Wildlife includes animals, birds and insects that live in forests and natural habitats.
India has a rich variety of wildlife because the country has large differences in physiography, climate, soil, forests and habitats.
From the Himalayan region to the Thar Desert, from tropical evergreen forests to mangroves, India offers many types of habitats.
This diversity supports elephants, rhinoceros, tigers, lions, bears, deer, wild buffalo, birds, reptiles, insects and many other species.
Table of Contents
Faunal Diversity Of India
India has more than 80,000 species of animals, accounting for about 6.5 per cent of the world’s total species.
Indian fauna includes:
- About 6,500 invertebrates
- About 5,000 molluscs
- 2,546 species of fishes
- About 2,000 species of birds
- 458 species of reptiles
- 4 species of panthers
- More than 60,000 species of insects
Major Wild Animals Of India
Elephant
The elephant is the largest Indian mammal.
It is found in large numbers in different forest regions of India.
Important elephant regions include:
- Assam and West Bengal
- Central India
- Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
One-Horned Rhinoceros
The one-horned rhinoceros is India’s second largest mammal.
Earlier, it was found across the Indo-Gangetic plain as far west as Rajasthan.
Today, its population has sharply declined.
It is mainly confined to:
- Assam
- West Bengal
- Uttar Pradesh
Important protected areas include:
- Kaziranga
- Manas
- Jaldapara
Wild Buffalo
The Arna, or wild buffalo, is found in:
- Assam
- Bastar district of Chhattisgarh
Gaur Or Indian Bison
The Gaur, also called the Indian bison, is one of the largest existing bovines.
It is mainly found in the forests of Central India.
Tiger
According to the fifth cycle of the Tiger Census 2022, India is home to 3,682 tigers.
Tigers are protected through Project Tiger, launched in 1973.
Asiatic Lion
The Asiatic lion lives in the Gir forests of Gujarat.
This makes Gir one of the most important wildlife regions in India.
Bears
Brown bear, black bear and sloth bear are found in high-altitude regions of the north-western and central Himalayas.
Yak
The yak is called the ox of snow.
It is largely found in Ladakh.
Barasingha
The stag, or Barasingha, is found in:
- Assam
- Chhattisgarh
- Madhya Pradesh
Other Mammals
Other mammals found in Indian forests include:
- Chinkara or Indian gazelle
- Blackbuck or Indian antelope
- Nilgai or blue bull
- Mouse deer or Indian chevrotain
- Wild dog
- Fox
- Jackal
- Hyena
- Monkeys
- Langurs
Birdlife In India
India is extremely rich in birdlife.
There are about 2,000 species of birds in India.
This is about three times the number of bird species found in Europe.
Some migratory birds come from Central Asia to India every winter.
Examples include:
- Ducks
- Cranes
- Swallows
- Flycatchers
Important winter wetland destination:
- Bharatpur, also known as Keoladeo National Park
Conservation Of Wildlife In India
Wildlife conservation means protection and management of wild animals, birds, plants and their habitats.
India has taken several steps for wildlife conservation.
Indian Board For Wildlife, 1952
The Indian Board for Wildlife was constituted in 1952.
Its main purpose was to advise the government on:
- Conservation and protection of wildlife
- Construction of national parks
- Construction of sanctuaries
- Construction of zoological gardens
- Public awareness about wildlife conservation
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides the main legal framework for wildlife conservation in India.
Its two main objectives are:
- To protect endangered species listed in the schedules of the Act.
- To provide legal support to conservation areas such as national parks, sanctuaries and closed areas.
The Act was comprehensively amended in 1991.
This made punishments stricter and also added provisions for protection of specified plant species and endangered wild animals.
National Parks And Wildlife Sanctuaries
As per the chapter, India has:
- 106 National Parks
- 565 Wildlife Sanctuaries
Project Tiger, 1973
Project Tiger was launched in 1973.
Its objective is to ensure a viable population of tigers in India for scientific, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values.
It also aims to preserve biologically important areas as natural heritage for people’s education and enjoyment.
Project Elephant, 1992
Project Elephant was launched in 1992.
It assists states having free-ranging populations of wild elephants.
Its main aim is the long-term survival of viable elephant populations in their natural habitats.
