Beautiful national parks of the world. Reserve of France Port-Cros. Chagos Naval Reserve

Today there is a large number of nature reserves and parks, where everyone has the opportunity to admire untouched nature. As well as rare plants and animals.

We present to your attention the 10 most unusual national park areas.

yellowstone

The park is one of the world's five geyser fields, but it is in nm that their main part is concentrated, including the largest geyser called "Steamboat". Streams of its hot water break out to a height that exceeds 40 meters. In addition, half of the world's geothermal sources. Here you can meet more than 2,000 diverse representatives of the flora and hundreds of species of rare animals, including the puma and the grizzly bear. It is not surprising that this international reserve is under the protection of UNESCO.

The park is well suited for visiting tourists. They have hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, several motorized roads, campsites, museums, hotels and shops.

Cockatoo

Insect lovers will not remain indifferent to their diversity. Fans of animals, birds and reptiles will also have a lot of fun - because the cockatoo is rich in a huge number of rare fauna.

Due to the fact that the reserve is surrounded by high rocky mountains, favorable natural conditions are preserved here. A huge area: 2000 m long and 1000 m wide allows all the inhabitants of the park to feel as comfortable as possible.

Galapagos Islands

Since 1990, the park has become an official whale and shark sanctuary. It is here that you can watch these marine inhabitants in natural conditions their habitats. The islands are home to eight hundred different types of molluscs, more than 140 of which are unique and found nowhere else. This applies to 17% of all existing species Galapagos fish, as well as up to 13 species of finches that live only on the archipelago. Visitors to the reserve can also see the only flightless cormorant on the planet.

Serengeti

The main outstanding feature of the Serengeti is its unusual and richest world animals. The largest population of lions in the world lives here, as well as more than 500 species of birds and about ‎3 million representatives of a large fauna. Antelopes, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, giraffes - this is not a complete list of animals that can be observed at arm's length.

Due to the vast territory, animals have the opportunity of natural annual migration, fleeing from drought.

Plitvice lakes

Color is added by more than 100 waterfalls, the number of which is growing every year, and twenty natural caves.

On the territory of the reserve you can walk only on foot, it is forbidden to travel by transport here.

Komodo

In addition, Komodo is rich in rare species of fish, as well as unusual coral reefs. No wonder divers from all over the world seek to admire the beauty of this place.

The territory of the reserve, included in the UNESCO heritage, includes a water plateau and three large islands, surrounded by countless small islands.

Canaima

The peculiarity of the reserve is its complete isolation from civilization due to high mountains. Only a few footpaths connect it with the outside world. It is not possible to get to the park by car. You have to use a boat, an airplane, or your feet. But on the territory you will be met by equipped comfortable hotels that offer luxurious relaxation after long excursions.

Canaima is home to Angel Falls, the highest in the world. Another interesting feature is the Pemon Indians who live on the territory of the reserve.

All this allowed UNESCO to include Canaima among the world heritage sites.

fiordland

There are mountains with a height of more than 27 km, deep lakes, fast-flowing rivers and huge waterfalls. And the inflow of the park called Milford Sound, which stretches for 16 km, according to the writer Kipling, is the eighth wonder of the world.

Fiordland is rich in rare species of fauna and flora. Here you can meet the bottlenose dolphin and the cockatoo parrot.

banff

In the center of the park at an altitude of about 14 km is the city of Banff, which is the highest locality Canada. Every year thousands of tourists come here to admire the beauty of nature, glaciers, high mountains and coniferous forests.

Grand Canyon

Of course, it is simply impossible to list all the extraordinary parks of our planet. However, even visiting several of them makes it possible to feel all the beauty and power wildlife, and understand how much this beauty requires our protection.

National (natural) park— a protected area of ​​the territory (water area) with intact natural complex, often with unique objects (waterfalls, canyons, picturesque landscapes, etc.). Combines the protection of landscapes with the admission of visitors for recreation. Given that their purpose is mass tourism, natural parks have a significant area.

Currently, there are more than a thousand national parks in the world.

Greenlandic

The largest national park in the world - Greenlandic- located in the northeast of the island of Greenland. Its area is about 70 million hectares. This only park in Greenland is also the northernmost of all the national parks in the world. The park is home to 40% of the world population of musk musk oxen. Among the protected animals there are also polar bear, walrus, arctic fox, ermine, lemming, arctic hare, different types seals, seals, narwhals, whales, etc. Reindeer disappeared from the park back in 1990. Wolves often visit the park.

yellowstone national park

The world's first national park was opened in 1872 in the USA. It was Yemouston National Park located on the Yellowstone Plateau. The area of ​​the park is 898.3 thousand hectares. This is one of the oldest parks in the world. First of all, it is famous for its hot springs. Geysers throw jets of hot water and steam to a height of up to 90 m. Eruptions occur regularly at regular intervals. The water of geysers and hot springs, rich in calcium and silicon, forms bizarre sinter terraces rising to a considerable height.

