В Индии насчитывается 574 заповедника, занимающих площадь более 127 тысяч квадратных километров

How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in India? Know the total number of wildlife sanctuaries, their area, oldest sanctuary, state with the most sanctuaries and important GK facts. How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There in India? India is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife. According to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), India has 574 existing wildlife sanctuaries, covering approximately 1,27,241.24 square kilometres. Keep reading to know jn detail. How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There in India? India has 574 wildlife sanctuaries. They cover approximately 1,27,241.24 sq km. Wildlife sanctuaries are spread across different states and Union Territories. Which State Has the Most Wildlife Sanctuaries in India? Maharashtra has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries among India’s states, with 49 sanctuaries in the state-wise data published by the Wildlife Institute of India. Other states with a large number include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. What Is a Wildlife Sanctuary? A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area notified for the protection, propagation or development of wildlife and its environment. Under India’s wildlife protection framework, certain regulated human activities may be allowed in sanctuaries, subject to the applicable laws and management regulations. Which Law Protects Wildlife Sanctuaries in India? Wildlife sanctuaries are recognised as one of India’s protected-area categories under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The other major protected-area categories include National Parks, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves. What Is the Difference Between a Wildlife Sanctuary and a National Park? Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are both protected areas, but their rules are not identical. Certain regulated human activities may be permitted. Protection is generally more stringent, with greater restrictions on activities such as grazing and resource use. Both aim to conserve wildlife, habitats and biodiversity. India currently has 106 National Parks and 574 Wildlife Sanctuaries. Which Is the Oldest Wildlife Sanctuary in India? According to the Wildlife Institute of India’s wildlife sanctuary database, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest notified wildlife sanctuary in India, established in 1940. Mudumalai is located in Tamil Nadu and is part of an important wildlife landscape in the Western Ghats. Which Are the Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India? Some well-known wildlife sanctuaries in India include Sanctuary Name | State Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Kerala Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary | Karnataka Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary | Gujarat Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | Kerala Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary | Karnataka Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary | Kerala Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary | Gujarat Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary | Karnataka National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu Which State Has the Largest Number of Wildlife Sanctuaries? Maharashtra has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries among the states, with 49. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and other states also have great networks of wildlife sanctuaries. How Many Protected Areas Are There in India? Wildlife sanctuaries are only one category of India’s protected-area network. The Wildlife Institute of India currently reports approximately 1,134 protected areas, including: Protected Area Category | Number National Parks | 106 Wildlife Sanctuaries | 574 Tiger Reserves | 58 Coastal and Marine Protected Areas | 132 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India Question | Answer Number of wildlife sanctuaries | 574 Total area covered | 1,27,241.24 sq km Oldest notified sanctuary | Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary Year of notification of oldest sanctuary | 1940 State with most wildlife sanctuaries | Maharashtra Wildlife protection law | Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 National Parks in India | 106 Jasreet Kaur Executive - Editorial Jasreet Kaur is a journalist with over 3 years of experience in digital media and news content creation. She specializes in covering Trending News, including major National and International developments, with a focus on delivering accurate, engaging, and reader-friendly stories. Prior to this, she worked with Zee News as a Content Writer, where she gained extensive experience in news reporting and content strategy. Driven by curiosity, credibility, and a passion for impactful journalism, Jasreet aims to contribute to informed public discourse while supporting positive growth in organizations, society, and the world.... Read More First Published: Sep 6, 2026, 14:41 IST