How do wildlife sanctuaries differ from national parks in conservation goals?

Wildlife sanctuaries primarily focus on protecting specific species, while national parks aim to conserve entire ecosystems.

Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are both crucial for conservation, but they have different primary goals. Wildlife sanctuaries are typically established with the primary purpose of protecting specific species that are endangered or threatened. They provide a safe haven where these species can live and breed without the threat of hunting, habitat loss, or other human-induced pressures. The management of wildlife sanctuaries often involves interventions such as feeding, breeding, or medical care to support the survival and recovery of the species they protect.

On the other hand, national parks are usually larger and aim to conserve entire ecosystems, including all the species that live within them. They are often established in areas of significant natural beauty or biodiversity, and their management focuses on maintaining the health and integrity of the whole ecosystem. This includes protecting the physical environment, such as landscapes, water bodies, and geological features, as well as the biological communities, from large mammals to birds, insects, and plants. National parks also often have a mandate to provide opportunities for public enjoyment and education, through activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, as long as these do not harm the conservation values.

While both types of protected areas contribute to conservation, their different goals mean they use different strategies and measures of success. In a wildlife sanctuary, success might be measured by the recovery of the target species, with indicators such as population size, breeding success, or survival rates. In a national park, success might be assessed in terms of ecosystem health, with indicators such as biodiversity, water quality, or the condition of key habitats.

In summary, while there is some overlap in the conservation roles of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, they differ in their primary focus. Wildlife sanctuaries are more species-centric, providing intensive care for specific endangered or threatened species, while national parks take a broader view, aiming to conserve the integrity and diversity of entire ecosystems.