in the Nilgiris. It is critical for the&nbsp;Nilgiri tahr, montane birds and endemic plants, with fragile montane streams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Shola forests, montane grasslands, rhododendrons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Nilgiri tahr, leopard, endemic birds, amphibians.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;High plateaus, fragile montane ecosystems, watershed protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park (Telangana, 1994)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A small urban park in Hyderabad, it protects lake margins and scrub forests and offers habitat for&nbsp;<strong>resident birds, reptiles and small mammals<\/strong>, functioning as an urban biodiversity refuge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Plantation trees, scrub, aquatic plants in lake margins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Resident birds, small mammals, reptiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Urban green space, boating lake, recreational &amp; educational use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Adjacent lake (KBR Lake)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park (Telangana, 1994)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is near Hyderabad. This park is known for deer herds and dry deciduous forest patches providing serene green space and wildlife sightings near urban areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry deciduous species, scrub, grassy patches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Spotted deer, blackbuck (nearby), birds, small carnivores.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mrugavani National Park (Telangana, 1994)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A small protected forest near Hyderabad offering recreation and conservation with mixed scrub and riparian vegetation supporting&nbsp;<strong>deer, birds and reptiles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dry deciduous, riparian plants, shrubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Deer, jackal, birds, reptiles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bison (Rajbari) National Park (Tripura, 2007)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bison National Park in Tripura conserves tropical humid forest habitat for&nbsp;<strong>gaur (Indian bison), elephants and diverse birds<\/strong>, set in rolling hills and river valleys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tropical semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, bamboo groves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Gaur, elephant (transient), deer, many birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Hilly forest tracts, river valleys, tribal landscapes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clouded Leopard National Park (Tripura, 2007)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated near <strong>Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong> in <strong>West Tripura district<\/strong>, about <strong>20 km from Agartala<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 2007<\/strong> to protect the habitat of the <strong>clouded leopard<\/strong> and other rare species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers around <strong>5 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it one of <strong>India\u2019s smallest national parks<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Characterized by <strong>moist deciduous and evergreen forests<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Includes <strong>bamboo<\/strong>, <strong>sal<\/strong>, and <strong>teak<\/strong> trees with dense undergrowth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Named after the <strong>clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)<\/strong> \u2014 the <strong>state animal of Tripura<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also home to <strong>leopards<\/strong>, <strong>capped langurs<\/strong>, <strong>barking deer<\/strong>, and <strong>civets<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>birdlife<\/strong> and <strong>butterflies<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plays a key role in conserving the <strong>northeastern hill forest ecosystem<\/strong> and <strong>endangered carnivores<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Located within the <strong>Sipahijala Biosphere Complex<\/strong>, which also include <strong>zoological park<\/strong> and <strong>botanical gardens<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park (Jammu &amp; Kashmir, 1992)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated on the <strong>outskirts of Srinagar city<\/strong>, in <strong>Jammu &amp; Kashmir (Union Territory)<\/strong>, near the <strong>foothills of the Zabarwan Range<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1992<\/strong>, named after the renowned ornithologist <strong>Dr. Salim Ali<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers only about <strong>9 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it one of <strong>India\u2019s smallest national parks<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dominated by <strong>temperate broadleaf forests<\/strong>, with trees like <strong>chinar<\/strong>, <strong>willow<\/strong>, <strong>deodar<\/strong>, and <strong>pine<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Features lush greenery and natural streams supporting diverse flora.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home to <strong>hangul deer (Kashmir stag)<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>black bear<\/strong>, <strong>musk deer<\/strong>, and <strong>porcupine<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hosts numerous <strong>bird species<\/strong>, including <strong>monal pheasant<\/strong>, <strong>kites<\/strong>, and <strong>woodpeckers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Protects the <strong>urban forest ecosystem<\/strong> within Srinagar and offers a <strong>green buffer<\/strong> for biodiversity conservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Combines <strong>natural beauty and accessibility<\/strong>, serving as an <strong>urban biodiversity park<\/strong> for education and research.