1870 plant species grow in the park, of which eight species are conifers. 80% of all forest areas are occupied by lodgepole pine. Of the deciduous trees, aspens, willows, birches are more common than others ( for the most part in the undergrowth). Of the flowering plants of the park, sand-loving abronia, or Yellowstone sand verbena, should be noted. This plant is found in the wild only within the boundaries of the park. About 60 species of mammals are found in the park, including rare ones: wolf, lynx, grizzly bear, American bison, black bear (baribal), wapiti deer, elk, black-tailed deer, mountain goat, pronghorn, bighorn, cougar, etc.

Yellowstone National Park is a great tourist destination. It receives up to 3 million visitors a year. All conditions are created for them, various excursions and routes are organized. But areas of untouched nature are still preserved. They have no roads and access is severely restricted. The park is considered a biosphere protected area. Thanks to the Yellowstone National Park, it was possible to preserve and restore the bison population.

Komodo

One of the most interesting national parks in the world Komodo National Park, which is located on several islands that are part of the Lesser Sunda Islands archipelago (Indonesia). The world's only population of the world's largest lizard, Komodo dragons (lizards), lives here. They are covered with strong scales and have a fairly long tail. Komodo dragons have five toes on their feet. According to some reports, it was these lizards that became the prototype of dragons, about which Chinese sailors made up legends.

The national park currently functions as a strict biosphere reserve. The habitat of the monitor lizard is also fully protected.

The world learned about the existence of this huge lizard in 1912, when one of the European pilots made a forced landing and told in his homeland about what he saw. The Indonesian monitor lizard really makes a frightening impression: length - about 3.5 m, weight - up to 150 kg, a huge mouth with many teeth. Appearance Lizards in many ways resemble extinct dinosaurs. Varan is a predator. It hunts wild deer and pigs, runs fast and swims well, is extremely voracious, easily eats 6 kg of meat at one time. The animal is undeniably unique, having no analogues in the world.

Serengeti

In the zone African savannah enjoys particular fame Serengeti national park in Tanzania. He owes this to the famous biologist, ecologist, writer, documentary filmmaker Bernhard Grzimek(1907-1986). B. Grzimek wrote about the Serengeti: “Tourists are attracted to Africa only by virgin nature with its wild animals. If the wild fauna disappears here, as happened almost everywhere, then there will be no reason for tourists to come here.” The Serengeti is characterized by huge herds of various ungulates. Wildebeest graze along with zebras, gazelles and giraffes in the vast savannah, and Cairo buffaloes are found in dense thickets. All these animals are characterized by mass movements (migrations) following the front of rains during the year. Predators also roam behind herds of ungulates. The number of ungulates currently within the park is estimated at hundreds of thousands of individuals, there are several thousand elephants, hundreds of lions, hippos, rhinos.

swiss national park

In Europe, the first national park was created in the canton of Graubünden. It bears the name Swiss national park. The park was founded on August 1, 1914 on an area of ​​172.4 km2. It includes the territory of the Alps at an altitude between 1400-3174 m above sea level on the border with Austria and Italy. The park is famous for its unique and diverse flora and fauna, as well as nature completely untouched by man. The predominant landscapes are mountain coniferous forests and alpine meadows. Roe deer and chamois live here, less often - alpine mountain goat and fox; there are also deer, marmots, ptarmigan, capercaillie and several species of birds of prey.

Corbett

Corbett- the oldest national park India, it was founded during the British colonial rule in 1935 and occupies about 52 thousand hectares in the valley of the Ramganta River, flowing from the southern slopes Himalayas. The hilly plain of the park (altitude from 400 to 900 m) is covered with forests. During the wet monsoon, vast reservoirs often form in the valley, overgrown with aquatic vegetation. This is the habitat of the giant gharial, or swamp crocodile. The crocodile family lives on Earth for about 150 million years. For many years, these reptiles were actively exterminated in order to obtain valuable skin. Now crocodiles are bred for industrial needs in special nurseries, and in nature they are almost universally protected.

The main object of protection in the national park - tiger. The number of tigers in India in the 1930s-1950s. sharply reduced due to uncontrolled shooting by both colonizers and local poachers. Back in the 1960s. The government of India launched a large-scale operation "Tiger", aimed at preserving and restoring the number of this animal. The main events were held just in Korbstt Park. Now the number of tigers is close to optimal.

The park is also home to several species of Asian deer, a sloth bear, and more than 400 species of birds. For a long time, the park was little visited by tourists due to the difficult transport accessibility.

In the late 1970s A modern highway has been laid from the capital of India, Delhi, and the park is visited by thousands of tourists from around the world.

Central Kalahari Reserve

In the desert zone, let's call the Central Kalahari Reserve in South Africa. It was founded in 1957. Its area is 5 million hectares. Unlike national parks, which can be visited by tourists, only scientists are allowed to stay in the reserves. In the Central Kalahari Reserve, local tribes of Bushmen live, who lead their traditional economy. The main object of protection in the reserve is unique plant- velvichia.

