What are the national parks of the world. National parks of Europe. Kakadu National Park, Australia
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 shoot out jets 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, and birches are more common than others (mostly 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 - beautiful place rest of tourists. 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 national park Komodo, 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. The appearance of the lizard is in many ways reminiscent of 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, we will 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 the western slopes of the 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 rocky mountains 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 conservation 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 state Rwanda, on the southern slopes volcanic mountainsVirunga. 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, the highest heights here do not exceed 1200 m. 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 established in 1937. It covers an area of about 90 thousand hectares on the spurs of the Venezuelan Andes facing caribbean, absolute heights - 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 in 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 located directly 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.
Bali Barat is a national park in the northwest of the island of Bali, which received the status of a nature reserve in 1917. In 1941 it became an Indonesian national park.
On an area of 760 sq. km stretched tropical forests, jungles, dry savannahs, mangrove swamps, as well as acacia thickets and alpine forests. In the north of the park is the protruding Prapat Agung peninsula. It is surrounded by protected beaches and Coral reefs, as well as the small coastal island of Menjangan - popular destination for diving. There are several extinct volcanoes in the east. The highest of them are the mountains Patas (1,412 meters) and Merbuk (1,388 meters).
One hundred and sixty bird species have been recorded in the park, including the critically endangered Balinese starling. First of all, it was for him that the park was created. In 2001 there were only six individuals of this bird left in the world, and all of them were in this park.
The fauna is represented by deer, black monkeys, flying foxes, wild boars, macaques, squirrels, snakes, reef herons, black Indian cuckoos, etc.
90 percent of the territory is closed to the public, and only a few routes are accessible to tourists accompanied by official guides.
Most popular route, running through the tropical jungle - climbing Mount Gunung Klatakan. In addition to the amazing smell emanating from the many orchids, black monkeys, a hornbill and even flying foxes will decorate the path.
Equally popular are water routes that run along Gilimanuk Bay through the mangrove forests that line the coast. Here you can see a few graceful dark gray Pacific reef herons.
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 is a large number of glaciers with a total area of 283 sq. km.
Shulgan-Tash Nature Reserve
State nature reserve Shulgan-Tash 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 flora. 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 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 Kuznetsky Alatau State Reserve 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 of the 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. By size and mode of moisture mainland 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 the borders with the Tuapse region, 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 ridge. 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, occupies a national park of about 1345 sq. 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 about 10 million visitors a year, thanks in large part to its proximity to the major cities V northern England, making it one of the busiest national parks in the UK. Peak District is conventionally divided into the northern Dark Peak, where most the territory is occupied by swamps and to 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. Grand Canyon extends 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 volcano: 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
snow covered Mountain peaks 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, which are worth visiting to see the whole flavor of the African continent. Lions, African elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos live here.
Banff, Canada
This is Canada's oldest national park and is impressive for the wealthy. 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 is the highest point on our planet - Mount 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 facility world heritage UNESCO. The territory of the park is rich in spectacular waterfalls, rivers and swamps, and 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. calling card 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 sure to impress photographers
First National parks, protecting natural societies, appeared in the 16th century. However, the first National was discovered only at the end of the 19th century, in the USA. This one really high honor was awarded the unique Yellowstone Plateau, rich in geysers and hot mineral springs, where Yellowstone National Park was opened in 1872. In 1916, the United States created the Service national parks. Such US national parks as the Grand Canyon, Jasper, Olympic and others are now well known outside of North America.
The best reserves and national parks in the world
Since then, many national parks. The first national park in Europe was established in 1914 in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland. Then, in 1922, the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy was opened. First national park in France there was Vanoise, created in 1963. It borders the Italian Gran Paradiso for 14 kilometers. There are seven national parks in France, three of which are located in the Alpine crescent that stretches from France to Austria. The alpine crescent also contains other famous national parks of the world: Berchtesgaden in Germany, Hohe Tauern in Austria, Stelvio in Italy and Triglav in Slovenia.
Yellowstone - US national park
Yellowstone National Park- probably the most world famous national park. It is located on the border of the US states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park, founded on March 1, 1872, is famous for its numerous geysers, and Yellowstone Lake - one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America - is located in the crater of the largest supervolcano on the continent. Therefore, most of the park is covered with solidified lava.