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dachigam National Park (Jammu &amp; Kashmir, 1981)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated about <strong>22 km from Srinagar<\/strong>, in the <strong>Union Territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir<\/strong>, in the <strong>Zabarwan Range of the western Himalayas<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1981<\/strong>; originally a <strong>protected area since 1910<\/strong> for the <strong>watershed of Dal Lake<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>141 square kilometers<\/strong>, with elevations ranging from <strong>1,700 m to 4,300 m<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Includes <strong>alpine pastures<\/strong>, <strong>coniferous forests<\/strong>, and <strong>mixed deciduous woodlands<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dominant species: <strong>deodar<\/strong>, <strong>oak<\/strong>, <strong>pine<\/strong>, and <strong>maple<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The only natural habitat of the <strong>Hangul (Kashmir Stag)<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>critically endangered<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also home to <strong>Himalayan black bear<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>musk deer<\/strong>, <strong>langur<\/strong>, and <strong>Himalayan monal<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vital for <strong>Hangul conservation<\/strong> and the <strong>protection of Dal Lake\u2019s watershed<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Represents <strong>Himalayan temperate and alpine ecosystems<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Divided into <strong>Upper and Lower Dachigam<\/strong>, with distinct landscapes, streams, and meadows offering <strong>rich ecological diversity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kazinag National Park (Jammu &amp; Kashmir, 2000)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kazinag is a montane park with cliffs and alpine pastures protecting&nbsp;<strong>markhor, Himalayan ibex, musk deer and diverse mountain fauna<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is famous for its rugged peaks and rivers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Alpine pastures, conifers, alpine shrubs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Markhor, Himalayan ibex, musk deer, snow leopard (possible)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Rugged cliffs, alpine meadows, strategic highland biodiversity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kishtwar National Park (Jammu &amp; Kashmir, 1981)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kishtwar spans deep gorges and alpine meadows with mixed coniferous forests, supporting&nbsp;<strong>snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer and ibex<\/strong>, and contains important river valleys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Conifers, alpine shrubs, subalpine vegetation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Snow leopard (possible), Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, ibex<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Deep gorges, high valleys, remote and rugged terrain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Chenab tributaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hemis National Park (Ladakh, 1981)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>eastern Ladakh region<\/strong> of the <strong>Union Territory of Ladakh<\/strong>, south of the <strong>Indus River<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1981<\/strong>; named after the nearby <strong>Hemis Monastery<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>4,400 square kilometers<\/strong>, making it <strong>India\u2019s largest national park<\/strong> and one of the <strong>highest in the world<\/strong> (altitude 3,300\u20136,000 m).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Landscape &amp; Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Characterized by <strong>rugged mountains<\/strong>, <strong>rocky gorges<\/strong>, and <strong>cold desert terrain<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sparse vegetation of <strong>dry alpine shrubs<\/strong>, <strong>juniper<\/strong>, and <strong>pasture grasses<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known as the <strong>Snow Leopard Capital of the World<\/strong>, with one of the <strong>highest densities<\/strong> of <strong>snow leopards<\/strong> globally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also home to <strong>Himalayan blue sheep (bharal)<\/strong>, <strong>ibex<\/strong>, <strong>Tibetan wolf<\/strong>, <strong>red fox<\/strong>, and <strong>Ladakh urial<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>high-altitude bird species<\/strong> like <strong>golden eagle<\/strong> and <strong>lammergeier<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Protects the <strong>Trans-Himalayan ecosystem<\/strong> and serves as a <strong>critical snow leopard habitat<\/strong> under <strong>Project Snow Leopard<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only national park in India that is <strong>entirely above 3,000 meters altitude<\/strong>, blending <strong>spiritual heritage and Himalayan wilderness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh, 1977)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Lakhimpur Kheri district<\/strong> of <strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong>, along the <strong>Indo-Nepal border<\/strong> in the <strong>Terai region<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1977<\/strong>; later became part of the <strong>Dudhwa Tiger Reserve<\/strong> (1988).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>490 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming the core of the <strong>Dudhwa Tiger Reserve<\/strong> (1,284 sq km).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Characterized by <strong>moist deciduous forests<\/strong>, <strong>sal trees<\/strong>, <strong>grasslands<\/strong>, and <strong>wetlands<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Represents the <strong>Terai ecosystem<\/strong>, one of the most productive habitats in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home to <strong>Royal Bengal Tiger<\/strong>, <strong>leopard<\/strong>, <strong>swamp deer (barasingha)<\/strong>, <strong>elephant<\/strong>, and <strong>rhinoceros<\/strong> (reintroduced).