Velvichia has a thick tree trunk 30 cm long and looks like a giant flower with huge petals, which are actually the leaves of this plant. In the hot desert, where water is life, velvichia absorbs moisture from the air with its huge leaves, collects dew, “drinks” fog.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park was created in USA in 1890, has an area of ​​​​more than 300 thousand hectares, located on western slopes mountains Sierra Nevada. Mountain peaks rise here by almost 4 thousand meters. mountain rivers oh so many waterfalls. With an abundance of precipitation, ancient dark coniferous forests consist of many species of spruce, pine, and fir. More than 250 species of typical taiga mammals and birds are represented. But the main glory of the national park was brought by the preserved areas of the giant sequoia. Individual trees of this species, which are several thousand years old, reach a height of 150 m with a trunk diameter of 10 m. Sequoia wood is reddish in color, very light, but at the same time hard, durable, and slightly susceptible to decay. It is believed that in the Tertiary period, the sequoia was widespread throughout the Earth, but now, after many years of predatory extermination, areas of virgin forests are very rare and strictly protected. In botanical gardens, it is found almost all over the world.

Banff and Jasper

On South Canadian Rockies there are two large national parks banff And Jasper. Banff Park, with an area of ​​​​about 700 thousand hectares, was created in 1885. To the north of it begins Jasper Park (area of ​​\u200b\u200bmore than 1 million hectares), founded in 1907. The height of the Rocky Mountains within the parks reaches 3700 m. mountain taiga. Glaciers, snowfields, frequent waterfalls and hot springs (began to be used for bathing in the 19th century) are found in the strongly dissected Skatisty mountains.

The coniferous forests are dominated by mountain spruce, maritime pine, Douglas fir (up to 45 m high). Of the large animals of the mountain forests, deer, black bears, black-tailed deer, mountain sheep, and many birds are common.

One of the most unusual animals of the Rocky Mountains is the bighorn goat, found only here. This is an animal with a thick long white six, similar to a domestic goat. Lives in the alpine zone, rarely descending into the forests. Well adapted to life in the mountains, capable of jumping 6-7 m on barely noticeable mountain ledges. The animal is very rare, now work is underway to increase its number, in the future - domestication. Both national parks are biosphere reserves and successfully combine wildlife protection with tourism.

Virunga

Almost in the very center of Africa, right on the equator, is located Virunga National Park. It was established in 1915, covers an area of ​​more than 20 thousand hectares and is located in the northwest of a small African stateRwanda, on the southern slopes of the volcanic mountains Virunga. Several cones of extinct volcanoes up to 4500 m high rise in the park. Virunga is located just south of the equator, and humid equatorial and mountain forests and shrubs predominate in its landscapes. The main object of protection is the mountain gorilla - the largest anthropoid ape.

Blue Mountains Park

Northwest of Sydney, on a mountain plateau dissected by deep gorges, one of the largest national parks in the southeastern Australia - Blue Mountains National Park("Blue Mountains") with an area of ​​200 thousand hectares. It was created in 1959. The Blue Mountains are part of the Great Dividing Range, greatest heights here they do not exceed 1200 m. In some places, tower-shaped columnar sandstone remnants have been preserved; waterfalls are not uncommon on small rivers. Along the river valleys there are dense forests of blue eucalyptus, acacia, mint, and tree ferns.

Platypuses, possums, giant gray kangaroos are preserved here, among the birds - Wong's dove, lyrebird, fantails, yellow flycatcher. It should be noted that the flora and fauna of Australia is not rich, but very peculiar: 9/10 of the flora and fauna of the mainland cannot be found in any other area. the globe. It is this peculiarity that causes big interest scientists and requires the most stringent protection measures. The Blue Mountains Park managed to do it. There are many places left inaccessible, completely untouched, where no tourist has ever set foot.

rancho grande

rancho grande- the first national park Venezuela- was created in 1937. It covers an area of ​​​​about 90 thousand hectares on the spurs of the Venezuelan Andes facing the Caribbean Sea, absolute heights are up to 2500 m. The altitudinal zonality is well represented here with an abundance of various rainforest. High humidity (about 1700 mm of precipitation per year) determines the richness of the fauna, especially dwarf palms, orchids, ferns, lianas. The national park is famous for its rare birds: more than 30 species of hummingbirds (the weight of the largest individuals of these tiny birds does not exceed 5 g), parrots, guajaro ( rare bird families of nightjars, usually nest in deep caves numerous colonies, active at night). The largest venomous snake on Earth is found here - a giant rattlesnake, reaching 3.5 m in length. Among mammals, peccaries, sloths, capuchin monkeys (so named for the black crest on their head), raccoons, jaguars are common.

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator in the Pacific Ocean, west of South America and belong to the state Ecuador. All islands with a total area of ​​approx. 10 thousand hectares were declared a national park in 1934. The archipelago has about 15 volcanic islands, of which five are large, the highest points of which rise to a height of 1700 m. Volcanic activity continues to this day. The islands are washed by a cold current, and the water and air temperature here is relatively low for the equator + 21 ... + 25 ° С. Vegetation is poor: mainly cacti and thorny shrubs. Nevertheless, the Galapagos are extremely interesting for science, it was here that he began to conduct his research. Charles Darwin in 1835

There are many amazing animals on the islands: penguins, which came here from Antarctica thanks to the cold current; flightless cormorants, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lion.

