The first National Park established in India was Hailey National Park, now known as Jim Corbett National Park, in 1936.

The primary purpose of establishing National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries is to protect and preserve natural ecosystems, including their biodiversity, ecological processes, and cultural heritage.

Potential for economic development is not a criterion for designating an area as a National Park. The focus is on protecting and preserving natural ecosystems, not on economic exploitation.

Wildlife Sanctuaries are generally more strictly protected than National Parks, with stricter regulations on activities such as hunting, fishing, and tourism.

Sundarbans National Park is the largest National Park in India, covering an area of over 10,000 square kilometers.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest Wildlife Sanctuary in India, established in 1895.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity, providing habitat for endangered species, promoting sustainable tourism and economic development, and educating the public about the importance of conservation.

There are over 1000 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India, covering a wide range of ecosystems and habitats.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India face a number of challenges, including poaching and illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change.

Addressing the challenges faced by National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India requires a comprehensive approach, including strengthening law enforcement and anti-poaching measures, promoting sustainable tourism and economic development, raising awareness about the importance of conservation, and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.