Other Conservation Projects
Other projects launched by the Government of India include:
- Crocodile Breeding Project
- Project Hangul
- Conservation of Himalayan Musk Deer
National Wildlife Action Plan
The National Wildlife Action Plan, or NWAP, provides the framework for wildlife conservation strategy and programmes.
The first National Wildlife Action Plan was prepared in 1983.
It was later revised, and a new Wildlife Action Plan for 2002–2016 was adopted.
National Park
A National Park is a large land or water area that contains representative natural regions, scenery, plants and animal species of national or international importance.
National Parks are protected and managed by the government in a natural or near-natural state.
They are important for:
- Scientific interest
- Education
- Recreation
- Conservation
- Protection of ecosystems
- Protection of wildlife
List Of National Parks In India As Per The PDF
| S.No. | Year | National Park | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1936 | Corbett National Park | Uttarakhand |
| 2 | 1955 | Kanha National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| 3 | 1955 | Tadoba National Park | Maharashtra |
| 4 | 1959 | Madhav National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| 5 | 1968 | Bandhavgarh National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| 6 | 1974 | Kaziranga National Park | Assam |
| 7 | 1974 | Bandipur National Park | Karnataka |
| 8 | 1974 | Bannerghatta National Park | Karnataka |
| 9 | 1975 | Gir National Park | Gujarat |
| 10 | 1975 | Gugamal National Park | Maharashtra |
| 11 | 1975 | Pench National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| 12 | 1976 | Blackbuck National Park | Gujarat |
| 13 | 1977 | Keibul Lamjao National Park | Manipur |
| 14 | 1877 | Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim |
| 15 | 1977 | Dudhwa National Park | Uttar Pradesh |
| 16 | 1980 | Simlipal National Park | Odisha |
| 17 | 1980 | Ranthambore National Park | Rajasthan |
| 18 | 1980 | Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park | Tamil Nadu |
| 19 | 1981 | Dachigam National Park | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 20 | 1981 | Hemis National Park | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 21 | 1981 | Kishtwar National Park | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 22 | 1981 | Panna National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| 23 | 1981 | Keoladeo Ghana National Park | Rajasthan |
| 24 | 1982 | Periyar National Park | Kerala |
| 25 | 1982 | Valley of Flowers National Park | Uttarakhand |
| 26 | 1983 | Namdapha National Park | Arunachal Pradesh |
| 27 | 1983 | Rajaji National Park | Uttarakhand |
| 28 | 1984 | Great Himalayan National Park | Himachal Pradesh |
| 29 | 1984 | Silent Valley National Park | Kerala |
| 30 | 1984 | Sundarban National Park | West Bengal |
| 31 | 1985 | Mouling National Park | Arunachal Pradesh |
| 32 | 1986 | Betla National Park | Jharkhand |
| 33 | 1986 | Nokrek Ridge National Park | Meghalaya |
| 34 | 1986 | Neora Valley National Park | West Bengal |
| 35 | 1986 | Singalila National Park | West Bengal |
| 36 | 1987 | Mount Harriet National Park | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 37 | 1987 | Saddle Peak National Park | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 38 | 1987 | Kudremukh National Park | Karnataka |
| 39 | 1988 | Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park | Karnataka |
| 40 | 1989 | Valmiki National Park | Bihar |
| 41 | 1989 | Annamalai National Park | Tamil Nadu |
| 42 | 1989 | Gangotri National Park | Uttarakhand |
| 43 | 1990 | Manas National Park | Assam |
| 44 | 1990 | Mudumalai National Park | Tamil Nadu |
| 45 | 1990 | Govind National Park | Uttarakhand |
| 46 | 1992 | Mollem National Park | Goa |
| 47 | 1992 | Desert National Park | Rajasthan |
| 48 | 1992 | Sariska National Park | Rajasthan |
| 49 | 1998 | Nameri National Park | Assam |
| 50 | 1999 | Dibru-Saikhowa National Park | Assam |
| 51 | 1999 | Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park | Assam |
| 52 | 2003 | Kalesar National Park | Haryana |
| 53 | 2007 | Bison National Park | Tripura |
| 54 | 2008 | Papikonda National Park | Andhra Pradesh |
| 55 | 2014 | Jaldapara National Park | West Bengal |
| 56 | 2018 | Kuno National Park | Madhya Pradesh |
| 57 | 2021 | Dihing Patkai National Park | Assam |
| 58 | 2021 | Raimona National Park | Assam |
| 59 | 2025 | Similipal National Park | Odisha |
Wildlife Sanctuary
A Wildlife Sanctuary is an area created by the competent authority for the protection of wildlife and concerned species.