Galapagos tortoises - huge animals with a shell length of up to 1.5 m and a mass of 200 kg - were predatoryly exterminated by humans because of their tasty and nutritious meat. Now turtles are taken under protection, their number is increasing.

The marine iguana is the only species of lizard whose entire life is connected with a narrow coastal zone shallow water and a strip of coast. This large reptile, up to 1.5 m long, is an excellent swimmer, feeds on algae and more.

The Galapagos National Park has a strict regime: it is forbidden for tourists to visit the islands, any economic activity, the import of alien plants and animals. Since 1964, the International Biological Station has been operating here. Thus, the Galapagos Islands are more correctly considered a biosphere reserve.

There are so many on earth beautiful places where you really want and need to visit at least once! National parks can be called the pinnacle of the joint creativity of God and man: nature has created - but people have not spoiled and continue to protect these incredible beauty corners of the planet.

Of the hundreds of the most beautiful natural reserves in the world, it is perhaps impossible to choose the most-most. But we tried, took a chance - and in 2013 Holiday M presents 13 the most picturesque National Parks of the planet!

13. Tikal National Park national park), Guatemala

Tikal- the strongest Mayan city in Guatemala and one of the most mystical and mysterious places on earth.

Name Tikal in the Mayan language means "a place where the voices of spirits are heard." Indeed, to this day in one of the largest settlements Mayan, the capital of the Mutul kingdom, to this day the voices of the inhabitants who left the city at the end of the 10th century are heard.

The park is hidden deep in the jungle from prying eyes. The fantastic ruins of a Mayan settlement, which date back to around 250 - 900 AD, are full of unique architecture: ritual sites, temples, palaces, castles and various wild animals. By the way, it was the ruins of Tikal Park that were used as a backdrop, as the base of the rebels in Hollywood Star Wars.

12. Zhangjiajie National Park and Huanglong Yellow Dragon Cave (Yellow Dragon Scenic Area), China

Zhangjiajie- the oldest of the national parks in China and, perhaps, the most remarkable. Opened in 1982, ten years later it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Yellow Dragon Conservation Area is located in the northwest of Sichuan in the highlands. Huanglong Scenic Area is an ecosystem with waterfalls, hot springs, mountain gorges, blue lakes, virgin forests and snow on hilltops.

The protected area is famous for its high mountain ranges and unique caves. One of the most beautiful of them - unique cave Huanglong (Yellow Dragon Cave) in the Soshiiu Nature Reserve. A four-tiered cave 15 km long. included a lake, two rivers, 13 halls and about 96 galleries cluttered with stalactites and stalagmites of striking shapes and sizes. So one of them, with a diameter of 10 cm, reaches 19.2 m in height!

11. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Nothing can compare with the magnificence of the wild nature of Africa, and this is a vivid confirmation of this.

In 1884, Transvaal President Paul Kruger took the initiative to create a conservation area in the lowveld. And on May 31, 1926, on the basis of the Sabi and Shingwedzi hunting reserves, the Kruger Park was created, which became the first national park in South Africa. Hardly any other national park compares to Kruger Park for its pristine countryside, wildlife and vastness.

The Kruger National Park provides the best safari in the world. In one place you can see the largest mammals, a large number of birds and large predators.

The park is considered the most profitable national park in the world with about 1 million tourists visiting it every year.

As part of the Kruger to the Canyons Biosphere Reserve, formed in 2001, it is included in.

10. Lake Manyara National Park (Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

In the Great Rift Valley, in northern Tanzania, at an altitude of 950 m above sea level, around an unusually beautiful lakes Manyara, in the heart of the green forest, between the rocks is located National a park Manyara.

The park is located on northern Tanzania, an hour and a half drive west of Arusha.

Manyara Lake Reserve- picturesque gemstone in setting UNESCO: in 1981 the park was included in worldwide network biosphere reserves.

Despite the fact that Switzerland is known for its magical Alps, it has only one national park to offer tourists. But what!

It is located in the east of Switzerland, in the region of the Engadine valley, including the vast territory of the Alps.

The park is considered one of the oldest in Central Europe- It was created in 1914. In 1979 it was included in the list of biosphere reserves. UNESCO along with the adjacent Italian national park Stelvio.

The history of the park is interesting and instructive. By 1909, in the course of "industrialization", the resources of this forest and mineral rich territory were completely destroyed by man. Then, in 1914, it was decided to ban economic activity in this area and trace the ability of nature to self-healing, and no nature restoration activities were carried out in the park. However, now it is one of the most beautiful reserves in the world, which is visited by about 150 thousand people a year.