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>birdlife<\/strong>, including <strong>Bengal florican<\/strong>, <strong>woodpeckers<\/strong>, and <strong>owls<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crucial for conserving the <strong>Terai-Bhabar ecosystem<\/strong> and <strong>endangered species<\/strong> like the <strong>swamp deer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Managed under <strong>Project Tiger<\/strong> and <strong>Project Rhino<\/strong> initiatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One of the few parks in India where <strong>tiger and rhinoceros coexist<\/strong>, highlighting successful <strong>species recovery programs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand, 1989)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gangotri national park is in Uttarakhand. It was established in 1989.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gangotri covers alpine to subalpine terrain around the Gangotri glacier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is home for fauna like&nbsp;<strong>bharal, snow leopard (rare), Himalayan monal and alpine flora<\/strong>, and includes glacier headwaters of the Bhagirathi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Alpine meadows, high altitude shrubs, rhododendrons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Bharal, Himalayan monal, musk deer, occasional snow leopard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Gangotri Glacier headwaters, alpine valleys, pilgrimage approaches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Bhagirathi\/Gangotri headwaters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Govind National Park (Uttarakhand, 1990)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Govind protects high altitude meadows, dense forest and alpine pastures important for&nbsp;<strong>snow leopard, bharal and Himalayan tahr<\/strong>, and includes the Tons River tributaries and scenic valleys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Alpine meadows, coniferous forests, rhododendron patches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Snow leopard (possible), bharal, Himalayan tahr, pheasants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Alpine pastures, Khatling glacier proximity, high biodiversity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tons River tributaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand, 1936):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts<\/strong> of <strong>Uttarakhand<\/strong>, along the <strong>foothills of the Himalayas<\/strong> beside the <strong>Ramganga River<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Founded in <strong>1936<\/strong> as <strong>Hailey National Park<\/strong>; renamed <strong>Jim Corbett National Park<\/strong> in <strong>1957<\/strong> after the famous conservationist and hunter <strong>Jim Corbett<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>521 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming the <strong>core area<\/strong> of the <strong>Corbett Tiger Reserve (1,288 sq km)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contains <strong>sal forests<\/strong>, <strong>grasslands<\/strong>, and <strong>riverine belts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diverse flora includes <strong>bamboo<\/strong>, <strong>fig<\/strong>, and <strong>sheesham<\/strong> trees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Renowned for its <strong>Royal Bengal Tigers<\/strong> and <strong>leopards<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also home to <strong>elephants<\/strong>, <strong>sloth bears<\/strong>, <strong>gharial<\/strong>, <strong>crocodiles<\/strong>, and over <strong>600 bird species<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s <strong>first national park<\/strong> and the <strong>launch site of Project Tiger (1973)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays a vital role in <strong>tiger conservation<\/strong> and maintaining <strong>Himalayan foothill biodiversity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Combines <strong>dense forests, rivers, and grasslands<\/strong> with scenic views of the <strong>Himalayan ranges<\/strong>, symbolizing the <strong>origin of India\u2019s wildlife conservation movement<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nanda Devi National Park (Uttarakhand, 1982):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in <strong>Chamoli district<\/strong>, <strong>Uttarakhand<\/strong>, around the <strong>Nanda Devi Peak (7,816 m)<\/strong> in the <strong>Garhwal Himalayas<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1982<\/strong>; designated a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> in <strong>1988<\/strong> (with the <strong>Valley of Flowers National Park<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>630 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming part of the larger <strong>Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve<\/strong> (2,236 sq km).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Includes <strong>temperate<\/strong>, <strong>sub-alpine<\/strong>, and <strong>alpine vegetation zones<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>rhododendrons<\/strong>, <strong>junipers<\/strong>, and <strong>alpine meadows<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inhabited by <strong>snow leopard<\/strong>, <strong>Himalayan black bear<\/strong>, <strong>musk deer<\/strong>, <strong>serow<\/strong>, and <strong>blue sheep (bharal)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over <strong>100 bird species<\/strong>, including <strong>Himalayan monal<\/strong> and <strong>snow partridge<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Protects one of the most <strong>pristine high-altitude ecosystems<\/strong> in the Himalayas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restricted access ensures <strong>minimal human disturbance<\/strong> and <strong>ecosystem integrity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enclosed