In a wildlife sanctuary:
- Killing of wildlife is prohibited.
- Capturing wildlife is prohibited.
- Grazing or movement of livestock is regulated.
- Hunting is restricted and strictly regulated.
Major Wildlife Sanctuaries In India As Per The PDF
| S.No. | Name | Location | Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jim Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary | Uttarakhand | 1936, as a national park |
| 2 | Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary | Rajasthan | 1955 as sanctuary, 1980 as park |
| 3 | Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | 1905 as reserve forest, 1974 as park |
| 4 | Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary | West Bengal | 1984 as a national park |
| 5 | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Kerala | 1950 as sanctuary, 1982 as park |
| 6 | Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary | Rajasthan | 1955 as sanctuary, 1978 as tiger reserve |
| 7 | Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary | Karnataka | 1931 as sanctuary, 1974 as park |
| 8 | Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary | Jammu and Kashmir | 1981 as a national park |
| 9 | Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary | Karnataka | 1951 as sanctuary, 1998 as tiger reserve |
| 10 | Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | 1928 as sanctuary, 1990 as park |
| 11 | Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary | Madhya Pradesh | 1968 as sanctuary, 1986 as park |
| 12 | Gir Wildlife Sanctuary | Gujarat | 1965 |
| 13 | Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary | Madhya Pradesh | 1955 |
| 14 | Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary | Karnataka | 1940 |
| 15 | Keoladeo Ghana Wildlife Sanctuary | Rajasthan | 1981 as park, 1985 as World Heritage |
| 16 | Silent Valley National Park | Kerala | 1984 |
| 17 | Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary | Kerala | 1984 |
| 18 | Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary | Gujarat | 1986 |
Biosphere Reserves
A Biosphere Reserve is a unique and representative ecosystem of terrestrial and coastal areas.
It is internationally recognised under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere, or MAB, programme.
Objectives Of Biosphere Reserves
- Conservation Function – To conserve genetic resources, species, ecosystems and landscapes.
- Development Function – To promote sustainable human and economic development.
- Logistic Support Function – To support research and analysis related to conservation and sustainable development.
Zones Of Biosphere Reserve
Core Area
The Core Area is the most protected part of a biosphere reserve.
It may contain endemic plants and animals.
It is kept free from human interference.
Buffer Zone
The Buffer Zone surrounds the core zone.
Activities are managed in a way that protects the core zone.
Limited activities such as restoration, research, education, grazing, fishing and limited tourism may be allowed.
Transition Zone
The Transition Zone is the outermost part.
It is a zone of cooperation where human activity and conservation work together.
It may include settlements, croplands, managed forests and recreation areas.
Biosphere Reserves In India As Per The PDF
| S.No. | Year | Biosphere Reserve | Area | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1986 | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve | 5,520 square Km | Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka |
| 2 | 1988 | Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve | 5,860.69 square Km | Uttarakhand |
| 3 | 1988 | Nokrek Biosphere Reserve | 820 square Km | Meghalaya |
| 4 | 1989 | Manas Biosphere Reserve | 2,837 square Km | Assam |
| 5 | 1989 | Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve | 9,630 square Km | West Bengal |
| 6 | 1989 | Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve | 10,500 square Km | Tamil Nadu |
| 7 | 1989 | Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve | 885 square Km | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 8 | 1994 | Simlipal Biosphere Reserve | 4,374 square Km | Odisha |
| 9 | 1997 | Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve | 765 square Km | Assam |
| 10 | 1998 | Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve | 5,111.5 square Km | Arunachal Pradesh |
| 11 | 2000 | Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve | 2,619.92 square Km | Sikkim |
| 12 | 1999 | Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve | 4,926.28 square Km | Madhya Pradesh |
| 13 | 2001 | Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve | 1,701 square Km | Kerala |
| 14 | 2005 | Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve | 3,835.51 square Km | Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh |
| 15 | 2008 | Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve | 12,454 square Km | Gujarat |
| 16 | 2009 | Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve | 7,770 square Km | Himachal Pradesh |
| 17 | 2010 | Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve | 4,755 square Km | Andhra Pradesh |
| 18 | 2011 | Panna Biosphere Hills | 543 square Km | Madhya Pradesh |
Wetlands And Ramsar Sites
A wetland is a transitional area where water covers the soil either permanently or seasonally.
