National parks are the strongest link in protecting the biodiversity and natural heritage of any country. In UPSC and other competitive exams, questions related to national parks are frequently asked under the Environment & Ecology section. In today's Current Affairs article, we will provide detailed information about the world's first national park — Yellowstone National Park and India's first national park — Jim Corbett National Park, which is extremely important for your exam preparation.

Yellowstone: The World's First National Park

Yellowstone National Park is considered the world's first national park. On March 1, 1872, the then US President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, preserving this area "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." This law was the first attempt by any country to permanently preserve a natural area.

Geographical Location and Features

Yellowstone spans three US states — Wyoming (96%), Montana (3%), and Idaho (1%). It is located at the confluence of the Great Plains, Great Basin, and Columbia Plateau. Major geographical features of the park include:

Area: Approximately 8,991 square kilometers

Highest Point: Eagle Peak — 11,358 feet

Land Use: 80% forests, 15% grasslands, 5% water

Major Attractions: Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, colorful hot springs

Yellowstone's Historical Journey

The history of human settlement in the Yellowstone area is over 11,000 years old. Before the establishment of the park, 27 Native American tribes had lived here for over 10,000 years. These tribes used the area for hunting, fishing, and utilized the hot springs for religious and medicinal purposes.

In the 1800s, explorers described the region's boiling geysers and colorful hot springs, but these accounts were initially not believed. In 1871, Ferdinand V. Hayden led a major government-sponsored expedition, which included paintings by artist Thomas Moran and photographs by William Henry Jackson. These visual proofs inspired the US Congress to protect this region.

Evolution of Management

In the early years, a lack of funds and staff led to serious problems with poachers and squatters. In 1886, the US Army arrived at Mammoth Hot Springs, took over the security of the park, and established Camp Sheridan (later Fort Yellowstone). In 1916, the National Park Service was established, which has been managing the park ever since.

Jim Corbett: India's First National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is India's first and oldest national park. It is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and was established in 1936. It is also considered the first national park in Asia.

Establishment and Naming

1936: Established under the United Provinces National Parks Act.

Initial Name: Hailey National Park — named after the then Governor, Sir Malcolm Hailey.

1952: After independence, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park.

1955-56: It was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in honor of the famous conservationist and author, Jim Corbett.

Geographical Features

Jim Corbett National Park comprises hills, river valleys, marshy depressions, grasslands, and a large lake. Its elevation ranges between 400 and 1,220 meters.

Total Area: 520.8 square kilometers

Vegetation: About 73% of the area is covered by Sal-dominated moist deciduous forests; it has 110 tree species and 617 plant species.

Faunal Diversity: 50 mammal species, 580 bird species, 25 reptile species.

Major River: Ramganga River

Historical Background

Some parts of this area were formerly part of the Tehri Garhwal princely state. The Uttarakhand Forest Department cleared the forests to protect against Rohilla invaders. Later, the King of Tehri handed over a part of his princely state to the East India Company in exchange for assistance in expelling the Gurkhas.

In the 19th century, forest conservation efforts began under the leadership of Major Ramsay. In 1868, the British Forest Department took control of this land and prohibited farming and cattle grazing. In 1879, these forests were designated as Reserved Forests. In 1907, a proposal for a Protected Area was made for the first time, but the then Governor John Hewett rejected it. Finally, in 1934, Jim Corbett and forest officer Arthur Smythies drafted the boundaries, and the park came into existence in 1936.

Project Tiger and the Significance of Jim Corbett

Project Tiger was launched by the Government of India in 1973 under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was launched under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Jim Corbett National Park became the first tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Key highlights of Project Tiger:

Launch Date: April 1, 1973

Initial Tiger Reserves: 9 (covering an area of 9,115 sq km)

First Director: Kailash Sankhala

Current Tiger Reserves: Over 55

Controlling Authority: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

Initial Tiger Population: Around 1,800 (in the 1970s)

Fact: India holds about 75% of the world's total tiger population.

Important Facts for Exams: Comparative Table

Other Important Facts Related to National Parks in India

As of 2026, there are a total of 107 national parks in India, covering an area of approximately 44,403 square kilometers — which is about 1.35% of the country's total geographical area.

Largest National Park: Hemis National Park, Ladakh (Famous for Snow Leopards)

Smallest National Park: South Button Island National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Newest National Parks: Dihing Patkai National Park and Raimona National Park, Assam (2021)

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is the primary legal framework for the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves.

Frequently Asked Major Parks in Exams

Why This Matters for Your Exam Preparation

Relevant for both UPSC Prelims & Mains

Questions related to national parks are regularly asked in both UPSC Prelims (GS Paper-I) and Mains (GS Paper-III – Environment & Biodiversity). These topics are also highly important for SSC, State PCS, Railway, and other competitive exams.

What subjects does this topic connect to?

Environment & Ecology: Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Project Tiger, Difference between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary.

History of India: Forest policy during the British period, development of conservationism, Jim Corbett's contribution.

World Geography: Geological significance of Yellowstone, Great Plains, and Columbia Plateau.

Governance and Policy: NTCA, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Protected Area Management.

International Relations: The beginning of the global conservation movement and its impact on India.

Potential Question Patterns in Exams:

"Which is India's first national park and when was it established?"

"When and where did Project Tiger start? Explain its objectives."

"What is the difference between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972?"

"Which is the world's first national park?"

Preparation Tips

Memorize the state-wise list of all 107 national parks in India.

Note down the dates and details of Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and other conservation programs.

Be clear on the legal differences between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mark the locations of major national parks on a map.

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