by the <strong>\u201cNanda Devi Sanctuary,\u201d<\/strong> a natural amphitheatre of high peaks, representing <strong>majestic Himalayan wilderness and spirituality<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand, 1983)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rajaji is a Shivalik foothill park with riverine forests and grasslands offering habitats for&nbsp;<strong>elephants, tigers and leopards<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It includes important river corridors for wildlife movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sal, mixed deciduous, riverine vegetation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Asian elephant, tiger, leopard, deer, birdlife<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Ganges\/Yamuna tributary corridors, Chilla range, connectivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttarakhand, 1982)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>World-famous alpine meadow that bursts into bloom seasonally with endemic flowers and supports&nbsp;<strong>Himalayan monal, musk deer and pollinators<\/strong>, offering stunning landscapes and high biodiversity in a short flowering window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Alpine flowering plants, endemic herbs, meadows (Neelakurinji type blooms in some regions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Himalayan monal, musk deer, endemic flowering plants, butterflies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Seasonal wildflower spectacle (Jul\u2013Aug), alpine meadows, UNESCO value (together with Nanda Devi)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers:<\/strong>&nbsp;Streams and tributaries of Pushpawati River<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Buxa National Park (West Bengal, 1992)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Situated in West Bengal, it was established in 1992.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buxa is a foothill park near Bhutan with subtropical and moist deciduous forests and supports fauna like <strong>elephants, gaur, leopard and hornbills<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, bamboo patches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Elephant, gaur, leopard, hornbills, birds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gorumara National Park (West Bengal, 1992)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Established in 1992. This national park is situated in West Bengal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gorumara is a Terai grassland and riverine park known historically for the&nbsp;<strong>one-horned rhinoceros, elephants and rich birdlife<\/strong>, with floodplain meadows and river channels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Grasslands, riverine forest, alluvial vegetation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;One-horned rhinoceros (locally important), elephant, deer, birds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Riverine meadows, Mahananda river floodplains, tourist access<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers:<\/strong>&nbsp;Mahananda River tributaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jaldapara National Park (West Bengal, 2014)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Established in 2014, this is in West Bengal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jaldapara protects alluvial grasslands and riverine forests and is a major habitat for&nbsp;<strong>one-horned rhinoceros, elephant and swamp deer<\/strong>, with tall grass plains and river channels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tall grass (elephant grass), riverine forest, marsh vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;One-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, swamp deer, birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Grassland conservation, ferry and river access, rhino habitat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rivers\/Lakes:<\/strong>&nbsp;River Jaldhaka\/tributaries and floodplains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal, 1986)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Neora Valley preserves eastern Himalayan evergreen forest with high endemism including&nbsp;<strong>red panda (possible), clouded leopard<\/strong> with pristine valleys and rhododendron forests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Evergreen, rhododendron, bamboo, montane vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Clouded leopard (possible), red panda (possible sightings), pheasants, deer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features:<\/strong>&nbsp;Pristine eastern Himalayan valleys, high endemism, trekking potential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Singalila National Park (West Bengal, 1986)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Singalila runs along the Singalila Ridge and is famous for trekking (Sandakphu), rhododendron forests and sightings of&nbsp;red panda, Himalayan black bear and many alpine birds, with panoramic Himalayan views.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Flora:<\/strong>&nbsp;Montane forests, rhododendron, alpine shrubs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Species:<\/strong>&nbsp;Red panda (reports), Himalayan black bear, many alpine birds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal, 1984):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Situated in the <strong>South 24 Parganas district<\/strong> of <strong>West Bengal<\/strong>, forming part of the <strong>Sundarbans delta<\/strong> created by the <strong>Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishment:<\/strong> Declared as a <strong>National Park in 1984<\/strong>; earlier a <strong>wildlife sanctuary (1977)<\/strong> and recognized as a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area:<\/strong> Covers about <strong>1,330 square kilometers<\/strong>, forming the core of the <strong>Sundarbans Tiger Reserve<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dominated by <strong>mangrove forests<\/strong>, including species like <strong>sundari<\/strong>, <strong>gewa<\/strong>, and <strong>keora<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crisscrossed