Wetlands support semi-aquatic ecosystems such as:
- Marshes
- Swamps
- Peatlands
- Mangroves
- River floodplains
Wetlands are important for:
- Biodiversity
- Water purification
- Flood control
- Carbon storage
- Water supply
- Food resources
- Recreation
Ramsar Convention
Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.
The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
India ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
The convention provides a framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
List Of Ramsar Sites Of India As Per The PDF
| S.No. | Ramsar Site | State / UT | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kolleru Lake | Andhra Pradesh | 2002 |
| 2 | Deepor Beel | Assam | 2002 |
| 3 | Kanwar (Kabar) Taal | Bihar | 2020 |
| 4 | Nagi Bird Sanctuary | Bihar | 2023 |
| 5 | Nakti Bird Sanctuary | Bihar | 2023 |
| 6 | Nanda Lake | Goa | 2022 |
| 7 | Khijadia WLS | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 8 | Nalsarovar BS | Gujarat | 2012 |
| 9 | Thol Lake | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 10 | Wadhvana Wetland | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 11 | Bhindawas WLS | Haryana | 2021 |
| 12 | Sultanpur NP | Haryana | 2021 |
| 13 | Chandra Taal | Himachal Pradesh | 2005 |
| 14 | Pong Dam Lake | Himachal Pradesh | 2002 |
| 15 | Renuka Lake | Himachal Pradesh | 2005 |
| 16 | Ranganathittu BS | Karnataka | 2022 |
| 17 | Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve | Karnataka | 2024 |
| 18 | Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve | Karnataka | 2024 |
| 19 | Aghanashini Estuary | Karnataka | 2024 |
| 20 | Ashtamudi Wetland | Kerala | 2002 |
| 21 | Sasthamkotta Lake | Kerala | 2002 |
| 22 | Vembanad-Kol Wetland | Kerala | 2002 |
| 23 | Bhoj Wetland | Madhya Pradesh | 2002 |
| 24 | Sakhya Sagar | Madhya Pradesh | 2022 |
| 25 | Sirpur Wetland | Madhya Pradesh | 2022 |
| 26 | Yashwant Sagar | Madhya Pradesh | 2022 |
| 27 | Tawa Reservoir | Madhya Pradesh | 2024 |
| 28 | Lonar Lake | Maharashtra | 2020 |
| 29 | Nandur Madhameshwar | Maharashtra | 2019 |
| 30 | Thane Creek | Maharashtra | 2022 |
| 31 | Loktak Lake | Manipur | 1990 |
| 32 | Pala Wetland | Mizoram | 2021 |
| 33 | Ansupa Lake | Odisha | 2021 |
| 34 | Bhitarkanika Mangroves | Odisha | 2002 |
| 35 | Chilika Lake | Odisha | 1981 |
| 36 | Hirakud Reservoir | Odisha | 2021 |
| 37 | Satkosia Gorge | Odisha | 2021 |
| 38 | Tampara Lake | Odisha | 2021 |
| 39 | Beas CnR | Punjab | 2019 |
| 40 | Harike Wetland | Punjab | 1990 |
| 41 | Kanjali Wetland | Punjab | 2002 |
| 42 | Keshopur-Miani CmR | Punjab | 2019 |
| 43 | Nangal WLS | Punjab | 2019 |
| 44 | Ropar Wetland | Punjab | 2002 |
| 45 | Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | 1981 |
| 46 | Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan | 1990 |
| 47 | Chitrangudi BS | Tamil Nadu | 2021 |
| 48 | Gulf of Mannar Marine BR | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 49 | Kanjirankulam BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 50 | Karikili BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 51 | Koonthankulam BS | Tamil Nadu | 2021 |
| 52 | Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 53 | Pichavaram Mangrove | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 54 | Point Calimere WLS and BS | Tamil Nadu | 2002 |
