NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

(PRERNA FOR IAS)

NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

(ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT)

1. Hemis National Park, Ladakh

Hemis National Park, located in Ladakh, is India's largest national park and is globally famous for its population of snow leopards. Established in 1981, it lies in the cold desert region of the Trans-Himalayas. The park provides habitat to rare wildlife such as Tibetan wolves, blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan marmots, and Eurasian brown bears. Its rugged mountains, high-altitude landscapes, and unique ecosystem make it a biodiversity hotspot. Hemis is often called the “Snow Leopard Capital of India.” It is important for wildlife conservation and attracts researchers, photographers, and adventure tourists from around the world.

2. Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir

Dachigam National Park is located near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. It is best known for conserving the endangered Hangul or Kashmir Stag, which is found nowhere else in the world. Spread across mountainous terrain, the park includes forests, meadows, streams, and alpine pastures. Established primarily to protect the water supply of Srinagar, it has become an important wildlife sanctuary. Other animals found here include Himalayan black bears, musk deer, leopards, and various bird species. Dachigam plays a crucial role in preserving Himalayan biodiversity and remains one of India's most ecologically significant national parks.

3. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, is India's oldest national park. Located in Uttarakhand, it was the first park included under Project Tiger in 1973. The park is famous for its Bengal tiger population and rich biodiversity. Its landscape consists of forests, grasslands, rivers, and hills. Besides tigers, it shelters elephants, leopards, crocodiles, deer, and hundreds of bird species. Named after conservationist Jim Corbett, the park is a leading example of wildlife conservation in India. It attracts thousands of tourists and nature enthusiasts every year.

4. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park is one of India's most famous tiger reserves, located in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district. The park is known for its large tiger population and the historic Ranthambore Fort situated within its boundaries. Dry deciduous forests, lakes, and rocky hills characterize its landscape. Apart from tigers, wildlife includes leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Ranthambore offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and tiger sightings. It plays a significant role in tiger conservation efforts under Project Tiger and is one of India's premier wildlife tourism destinations.

5. Gir National Park, Gujarat