by <strong>tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Famous for the <strong>Royal Bengal Tiger<\/strong>, adapted to <strong>swimming and saline habitats<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also home to <strong>saltwater crocodiles<\/strong>, <strong>fishing cats<\/strong>, <strong>estuarine turtles<\/strong>, and <strong>king cobras<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rich in <strong>aquatic and avian species<\/strong>, including <strong>herons<\/strong>, <strong>storks<\/strong>, and <strong>white-bellied sea eagles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Importance:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>only mangrove tiger habitat in the world<\/strong> and a <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1989)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vital for <strong>coastal protection<\/strong>, <strong>carbon sequestration<\/strong>, and <strong>biodiversity conservation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Feature:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A dynamic <strong>land\u2013water ecosystem<\/strong> where <strong>landscapes shift with tides<\/strong>, showcasing the <strong>resilience of nature and wildlife<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wildlifenavigator.com\/national-parks-in-india\/\">https:\/\/wildlifenavigator.com\/national-parks-in-india\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jim_Corbett_National_Park\">https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jim_Corbett_National_Park<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br><br><br><br>Article List<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Also read &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/sex-ratio-of-india-2025\/\">Sex Ratio of India 2025: Facts and Data<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1762427660390\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is a National Park in India?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A National Park in India is a protected area established by the government to conserve wildlife, biodiversity, and natural habitats. Activities such as hunting, grazing, or private ownership are strictly prohibited. These parks serve as safe zones for endangered species and promote eco-tourism and research.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1762427685063\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How many National Parks are there in India in 2025?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">As of 2025, India has over 110 National Parks, covering approximately 1.35% of the country\u2019s total geographical area. The number continues to grow as more areas are being declared protected to conserve unique flora and fauna.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1762427709419\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which is the largest and smallest National Park in India?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The largest National Park in India is Hemis National Park in Ladakh, spanning around 4,400 sq km, famous for snow leopards.<br\/>The smallest National Park is South Button Island National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, covering only 0.03 sq km.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1762427723805\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which is the first National Park in India and when was it established?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The first National Park in India is Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park in Uttarakhand. It was renamed in honor of the legendary conservationist Jim Corbett and is part of India\u2019s Project Tiger initiative.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1762427738207\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why are National Parks important for India\u2019s environment and biodiversity?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">National Parks play a crucial role in protecting endangered species, preserving ecosystems, and maintaining ecological balance. They also help in combating climate change, promoting sustainable tourism, and generating livelihood opportunities for local communities.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A National Park is a legally protected area established by the Government of India to conserve wildlife, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems. 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The number continues to grow as more areas are being declared protected to conserve unique flora and fauna.<br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/national-parks-in-india-2025\/#faq-question-1762427709419","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/national-parks-in-india-2025\/#faq-question-1762427709419","name":"Which is the largest and smallest National Park in India?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The largest National Park in India is Hemis National Park in Ladakh, spanning around 4,400 sq km, famous for snow leopards.<br\/>The smallest National Park is South Button Island National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, covering only 0.03 sq km.<br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/national-parks-in-india-2025\/#faq-question-1762427723805","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/national-parks-in-india-2025\/#faq-question-1762427723805","name":"Which is the first National Park in India and when was it established?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The first National Park in India is Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park in Uttarakhand. 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They also help in combating climate change, promoting sustainable tourism, and generating livelihood opportunities for local communities.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1135"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2222,"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135\/revisions\/2222"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1135"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1135"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}