| 55 | Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 56 | Udhayamarthandapuram BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 57 | Vaduvur BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 58 | Vedanthangal BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 59 | Vellode BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 60 | Vembanur Wetland Complex | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 61 | Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 62 | Longwood Shola Reserve Forest | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 63 | Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 64 | Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 65 | Rudrasagar Lake | Tripura | 2005 |
| 66 | Hokera Wetland | UT of Jammu and Kashmir | 2005 |
| 67 | Hygam Wetland CnR | UT of Jammu and Kashmir | 2022 |
| 68 | Shallbugh Wetland CnR | UT of Jammu and Kashmir | 2022 |
| 69 | Surinsar-Mansar Lakes | UT of Jammu and Kashmir | 2005 |
| 70 | Wular Lake | UT of Jammu and Kashmir | 1990 |
| 71 | Tso Kar | UT of Ladakh | 2020 |
| 72 | Tsomoriri | UT of Ladakh | 2002 |
| 73 | Bakhira WLS | Uttar Pradesh | 2021 |
| 74 | Haiderpur Wetland | Uttar Pradesh | 2021 |
| 75 | Nawabganj BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 76 | Parvati Arga BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 77 | Saman BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 78 | Samaspur BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 79 | Sandi BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 80 | Sarsai Nawar Jheel | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 81 | Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) | Uttar Pradesh | 2020 |
| 82 | Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora) | Uttar Pradesh | 2005 |
| 83 | Asan Barrage | Uttarakhand | 2020 |
| 84 | East Kolkata Wetlands | West Bengal | 2002 |
| 85 | Sundarban Wetland | West Bengal | 2019 |
| 86 | Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2025 |
| 87 | Therthangal Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2025 |
| 88 | Khecheopalri Wetland | Sikkim | 2025 |
| 89 | Udhwa Lake | Jharkhand | 2025 |
| 90 | Khichan (Phalodi) | Rajasthan | 2025 |
| 91 | Menar (Udaipur) | Rajasthan | 2025 |
| 92 | Gokul Jalashay | Bihar | 2025 |
| 93 | Udaipur Jheel | Bihar | 2025 |
| 94 | Gogabeel Lake | Bihar | 2025 |
| 95 | Siliserh Lake | Rajasthan | 2025 |
| 96 | Kopra Jalashay | Chhattisgarh | 2025 |
| 97 | Patna Bird Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh | 2026 |
| 98 | Chhari-Dhand | Gujarat | 2026 |
Wildlife Of India At A Glance
| Topic | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| Wildlife includes | Animals, birds and insects |
| India animal species | More than 80,000 |
| Share in world species | 6.5 per cent |
| Bird species | About 2,000 |
| Tiger population | 3,682 as per Tiger Census 2022 |
| Indian Board for Wildlife | 1952 |
| Wildlife Protection Act | 1972 |
| Major amendment | 1991 |
| National Parks | 106 as per chapter |
| Wildlife Sanctuaries | 565 as per chapter |
| Project Tiger | 1973 |
| Project Elephant | 1992 |
| First NWAP | 1983 |
| Revised Wildlife Action Plan | 2002–2016 |
| Ramsar Convention | 1971, Ramsar, Iran |
| India ratified Ramsar Convention | 1982 |
| Biosphere Reserves | 18 as per chapter |
FAQs On Wildlife Of India
What is wildlife?
Wildlife includes animals, birds and insects living in forests and natural habitats.
Why does India have rich wildlife?
India has rich wildlife because of its wide regional variations in physiography, climate, soil, forests and habitats.
How many animal species are found in India?
India has more than 80,000 species of animals.
What percentage of the world’s species is found in India?
India accounts for about 6.5 per cent of the world’s total species.
Which is the largest Indian mammal?
The elephant is the largest Indian mammal.
Which is India’s second largest mammal?
The one-horned rhinoceros is India’s second largest mammal.
Where is the one-horned rhinoceros protected?
