Did you know that India is home to some of the largest and most diverse wildlife protected areas in the world? These places are created to protect forests, animals, and natural habitats from harm.
Wildlife sanctuaries play a very important role in saving endangered species. They provide a safe space where animals can live freely without disturbance from human activities.
Imagine a vast natural area filled with dense forests, open grasslands, rivers, and mountains, all supporting different kinds of wildlife. Such large sanctuaries are rich in plants, birds, and animals.
Some sanctuaries in India are so huge that exploring them can take days. Their size helps maintain natural balance and supports entire ecosystems.
Because of their massive area and rich biodiversity, these protected regions are considered among the most important wildlife conservation sites in the country.
In this article, we will know about the largest wildlife sanctuary in India.
Largest Wildlife Sanctuary in India
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. It is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The sanctuary was officially declared protected on 15 May 1986. It covers an enormous area of about 7,506 square kilometres, making it bigger than many Indian districts.
Location of Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary lies in the Great Rann of Kutch, a vast salt plain. During the monsoon season, the area fills with water and becomes a shallow wetland. After the rains end, the water dries up and the land turns into a white salt desert. This seasonal change makes the sanctuary very special and different from forest-based sanctuaries.
Why the Sanctuary was Created?
The main purpose of creating the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary was to protect the breeding area of the Greater Flamingo. Every year, thousands of flamingos visit this region to nest and raise their young. Over time, the sanctuary also became a safe home for many desert animals and birds.
Animals Found in Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
Despite harsh conditions, many animals survive here. Some important wildlife species found in the sanctuary include the Indian wild ass, desert fox, nilgai, wolf, and spiny-tailed lizard. The area is also home to many migratory birds, especially during winter.
Lesser-Known Facts About Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
One amazing fact is that this is the only place in India where Greater Flamingos regularly breed in the wild, at a site popularly called Flamingo City. The sanctuary also has ancient fossils of dinosaurs, crocodiles, whales, and old forests from millions of years ago.
Another important feature is Dholavira, a famous 5,000-year-old Indus Valley Civilization city, which lies within the sanctuary. The highest point in the region, Kala Dungar (Black Hill), is also located here and rises to about 438 metres above sea level.
Which is the Smallest Wildlife Sanctuary in India?
The smallest wildlife sanctuary in India is the Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the Pune district of Maharashtra and covers only 5.14 square kilometres. The sanctuary is well known for protecting the Indian gazelle (Chinkara) and is important despite its small size.
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