There are almost 3,000 geysers in Yellowstone, which is two-thirds of all geysers in the world. Here is the world's largest geyser Steamboat, as well as one of the most famous geysers in the world - a geyser Old campaigner. The latter throws jets of hot water to a height of more than forty meters, and the interval between eruptions is from 45 to 125 minutes. Besides Yellowstone, there are only four geyser fields- Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka, as well as fields in Iceland, Chile and New Zealand.
In addition to geysers, the park has about ten thousand different geothermal sources, including hot and hydrogen sulfide springs and mud volcanoes. Half of all geothermal sources in the world are concentrated in Yellowstone. In addition, about two thousand species of plants grow here, there are several hundred species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Name " Plitvice lakes” was first recorded in 1777, in 1949 the lakes received the status national park, and 30 years later were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the territory of the park there are 16 large karst lakes, 140 waterfalls, 20 caves. Moreover, Plitvice Lakes is one of the few national parks world where new waterfalls are born every year. A characteristic feature of the park is the color of the water. Pictures of the lakes look like a photomontage, but the water here is really azure. You can admire it from wooden decks, the total length of which reaches 18 km.
The park also has hiking trails, a walk along the shortest of which takes two hours, and along the longest - eight. A boat also runs on the lakes, and mountain roads can be viewed using an electric train with observation cars. It is strictly forbidden to swim in the lakes of the park, as well as to have picnics, make fires, and bring dogs. In addition, a unique beech and coniferous forest preserved from ancient times and has the ability to self-repair.
Snowdonia, UK
Snowdonia National Park, located in the north of Wales, was created 60 years ago and became one of the first three national parks in England and Wales. The park owes its name to Mount Snowdon (1085 m), which is the highest point in Wales.
Unlike reserves in other countries, Snowdonia, like other national parks in the world, includes both public and private lands. Moreover, about 26 thousand people live in the park, while about 6 million tourists visit it annually. Snowdonia has 2,381 km of open hiking trails, 264 km of trails for walkers and horseback riders and 74 km of other trails. open roads. Moreover, Mount Snowdon can be reached both along a picturesque hiking trail 13 km long and by funicular. At the same time, the routes of several historical railways pass through the park.
Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon is one of the most deep canyons in the world is located on the Colorado Plateau, in US state Arizona. Its length is 446 km, and the depth reaches 1600 m. The canyon was cut by the Colorado River in the thickness of limestone, shale and sandstone about 5-6 million years ago. These arguably the most complete geological outcrops in the world represent the history of the Earth over 1.5 billion years. Moreover, the canyon continues to grow today.
Approximately 2 million people visit the Grand Canyon Reserve every year, with the most popular among tourists being rafting down the Colorado on inflatable rafts. The climate on the plateau and at the bottom of the canyon differs sharply - when it is about fifteen degrees of heat above, at the bottom of the gorge, among the red-hot stones, the temperature rises to plus forty. Therefore, most tourists prefer to admire the canyon from observation platforms located on its banks. Indeed, in order to descend to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, it will take more than one hour.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is famous for the huge number of animals living in this area. According to scientists, about five hundred species of birds and three million large animals live here. Moreover, a significant part of the animals (wildbeests and zebras) annually migrate from the north of the park, where drought sets in, to the south. With the onset of the rainy season in April-June, animals migrate to the west and north. In addition, the largest population of lions on the planet of all the national parks in the world lives here. The Serengeti is also home to thousands of elephants, gazelles, hyenas, hippos and rhinos. And the name of the park in the Masai language means “endless plains”, because most of the territory of the Serengeti is an endless savannah.
Fiordland, New Zealand
Fiordland National Park- the largest in New Zealand, it occupies most of the mountainous southwestern part of the South Island. Here are the deepest lakes in New Zealand, and the mountains in this part of the island reach a height of 2746 meters. Fiordland is still one of the most inaccessible areas of New Zealand. In addition to picturesque fjords, waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers, the park is famous for its rich flora and fauna.
