Wildlife Sanctuaries of India 2026

1. Introduction

Wildlife Sanctuaries of India are specially protected areas where wild animals can live safely with minimal human interference. Hunting, poaching, and trapping are strictly forbidden. These areas conserve natural habitats ranging from dense forests and jungles to riverbanks, deserts, wetlands, mangroves, and mountains. They reflect India’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes. Tourism is generally restricted to prioritise undisturbed conservation.

2. Legal Framework and Establishment

Wildlife Sanctuaries are notified by State Governments under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (building on earlier provisions from 1947) to conserve wild animals, their habitats, and biodiversity.

Key constitutional and legal points:

• Constitutional backing: Article 48A (State duty to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife) and Article 51A(g) (fundamental duty of citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including wildlife).
• Entry, hunting, exploitation of wildlife or forest produce, and setting fires are strictly regulated or prohibited.
• Certain traditional rights of local communities may continue; relocation is not compulsory.
• Managed by State Forest Departments under the Chief Wildlife Warden.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) may be declared around sanctuaries to regulate developmental activities.
• Violations attract penalties including imprisonment and fines (stricter for offences involving endangered species).

Sanctuaries fall under IUCN Category IV and aim to safeguard ecosystems of high ecological, geomorphological, and natural significance.

3. Number and Coverage (as of 2026)

India has approximately 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries covering a total area of about 1,23,762.56 km², which is roughly 3.76% of India’s geographical area. Some of these also function as parts of tiger reserves.

4. State/UT-wise Summary of Wildlife Sanctuaries (2026)

Observations: Maharashtra has the highest number (49), followed by Karnataka (38) and Tamil Nadu (33). Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a very high count (97) due to many small island sanctuaries. Goa, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Ladakh show high percentage coverage relative to their size.

5. Major / Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries – State-wise Highlights

• Assam: Nambor, Dihing Patkai, East Karbi Anglong, Chakrashila, Amchang, Manas, Pobitora.
• Bihar: Kaimur, Gautam Budha, Pant (Rajgir), Valmiki.
• Chhattisgarh: Bhairamgarh, Badalkhol, Bhoramdev, Udanti Wild Buffalo, Achanakmar.
• Goa: Bondla, Madei.
• Gujarat: Kutch Desert, Indian Wild Ass (Wild Ass), Porbandar Lake, Jambugodha, Ratanmahal, Thol Lake, Sasan Gir, Mitiyala, Kutch Bustard.
• Haryana: Bhindawas, Khaparwas, Kalesar.
• Himachal Pradesh: Bandli, Daranghati, Dhauladhar, Talra, Pong Dam Lake, Nargu.
• Jharkhand: Lawalong, Parasnath, Palkot.
• Karnataka: Someshwara, Bhadra, Bhimgad, Brahmagiri, Cauvery, Pushpagiri, Sharavathi Valley.
• Kerala: Periyar, Chinnar, Aralam, Chimmony, Idukki, Malabar.
• Madhya Pradesh: Bori, Gandhi Sagar, Ken Gharial, National Chambal, Orcha.
• Maharashtra: Koyna, Painganga, Bhimashankar, Tungareshwar, Great Indian Bustard, Mayureshwar, Bor.
• Manipur: Yangoupokpi-Lokchao.
• Mizoram: Dampa (Tiger Reserve), Ngengpui, Baghmara Pitcher Plant.
• Nagaland: Fakim, Rangapahar.
• Odisha: Baisipalli, Chilika (Nalaban), Hadgarh, Satkosia Gorge.
• Punjab: Abohar, Harike Lake, Jhajjar Bacholi, Nangal.
• Rajasthan: Keoladeo (Bird), Jawahar Sagar, Mount Abu, Ramsagar, Shergarh, Desert National Park.
• Sikkim: Fambong Lho, Kitam (Bird), Maenam.
• Tamil Nadu: Indira Gandhi (Annamalai), Karaivetti, Pulicat Lake, Vedanthangal, Kalakad.
• Tripura: Gumti, Rowa, Trishna.
• Uttarakhand: Askot Musk Deer, Binsar, Govind Pashu Vihar, Kedarnath, Sonanadi.
• Uttar Pradesh: Hastinapur, Ranipur, Sohagibarwa, Sur Sarovar, Chandraprabha, National Chambal, Mahavir Swami.
• West Bengal: Sundarbans, Chintamani Kar Bird, Haliday Island, Ballavpur, Lothian Island, Mahananda.

6. Union Territory-wise Highlights

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Bamboo Island, Barren Island, Chanel Island, Peacock Island, Turtle Islands (high number of small island sanctuaries).
• Jammu & Kashmir: Gulmarg, Limber, Nandini.
• Lakshadweep: Pitti (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: Dadra & Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary, Fudam Wildlife Sanctuary.

7. Importance of Wildlife Sanctuaries

Wildlife Sanctuaries serve as critical in-situ conservation sites with multiple benefits:

• Protecting Endangered Species: Provide safe natural habitats free from poaching and major habitat destruction, allowing breeding and population recovery. Enable scientific study of animal behaviour in natural settings.
• Safeguarding Landscapes and Ecosystems: Protect forests, rivers, valleys, wetlands, deserts, and other features from urban expansion and degradation, maintaining ecological processes.
• Preserving Indigenous Cultures: Support traditional communities (e.g., Saara Adivasis of Odisha) who have coexisted with forests for centuries; their practices often aid conservation.
• Conserving Biodiversity: Maintain natural ecological balance and species diversity without external interference.
• Promoting Ecotourism: Allow responsible observation of wildlife in natural conditions. Revenue from regulated tourism supports further conservation and local development, creating a positive feedback loop.

Overall Significance: Sanctuaries act as biodiversity reservoirs, climate regulators, research sites, and cultural heritage protectors, forming a cornerstone of India’s wildlife conservation strategy under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.