Unit 2
Sanctuaries
Learning Objectives
Children will be able to:
- name different sanctuaries and where they are situated in India.
- define the sanctuaries.
- understand the importance of biosphere reserves.
A small girl named Anu is at home with her grandfather. Anu is reading a book and her grandfather is reading a newspaper.
Anu
S-A-N-C-T-U-A-R-Y. Sanctuary. What does this word mean?
Grandfather
Sanctuary is a place where animals and birds are protected from hunting and other human activities.
Anu
Are there any other places like sanctuaries that protects animals and birds?
Grandfather
Yes, Anu. National Parks are places where wild animals protected. In Biosphere Reserves animals, birds and plants are protected.
Anu
Interesting.
Grandfather
I will tell you about some of the most popular sanctuaries and reserves in India.
Anu
Sure. I would love to know about them.
Grandfather
Corbett National Park is the oldest park. It is in Uttarakhand.
Anu
Which animals are protected there?
Grandfather
The majestic Bengal Tigers are protected there.
Anu
Is there any other sanctuary that protects Bengal Tigers?
Grandfather
Yes, there is. Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal.
BENGAL TIGERS
* Due to the successful conservation efforts of Project Tiger, the number of tigers have been increased in India.
ACTIVITY: Let us write
1. Write the differences between the following:
Think first! What is the difference between a Sanctuary, a National Park, and a Biosphere Reserve?
Click to Reveal Answer
Sanctuary: Animals and birds are protected
National park: Animals and birds are protected
Biosphere reserve: Plants, animals and birds are protected
2. If you want to see the Bengal tigers, which National Park will you visit? Write the name of the park and its location.
Click to Reveal Answer
Sunderbans National park, West Bengal
Think
When International Tiger Day is celebrated?
Anu
Grandpa, you know I love elephants. Is there any sanctuary that protects Elephants?
Grandfather
Yes, The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve not only has elephants but also has Indian leopard, Black panther and Nilgiri tahr.
Anu
Grandpa, you said biosphere reserves also protect plants. What kinds of plants can be found here?
Grandfather
There are different species of flowering plants. One among them is Kurinchi flower which blossoms only once in twelve years.
Anu
It must be so beautiful.
ACTIVITY: Let us write
Stick pictures of any three animals found in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and write the name of the animals below it.
Check the list of animals mentioned below:
- * Indian Leopard
- * Indian Elephant
- * Black Panther
Anu
What about birds?
Grandfather
If you want to see different types of birds, then we must visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.
Anu
Where is it?
Grandfather
It is 25kms from chengalpattu.
Anu
I am sure there are some really unique and colourful birds.
Grandfather
Yes, Anu, birds that migrate from different parts of the world can be found here. You can find pelicans, night herons and many more birds.
Migrate: A bird or and animal moves from one place to another due to change in seasons.
Anu
Can we find peacocks there?
Grandfather
No Anu. Peacocks can be found in their natural habitat at Viralimalai in Trichy.
Anu
I would love to visit this place.
Think
Think and discuss the differences between birds that migrate and birds that do not migrate.
LET US KNOW
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is the oldest water birds sanctuary in India.
Grandfather
Sure. Do I tell you about the one-horned rhinoceros?
Anu
Are there one-horned rhinoceros?
One-horned rhinoceros
Grandfather
Yes, Anu. Very rare species of rhinoceros are protected in Kaziranga National Park.
Anu
Where is it?
Grandfather
It is in Assam.
LET US KNOW
Kaziranga National Park is the home of one-horned rhinoceros. It has around two-thirds of all rhinoceros in the world. Due to the successful conservation efforts, the number of one-horned rhinoceros have been increased.
ACTIVITY: Let us discuss and write
Name some of the animals or birds found in the following places.
Think first, then click to check your answers!
Viralimalai Sanctuary
Peacock
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Indian Elephant, Indian Leopard, Black Panther, Nilgiri tahr
Kaziranga National Park
The Elephant, One Horned Rhinoceros, Wild Asiatic water buffalo, Swamp Deer
Corbett National Park
Tiger, Leopard, Jungle cat, Jackals
LET US KNOW
The three Biosphere Reserves in Tamil Nadu are:
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
- Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
Asiatic Lions
Anu
Grandpa, you did not tell me about lions.
Grandfather
Oh yes! Gir National Park in Gujarat has Asiatic Lions.
Anu
Very interesting.
Grandfather
Animals, birds and different types of plants are important part of our environment.
Anu
Yes Grandpa, we must never harm them. It is our duty to protect them.
Glossary:
Environment : The natural place where the plant or animal live.
Sanctuary : A place where animals and birds are protected.
Species : A particular type of plant or animal.
Recap
- Sanctuaries or National Parks are places where animals and birds are protected from hunting and other human activities.
- Biosphere reserves are the places where plants, animals and birds are protected.
- Royal Bengal Tigers can be seen in Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand and Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal.
- Some Biosphere Reserves in Tamil Nadu include Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve and Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
- Kaziranga National Park in Assam is the home of one-horned rhinoceros.