Mountain rivers, snowy peaks, picturesque valleys, rich flora and fauna beckon tourists to enjoy the beauties of alpine nature at its best...

8. Kakadu National Park, Australia

The uniqueness of this Australian natural wonder is given by the rocks and ledges surrounding it on all sides, protecting the park itself from the outside world and the outside world from it. In addition, since 1981, the park has also been under protection. UNESCO.

National Kakdu park is in Northern Territory Australia. He did not get his name in honor of everyone's favorite crested parrot. It is named after the Kakadu Aboriginal tribe that lives here to this day. In addition to an abundance of plants, insects, reptiles, birds, animals and fish, Kakadu National Park also contains two caves, the walls of which are decorated with ancient rock art dating back to about the 16th millennium BC.

snowdonia national park was established in 1951 and became one of the first three national parks of England and Wales. In just over 60 years, Snowdonia has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world!

6. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Australia

Not far from Uluru is the rocky formation of Kata Tjuta (which means "many heads"). And together they are one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world, the symbol and heart of Australia.

In 1987 Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was included in UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1995 he received Picasso's gold medal - the highest award of UNESCO,for the preservation of the nature and culture of the Anangu aborigines. Today, many of them work in the park as guides and tour guides for tourist groups.

5. Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, Peru

The secrets of the mystical Inca Empire excite the minds of historians, explorers and adventurers from all over the world. Machu-Picchu, especially after receiving the status UNESCO World Heritage became a center of mass tourism - per day this ancient city is visited by 2000 tourists!

Machu Picchu is sometimes referred to as "the city in the sky" or "the city among the clouds", but more commonly as the "lost city of the Incas". The majestic Machu Picchu is located in remote places of the mountainous regions of Peru: at an altitude of 2430 m above sea level, in the middle of a tropical forest. To support tourism, a railway was built from Cusco to neighboring city Aguas Calientes. Through Ollantaytambo, along the most picturesque route, there are more than ten trains a day.

More about one of the New Wonders of the World - historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, you can find out

(Everglades National Park), Florida, USA

"There are no majestic peaks rushing to the sky, no mighty glaciers or seething streams ... This place has a special serene beauty ... thanks to the richness of the local nature, we can see here the richness of the flora and fauna that distinguishes this corner of nature from all others in our country." - said President Harry Truman at the ceremony in honor of the opening of the park. And in 1979 the organizing committee UNESCO supported his words by adding Everglades to the list objects World heritage.

3. (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park), California, USA

Anza-Borrego is a huge nature reserve, the most large park in the state of California.

during the gold rush of 1849. tens of thousands of gold miners passed through the Anza-Borrego desert. Today, the flowering desert delights visitors with virgin nature, where you can get acquainted with the unique ecology, its steep gorges and barren, eroded, rugged terrain.

Every year, in March-April, thousands of tourists come here to look at the miraculous transformation of a lifeless desert into a blooming paradise.
Read more

2. Iguazu National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Iguazú), South America

National a parkIguazu is located in the ecological region "Atlantic Forests of Parana" and invariably delights tourists with an incredible variety of flora and fauna. But the main task of the park created in 1934 was and remains the preservation of one of the most beautiful places South America - waterfalls on the Iguazu River, surrounded by subtropical jungle.

Iguaçu in the Tupi Guarani language means big water. The park partially contains one of natural monuments South America and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world - Iguazu Falls.

waterfalls are on the border Argentine and Brazilian national parks « Iguazu". Both parks were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 and 1986, respectively.

), Arizona, USA

The most grandiose, and, perhaps, one of the most interesting and unique corners of the Earth - US national parkGrand Canyon.

The park covers an area of ​​about 5 thousand square meters. km. was founded in 1908 to protect a unique natural formation - the gorge of the Colorado River, which is located in its middle course. Grand Canyon- one of the most unusual places on our planet, which represents as many as 4 geological eras of the Earth!

In fact, the Grand Canyon is neither the largest nor the deepest in the world - it is valued primarily for its harmonious combination of size, depth and multi-colored rock outcrops formed over millions of years of erosion and weathering.

Now it is one of the main tourist destinations in the United States - the grandiose scale of the canyon and its bizarre remnants of the most fantastic forms attract more than 2 million people annually to the Grand Canyon National Park. And of course it is one of the most amazing observation decks of the world !

Walks are especially popular among tourists. over the Grand Canyon by helicopter. During the fascinating three-hour excursion you will fly by helicopter above Grandee-Canyon, enjoying stunning landscapes and wonderful views.

Orangutan rehabilitation center in Borneo - a lesson in humanity for people

Prices for tours to the best National stamps of the world see

One of the best ways to observe living beings in their natural habitat without trying to manipulate or control their activities is through the creation of national parks. I bring to your attention the ten largest and most beautiful national parks in the world.

Rangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Area: 53,321 km²

Rangell St. Elias National Park is located in southern Alaska. This is the largest national park in the USA. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is included in the international biosphere reserve. Located in the park, Mount St. Elias is the second highest peak in Canada and the United States.

