UNESCO World Heritage Sites include natural areas celebrated for their extraordinary beauty and aesthetic value. In India, seven such sites have been designated, showcasing:
- Ongoing geological, ecological, or biological processes.
- Unique natural phenomena that are rare and unparalleled.
- Crucial habitats for rare and endangered plant and animal species.
1-GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK
- Great Himalayan National Park, situated in Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for its majestic alpine peaks, lush riverine forests, and expansive alpine meadows.
- The park boasts abundant glacial and snow meltwater resources, nourishing several rivers within its bounds.
- Recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, it encompasses the Sainj and Tirthan wildlife sanctuaries, providing habitat to a diverse array of species such as the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, blue sheep, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr.
2-KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
- Kaziranga National Park, nestled in Assam, holds esteemed status as a tiger reserve, UNESCO World Heritage site, and vital bird sanctuary.
- Notably, conservation efforts focus on safeguarding the “big four” species: the rhinoceros, elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, and Asiatic water buffalo.
- The park’s landscape is traversed by the meandering Diphlu River, enhancing its ecological significance.
3-KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK
- Keoladeo National Park, situated in Rajasthan, hosts a notable population of non-migratory breeding birds and serves as a critical wintering ground for Palaearctic migratory waterfowl.
- Noteworthy species include the critically endangered Siberian Crane, as well as globally threatened species such as the Greater Spotted Eagle and Imperial Eagle.
- The park also supports a diverse range of mammals, including jackals, sambar deer, nilgai, wild cats, hyenas, and wild boar.
4- MANAS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
- Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, showcases a diverse landscape encompassing forested hills, tropical evergreen forests, and expansive alluvial grasslands.
- This sanctuary provides crucial habitat for various threatened species, including tigers, greater one-horned rhinoceroses, and pygmy hogs, with its northern boundary bordering the forests of Bhutan.
5-NANDA DEVI
- Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park, nestled in Uttarakhand along the Western Himalayas, is distinguished by its breathtaking alpine meadows and the imposing presence of India’s second-highest peak, Nanda Devi.
- The park shelters threatened species such as the snow leopard and Himalayan musk deer within its pristine landscapes.
6-SUNDARBAN NATIONAL PARK
- Sundarbans National Park, a sprawling mangrove forest system spanning India and Bangladesh, stands as the world’s largest mangrove forest and the sole habitat of mangrove-dwelling tigers.
- Recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, this unique ecosystem teems with diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
7- WESTERN GHAT
- The Western Ghats, a mountain range extending through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, exerts a profound influence on India’s monsoon weather patterns.
- Serving as a barrier to rain-laden monsoon winds, the Western Ghats are adorned with tropical evergreen forests and harbor numerous globally threatened species of plants and animals.
KHANGCHENDZONGA NATIONAL PARK
- Additionally, Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim is celebrated for its steep valleys, snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, and glaciers.
- This ecologically diverse park is home to a wealth of endemic and threatened plant and animal species, thriving across a range of ecosystems from subtropical to alpine.
FAQs about natural world heritage sites
1-What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
A: UNESCO World Heritage Sites are areas recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their outstanding cultural or natural significance. Natural World Heritage Sites specifically highlight exceptional natural features and ecosystems.
2-How many Natural World Heritage Sites does India have?
A: India currently has seven Natural World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. These sites showcase the country’s diverse ecosystems, unique biodiversity, and extraordinary natural beauty.
3-What are the criteria for designating a site as a Natural World Heritage Site?
A: UNESCO considers several criteria for designating a site as a Natural World Heritage Site, including its exceptional natural beauty, representation of ongoing ecological and biological processes, significance for biodiversity conservation, and presence of rare or unique natural phenomena.
4-What makes the Great Himalayan National Park unique?
A: The Great Himalayan National Park, located in Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for its majestic alpine peaks, riverine forests, and rich biodiversity. It serves as a crucial habitat for rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and blue sheep, making it a biodiversity hotspot of global importance.
5-What conservation efforts are undertaken at Kaziranga National Park?
A: Kaziranga National Park, situated in Assam, focuses on protecting the “big four” species: the Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, and Asiatic water buffalo. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
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