How to Approach These Lists for UPSC
Lists of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, and Ramsar Sites are extensive and dynamic. A strategic approach is crucial for effective preparation, rather than attempting rote memorization. This guide helps you focus on what's important.
Don't try to memorize all names. It's impossible and not the primary goal. Focus on understanding patterns, significance, and recent developments.
Key Focus Areas:
- Recently Declared/Added Sites: PAs or Ramsar sites declared in the last 1-2 years are very important.
- Sites in News: Those frequently mentioned due to conservation issues, species sightings, disasters, or controversies.
- Major/Iconic Sites: Well-known National Parks, Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves (especially those in WNBR), and significant Ramsar sites (e.g., Chilika, Loktak, Keoladeo).
- State-wise Distribution: General idea of PA distribution across states, especially for map-based questions. Note states with high density or unique PAs.
- Flagship Species: Associate major PAs with their key flagship or endangered species.
- Unique Features: Note unique ecological/geographical features (e.g., floating NP, largest mangrove, highest altitude NP).
- Ramsar Sites: Know designation criteria, Montreux Record, Indian sites in it, and transboundary wetlands.
- Biosphere Reserves: Understand zonation (Core, Buffer, Transition) and Indian BRs in UNESCO's WNBR.
Suggested Study Flow:
National Parks: Pillars of Conservation
National Parks in India are IUCN category II protected areas, established for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity. They offer high levels of protection, with most human activities strictly regulated.
Jim Corbett National Park
State: Uttarakhand
Key Features: India's First NP, Tigers, Rich Biodiversity.
IconicKaziranga National Park
State: Assam
Key Features: One-horned Rhinoceros, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
UNESCO WHGir National Park
State: Gujarat
Key Features: Asiatic Lion, Unique Ecosystem.
Flagship SpeciesSundarbans National Park
State: West Bengal
Key Features: Royal Bengal Tiger, Mangrove Forest, UNESCO WH.
UNESCO WHKeibul Lamjao National Park
State: Manipur
Key Features: Sangai Deer, Only Floating NP in the World.
UniqueHemis National Park
State: Ladakh
Key Features: Snow Leopard, Largest NP in India, High Altitude.
LargestWildlife Sanctuaries: Havens for Biodiversity
Wildlife Sanctuaries are designated areas aimed at protecting specific species of flora or fauna. While protection levels are high, certain human activities may be permitted if they don't interfere with wildlife conservation.
National Chambal Sanctuary
States: MP, Rajasthan, UP
Key Features: Gharial, Red-crowned Roof Turtle, Gangetic Dolphin.
Multi-StateIndian Wild Ass Sanctuary
State: Gujarat
Key Features: Indian Wild Ass (Khur), Little Rann of Kutch.
Species SpecificPoint Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary
State: Tamil Nadu
Key Features: Waterbirds, Blackbuck, Coastal Ecosystem.
Avian DiversityBiosphere Reserves: Learning Sites for Sustainable Development
Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are internationally recognized areas promoting solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They have three zones: Core, Buffer, and Transition. Focus on those part of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
Pay special attention to Indian Biosphere Reserves included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, as they hold international significance.
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
States: TN, KE, KA
Key Features: First BR in India, Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
WNBRNanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
State: Uttarakhand
Key Features: Himalayan ecosystem, Valley of Flowers NP (part).
WNBRSundarbans Biosphere Reserve
State: West Bengal
Key Features: Largest Mangrove forest, Royal Bengal Tiger.
WNBRGulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
State: Tamil Nadu
Key Features: Marine biodiversity, Coral reefs, Dugong.
WNBRNokrek Biosphere Reserve
State: Meghalaya
Key Features: Garo Hills, Red Panda, Citrus indica (mother of all citrus fruits).
WNBRPachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
State: Madhya Pradesh
Key Features: Satpura Range, Teak forests, Giant Squirrel.
WNBRSimilipal Biosphere Reserve
State: Odisha
Key Features: Tiger, Elephant, Rich forests, Waterfalls.
WNBRKhangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
State: Sikkim
Key Features: High altitude ecosystem, Mt. Khangchendzonga, UNESCO Mixed WH.
WNBR Mixed WHPanna Biosphere Reserve
State: Madhya Pradesh
Key Features: Tiger, Ken River, Diamond mines nearby. (Newest to WNBR at time of writing this general guide)
WNBRRamsar Sites: Wetlands of International Importance
Ramsar Sites are wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention for their international importance, especially as waterfowl habitat. India has a growing number of Ramsar sites.
- Understand the general criteria for Ramsar designation.
- Know about the Montreux Record (list of Ramsar sites where adverse ecological changes have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur).
- Note Indian sites currently in the Montreux Record.
- Always check for newly added Ramsar sites before exams.
Chilika Lake
State: Odisha
Key Features: Largest coastal lagoon in India, migratory birds, Irrawaddy dolphins.
Major WetlandKeoladeo National Park
State: Rajasthan
Key Features: Man-made wetland, famous bird sanctuary, Siberian cranes (historic).
Montreux Record (historic)Loktak Lake
State: Manipur
Key Features: Phumdis (floating islands), Keibul Lamjao NP located here.
Montreux RecordVembanad-Kol Wetland
State: Kerala
Key Features: Largest lake in Kerala, supports extensive rice cultivation.
BackwatersSundarban Wetland
State: West Bengal
Key Features: Part of the Sundarbans delta, largest Ramsar site in India.
Largest Ramsar SiteNewly Added Sites (Check Current Year!)
Various States
Key Features: Always be vigilant for sites added in your current preparation year. These are high priority.
High PrioritySources for Updated Lists
Protected area lists are dynamic. Always refer to official and up-to-date sources for the most accurate information.
| Source Name | Focus Area | Typical Information |
|---|---|---|
| MoEFCC Website | Official Govt. Data | Notifications, Policies, Lists of PAs |
| Wildlife Institute of India (WII) - ENVIS Centre | Wildlife & Protected Areas | Updated lists, Maps, Research |
| Ramsar Convention Website (ramsar.org) | Ramsar Sites | Official list, Site details, Montreux Record |
| UNESCO MAB Programme Website | Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) | World Network list, BR details |
| Newspapers & Current Affairs Magazines (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB) | Recent Developments | Sites in news, New declarations, Issues |