Air and Tenere National Reserve

Area: 77,360 km²

This protected area, located on the territory of the state of Niger, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The reserve can be conditionally divided into two halves. The eastern part of it is located in the Air Mountains, and the western part enters the desert region in the south of the central part of the Sahara - in the sandy plain of Tenere.

Limpopo Transboundary Park

Area: 99,800 km²

This reserve covers areas in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe and consists of 10 national parks and reserves, including Banine National Park and Kruger National Park. African elephants, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and many other animals live on the lands of the park.

Galapagos Marine Reserve

Area: 133,000 km²

The Galapagos Nature Reserve is the largest marine reserve among developing countries. The area is home to a variety of marine life including sharks, whales, turtles and rays. It was here that Charles Darwin conducted his research, which served as the basis for the creation of his evolutionary theory of the origin of species.

Big barrier reef national park

Area: 345,400 km²

National marine park The Great Barrier Reef is located on northeast coast Australia, in the Coral Sea. It was created to protect against the destruction of the largest accumulation of corals in the world, located here, and to protect exotic marine species animals.

Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument

Area: 360,000 km²

The reserve with the unpronounceable name Papahanaumokuakea is located on the territory Hawaiian archipelago and unites ten atolls and islets that make up its composition. The reserve is home to 7,000 various kinds, including for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

Phoenix Islands Conservation Area

Area: 408,250 km²

The Phoenix Islands Reserve is the largest and deepest marine reserve in the Pacific Ocean. It is located on the territory of the Republic of Kiribati, located on the islands of Micronesia and Polynesia. Rumor has it that the first female aviator, Amelia Earhart, crashed here on one of the islands during her round-the-world flight in 1937.

transboundary nature reserve Okawongo-Zambezi

Area: 444,000 km²

The protected area covers lands in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe on the African continent. This reserve includes several national parks, including Chobe National Park, Hwanga, the Okawongo Delta and Victoria Falls. The transboundary reserve was created to encourage tourism, as well as for the free migration of animals across borders.

Chagos Naval Reserve

Area: 545,000 km²

Chagos archipelago, British-owned located 500 kilometers from Maldives. It is the largest marine reserve in the world, its area exceeding the size of a country like France. One of the richest marine ecosystems is observed on the territory of the reserve. Here you can meet many amazing and rare animals.

Northeast Greenland National Park

Area: 972,000 km²

This reserve covers the entire northeastern part of Greenland and is the largest national park in the world. In terms of its area, it is more than 163 countries of the world (individually). Polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes, snowy owls, musk oxen and many other species have found shelter in it. Greenland National Park is also the northernmost national park in the world.

National parks of Russia

Kologrivsky forest

The reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Russian Plain. All rivers of the reserve are left tributaries of the Volga, the largest of which are Kostroma and Unzha. Quite extensive areas of the reserve are occupied by swamps and wetlands, which is primarily due to the flat relief. There are small forest rivers in the reserve and no large lakes and rivers, which provides a significant density of animals whose life is directly connected with water bodies - this is, first of all, the otter, mink, beaver.

Katun Biosphere Reserve

The territory of the Katunsky and Altaisky reserves is included in the list of the World Cultural and natural heritage UNESCO titled "Golden Mountains of Altai" (1998). Absolute heights Katunsky Reserve range from 1300 to 3280 m above sea level. On the territory there are 135 lakes with an area of ​​151,664 hectares or more. In the highlands there are a large number of glaciers, with a total area of ​​283 sq. km.

Shulgan-Tash Nature Reserve

Shulgan-Tash State Nature Reserve in Bashkortostan, which has federal status. Situated in the western foothills Southern Urals, in the mountain-forest belt, within the Burzyansky district. Total area - 225 sq. km. The rich landscape mosaic also determines the high diversity of the plant world. The relief is low-mountainous. Mixed broad-leaved and coniferous-broad-leaved forests occupy 92% of the territory.

Natural Museum-Reserve Divnogorie

The natural architectural and archaeological museum-reserve Divnogorye is located on the territory of Russia, in the Liskinsky district of the Voronezh region. The area of ​​the museum-reserve is more than 11 sq. km. From a geological point of view, the reserve is a Cretaceous deposit on the surface of the earth. The maximum height of the plateau above sea level reaches 181 meters, relative - 103 meters (the mouth of the Quiet Pine River at the confluence with the Don, which flows at the foot of the plateau, is located at an altitude of 78 m above sea level). Due to a rather significant difference in height between the plateau and the floodplain of the Don and Tikhaya Sosna rivers, its microclimate differs significantly from the surrounding floodplain lowland.

Kuznetsk Alatau

The State Reserve "Kuznetsk Alatau" is located in the south of Central Siberia, at its highest point - on the western slope of the ridge, at the intersection of Mezhdurechensky, Tisulsky and Novokuznetsky districts Kemerovo region. The Kuznetsky Alatau ridge itself extends over almost a third of the Kemerovo region. This ridge is a relief consisting of medium and high mountain ranges dissected by rivers.