It is protected in places such as Kaziranga, Manas and Jaldapara.
Where are Asiatic lions found in India?
Asiatic lions are found in the Gir forests of Gujarat.
What is the tiger population of India as per Tiger Census 2022?
India has 3,682 tigers as per the fifth cycle of Tiger Census 2022.
What is Yak called?
Yak is called the ox of snow.
Where is Yak found in India?
Yak is largely found in Ladakh.
How many bird species are found in India?
India has about 2,000 species of birds.
Which national park receives migratory birds from Central Asia?
Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur receives migratory birds from Central Asia in winter.
When was the Indian Board for Wildlife constituted?
The Indian Board for Wildlife was constituted in 1952.
Which Act provides the main legal framework for wildlife protection in India?
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides the main legal framework.
When was the Wildlife Protection Act comprehensively amended?
It was comprehensively amended in 1991.
How many national parks are mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions 106 National Parks.
How many wildlife sanctuaries are mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions 565 Wildlife Sanctuaries.
When was Project Tiger launched?
Project Tiger was launched in 1973.
When was Project Elephant launched?
Project Elephant was launched in 1992.
What is a National Park?
A National Park is a protected land or water area containing important natural regions, scenery, plants and animals of scientific, educational, recreational or conservation value.
What is a Wildlife Sanctuary?
A Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area where killing or capturing wildlife is prohibited and activities such as grazing, livestock movement and hunting are regulated.
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
A Biosphere Reserve is a representative terrestrial or coastal ecosystem recognised under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme.
What are the three zones of a Biosphere Reserve?
The three zones are Core Area, Buffer Zone and Transition Zone.
What is a wetland?
A wetland is a transitional area where water covers the soil permanently or seasonally.
What is a Ramsar Site?
A Ramsar Site is a wetland of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.
When was the Ramsar Convention adopted?
The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar in Iran.
When did India ratify the Ramsar Convention?
India ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
Which Ramsar site is listed as the oldest in the PDF?
Chilika Lake is listed as the oldest Ramsar site in India in the PDF.
Which Ramsar site is listed as the largest in India in the PDF?
Sundarban Wetland is listed as the largest Ramsar site in India in the PDF.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – Wildlife Of India
- Wildlife – Animals, birds and insects living in forests.
- India animal species – More than 80,000.
- World share – 6.5 per cent of world’s total species.
- Indian fauna – 6,500 invertebrates, 5,000 molluscs, 2,546 fishes, 2,000 birds, 458 reptiles, 4 panther species and 60,000 insects.
- Elephant – Largest Indian mammal.
- One-horned rhinoceros – India’s second largest mammal.
- Rhinoceros protection – Kaziranga, Manas and Jaldapara.
- Arna / Wild buffalo – Assam and Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
- Gaur / Indian bison – Forests of Central India.
- Tiger Census 2022 – India has 3,682 tigers.
- Asiatic lion – Gir forests of Gujarat.
- Yak – Ox of snow, found in Ladakh.
- Barasingha – Assam, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
- Bird species in India – About 2,000.
- Migratory birds – Visit Bharatpur / Keoladeo National Park in winter.
- Indian Board for Wildlife – Constituted in 1952.
- Wildlife Protection Act – 1972.
- Wildlife Protection Act amendment – 1991.
- National Parks – 106 as per chapter.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries – 565 as per chapter.
- Project Tiger – Launched in 1973.
- Project Elephant – Launched in 1992.
- Other projects – Crocodile Breeding Project, Project Hangul and Himalayan Musk Deer conservation.
- First National Wildlife Action Plan – 1983.
- Revised Wildlife Action Plan – 2002–2016.
- Biosphere Reserve – Recognised under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme.
- Biosphere Reserve zones – Core, Buffer and Transition.
- Wetlands – Transitional water-covered areas.
- Ramsar Convention – 1971, Ramsar, Iran.
- India ratified Ramsar Convention – 1982.
- Chilika Lake – Listed as oldest Ramsar site in the PDF.
- Sundarban Wetland – Listed as largest Ramsar site in India in the PDF.
- Patna Bird Sanctuary – Listed for 2026 in the PDF.
- Chhari-Dhand – Listed for 2026 in the PDF.