National Park:
- A National Park is a protected area where the entire ecosystem, including plants and wildlife, is conserved in its natural state.
- Human activities that may harm the ecosystem, such as grazing, forestry, cultivation, etc., are strictly prohibited.
- The primary focus is on the conservation of natural biodiversity and ecological processes.
Example: Jim Corbett National Park is a famous National Park in India, located in Uttarakhand state.
Sanctuary:
- A Sanctuary is also a protected area for the conservation of specific species of plants and wildlife.
- Some regulated activities may be allowed, such as a collection of forest products or limited human activities, as long as they do not harm the protected species.
- The primary objective is to provide a safe habitat for endangered species and prevent their exploitation.
Example: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known Sanctuary located in Kerala, India.