Kedrovaya Pad

The Kedrovaya Pad nature reserve is located in the Khasansky district of Primorsky Krai, between west coast Amur Bay and the border with China, on the spurs of the East Manchurian mountain ranges Sukhorechensky and Gakkelevsky ridges, separating the basin of the Cedar River from the basins of the Barabashevka and Narva rivers flowing near the boundaries of the reserve.

Lazovsky Reserve

The Lazovsky Reserve is located on the southern spurs of the Sikhote-Alin, between the rivers Kievka and Chernaya. In terms of size and moisture regime, the mainland part of the territory of the Lazovsky Reserve, located northwest of the Zapovedny Ridge. Almost the entire territory of the reserve is divided between two independent drainage basins of the Kievka and Chernaya rivers, which flow into the Sea of ​​Japan. Rest numerous rivers and streams of different size, direction and nature are either tributaries of these rivers, or independently collect water from a narrow coastal strip, the average width of which is about 10 km, and flow directly into the Sea of ​​Japan.

Baikal-Lensky Reserve

The main part of the territory of the reserve is represented by taiga forests of various types. Fragments of ancient relic steppes have been preserved on the coast of Lake Baikal; 50 species of mammals and about 240 species of birds live. The reserve is also famous for the high number of bears. In addition, here you can meet such rare and interesting birds as the white-tailed eagle, black stork, hook-nosed scoter, ruddy shelduck, gray crane.

Sochi National Park

The national park is located in Greater Sochi: from borders with Tuapse district, between the mouths of the Shepsi and Magri rivers in the northwest to the borders with Abkhazia in the southeast and from the Black Sea coast to the watershed line of the Main Caucasian Range. Most of the territory of the park is occupied by mountains, dissected by river valleys. The foothill zone occupies a narrow strip along the Black Sea. About 40 rivers and streams of the Black Sea basin flow through the park.

Altai Reserve

The Altai Reserve is located in the mountains of Southern Siberia. This is the land of mountains and swift mountain rivers, the kingdom of giant trees and the country of ancient wild animals. A walk through the mountain-taiga landscapes of the reserve fascinates with its unpredictability. Vertical belts, steppe, forest, subalpine and alpine, replacing each other when climbing the mountains, hide their secrets. Even the forests in the reserve are different. In the north, almost only fir trees grow, to the south - cedars, in the south - deciduous species.

UK national parks

Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons is located on a mountain range in South Wales, it occupies a national park of about 1345 square meters. km, in the park is the highest mountain in southern Britain. Brecon Beacons is translated as "Brecon Beacons", the name comes from ancient times, when people signaled to each other about the approach of enemies with the help of fires lit on the tops of the mountains.

Norfolk Broads

Broads National Park covers the county of Norfolk and Suffolk. This is a vast, protected wetland area in the UK and is home to some of the UK's rarest plants and animals. This is the third largest park in the UK, which occupies vast expanses of water. The park includes seven main rivers and 63 remains of medieval peat excavations.

Dartmoor

The beautiful expanses of the Dartmoor swamps in Devon occupy huge area Great Britain. Dartmoor contains the largest concentration of British Bronze Age artefacts, with many ancient stones and other monuments.

Cairngorms

The largest British national park, with an area of ​​4528 sq. km. On the territory there is a high and massive mountain range, four of the five highest mountains in Scotland are located within the park, there are 55 peaks over 900 m high. In general, the Cairngorms occupies about six percent of Scotland.

Lake District

The Lake District, often compared to the sea, the park is located in a mountainous region in the county of Cumbria, in the north-west of England. The entire territory of England with a height of more than three thousand meters above sea level is located on the territory of the National Park, including Scafell, the highest mountain in England. There are also deep and long lakes England.

The Trossachs and Loch Lomond

This park in the west of Scotland is located in the district of Loch Lomond, which is the largest reserve fresh water in the UK mainland. On the territory of the park there are 21 peaks, more than 1000 meters high and 19 peaks, more than 2500 meters high, as well as two forest parks - Queen Elizabeth and Argyle.

Peak District

The oldest national park in the UK. It attracts around 10 million visitors a year, thanks in large part to its proximity to a number of major cities in northern England, making it one of the UK's busiest national parks. Peak District is conditionally divided into the northern Dark Peak, where most of the territory is occupied by swamps and the South Peak, where most of the territory is occupied by limestone rocks.

US national parks

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the iconic places in the United States of America. The Grand Canyon stretches for almost 450 km in length. It was formed as a result of the impact of the Colorado River over thousands of years. The National Park is famous for its picturesque desert landscapes.

Yellowstone, Wyoming

The first national park in the world, famous for its geysers, hot springs burst out of the ground, making a unique impression on the audience. The park is home to many wildlife including grizzly bears and moose.

Rocky Mountain, Montana

On the Canadian border is Rocky Mountain Park, which has about 130 lakes and is home to thousands of plant species and hundreds of animal species.

Everglades, Florida

Everglades Park is a network of wetlands and forests, the park is home to 36 protected animal species, including panthers and American crocodiles.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique geological structures that cut the sky with narrow peaks. The structures were formed as a result of weathering and erosion by the flow of sedimentary rocks.

Death Valley, California and Nevada border

Death Valley is the hottest and dry place V North America. Here you will find a harsh desert landscape that, despite everything, attracts many species of animals.

Denali, Alaska

Denali is located around the highest mountain in North America. The landscape of Denali is a mixture of forest, tundra, glaciers and rocks.

Hawaiian volcanoes

This dramatic landscape includes two active volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the most active in the world, and Mauna Loa.

Yosemite, California

Yosemite is famous for its attractive El Capitan and Half Dome cliffs. There are beautiful steep waterfalls and ancient sequoias.

Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

The underground park is huge cave, with an area of ​​1220 m, 191 m wide and 78 m high. Photographers here will be amazed by the beautiful limestone cave landscapes.

National parks of Europe

Saxon Switzerland, Germany

The park features extremely beautiful rocky landscapes and canyons. IN Saxon Switzerland ancient coniferous trees grow.

swiss national park

The Swiss National Park is the oldest park in the Alps and provides protection to many rare animals. Mountain goats, marmots and countless varieties of birds live here.

Teide, Tenerife, Spain

The Teide Volcanic Peak is the most visited national park in Spain. It is known for its surreal landscapes and amazing view to the surrounding Canary Islands.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

16 lakes amaze visitors who come to this Croatian national park. The shades of water in the lakes change from crystal green to deep blue.

Vatnajokull, Iceland

Europe's largest glacier is located in Vatnajökull National Park. The glacier occupies about 8% of the entire territory of the country.

Cevennes, France

Cévennes is located in the mountainous region of France. Here you will see picturesque mountain landscapes and gorges. There is a chain of cave systems in the park.

Olympus, Greece

Here is famous mountain Olympus, the highest mountain and the legendary home of the Greek gods. The park has rich history, culture and ecological diversity.

Abruzzo, Italy

On the territory of the Abruzzo Park there are huge granite peaks and beech forests. Brown bear, wild lynx, wolves and royal eagles live in this mountainous wilderness.

Tatras, Slovakia

The oldest national park in Slovakia covers 741 sq. km area. Pine and other coniferous trees grow here. There are many lakes in the park, and a wide variety of wild animals live here.

The Burren, Ireland

The Burren is the smallest of Ireland's six national parks. The area of ​​the park is only 15 sq. km, but there is something to see.

Goreme, Turkey

Turkey's National Park inspires photographers all over the world with its surreal landscapes, caves and oddly shaped hills.

National parks of the world

Fiordland, New Zealand

The snow-capped mountain peaks of the national park will inspire any photographer. Most of the plots of the film "The Lord of the Rings" were filmed here.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

This park is one of the best places to visit to see the full flavor of the African continent. Lions, African elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos live here.

Banff, Canada

This is Canada's oldest national park and impresses with rich mountain ranges, densely wooded regions, glaciers and ice fields. Banff is home to grizzly bears, moose and bighorn sheep.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The island's wildlife has evolved in isolation over millions of years, resulting in the park being home to unique animals and rare plant species.

Sagarmatha, Nepal

Most of the park is occupied by mountains, one of which highest point our planet - the top of Everest. The territory of the park strikes the imagination with rivers, glaciers and beautiful mountain landscapes.

Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park is home to the spectacular Andean peaks. Lakes, glaciers and mountain glades are presented to the attention of photographers. Here you can meet guanacos, cougars and rare birds.

Kakadu, Australia

Kakadu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park area is rich spectacular waterfalls, rivers and swamps, it is home to many wild animals, including saltwater crocodiles.

Iguazu, Argentina / Iguazu, Brazil

We are talking about two Iguazu parks at once, one of which is located in Brazil, and the second in Argentina. The hallmark of the parks is a chain of beautiful waterfalls surrounded by jungle. The huge variety of birds living around the Iguazu Falls impresses the attention of visitors.

Serengeti, Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park is famous for the annual wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migration that passes through the park.

Fuji Hakone Izu, Japan

The most popular national park in Japan includes views of the dormant Mount Fuji, located in the center of the park. fuji Hakone Izu shrouded in clouds in spring and summer.

Zhangjiajie, China

Unique and inimitable mountain landscapes open to the eyes of visitors to Zhangjiajie Park in China. The park contains tall sandstone pillars that have been formed as a result of years of erosion caused by the expansion of the ice.

Jim Corbett, India

The national park is named after a hunter who gave up his job to protect nature in order to save the Bengal tiger. It is the oldest national park in India and is home to Himalayan bears, leopards and elephants.

Canaima, Venezuela

The park will amaze you picturesque rocks and waterfalls, including Angel Falls, which is over one kilometer high.

Ao Phang Nga, Thailand

A distinctive feature of the park Ao Phang Nga are the highest cliffs that rest directly on the water. The combination of sea and mountain landscape is sure to impress photographers