Rare species of birds live in dense forests, for example, cockatoo parrots. During a visit to Fiordland, you can see a bottlenose dolphin or penguins. One of the most popular places in the park is Milford Sound, which the famous writer Rudyard Kipling called "the eighth wonder of the world." The bay, about 16 km long, is surrounded majestic mountains over a kilometer high. Moreover, this is one of the wettest places on the planet: only every third day is not marked by rain.
Iguazu, Argentina-Brazil
Name Iguazu Falls comes from the Guarani words y (water) and guasu (large). Legend has it that God wanted to marry a beautiful Aboriginal woman, but she ran away with her lover in a canoe. In anger, God cut the river, creating waterfalls, dooming the lovers to an eternal fall.
Today, a complex of 270 waterfalls has formed on the Iguazu River. Par is located on the border of the Brazilian state of Parana and the Argentinean province of Misiones. The border between the countries is marked by the Devil's Throat waterfall, which is 150 m wide and 7000 m long. This is the largest waterfall of the complex. The height of the water fall on Igausa reaches 82 meters, but on most waterfalls it does not exceed 60 meters. You can see the waterfalls thanks to the bridges, the total length of which is about 2 km.
Banff National Park, Canada
The oldest banff national park canada was founded in 1885. Two trans-Canada highways pass through the southern part of the park - the railway and the highway. Just when laying railway in 1883, hot springs were accidentally discovered in caves on the eastern slopes of the mountains. Two years later, these places were recognized as unique and taken under protection.
The park was named rocky mountain park” and became the first national park in Canada and the second created in North America, after Yellowstone National Park. Today it is one of the most visited national parks in the world. After all, here you can find everything that is associated with Canada: landscapes of extraordinary beauty and the smell of fir trees. There are glaciers, hot springs, hiking trails, ski slopes. The center of the park is the highest settlement in Canada, the city of Banff, located at an altitude of 1463 m above sea level.
Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park located in southern Chile, in Patagonia. The name of the park, translated from the language of the Araucan Indians, means "Blue Towers". It is the three needle-like granite mountains, whose height ranges from 2600 to 2850 m, that have become the symbol of the national park. The most high point Torres del Peine is the mountain of Paine Grande, whose height is 3,050 m.
There are two trails in the park. One of them takes 4 days, the second - about a week. At the same time, the park is one of the most visited tourist sites in Chile. After all, there are glaciers, high mountains, lakes, forests, many animals and birds live here, and even orchids can be found among the flowers.
Tatras, Poland-Slovakia
Two Tatra National Parks - one in Poland, the other in Slovakia - have common border 64 km long. This is the most high part Carpathians, the length of which is approximately 60 km. These mountains were formed by glaciers, so there are many U-shaped valleys in the Tatras, mountain lakes with incredible clean water. Green areas and bare rocks occupy more than a quarter of the national park.
The flora of the Tatras is made up of more than a thousand species of plants, and the chamois can be called a living symbol of the park. This is a small animal from the subfamily of goats weighing 30-35 kg, covered with thick hair. Despite conservation efforts, these animals are still on the verge of extinction. There are also deer, wild boars, roe deer, and also wolves, bears and lynxes in the park. Due to its diverse relief, the Tatras are a favorite vacation spot for skiers.
As you can guess from the title, national park Snowdonia is located in the Snowdon Mountains. Opens from 3560 feet scenic view to the park. Lakes and rivers are set against a backdrop of trees and rocks, making the park an ideal place to relax and take photos. Within the boundaries of Snowdonia, visitors can also admire ancient castles. History is the realm of legends and legends, which makes the park even more fascinating place for visiting. Sleep music is easy and relaxing to listen to
Grand Canyon, USA
For hundreds of years, the Colorado River has carved this amazingly complex Grand Canyon. Every year tourists flock to this place to admire its beauty, take a trip to the bottom of the canyon and set up camp. The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world and has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The territory of the Grand Canyon extends over more than 1,200,000 acres.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
One of the biggest national parks in the world, Kruger Park covers millions of acres of land. It is home to a huge number of African animal species, including elephants, giraffes and many more. You can watch these animals from observation towers scattered throughout the park. The Kruger National Park also offers 9 different routes, including at night.
Deosai, Pakistan
Every spring, thousands of flowers and butterflies begin to bloom in Deosai National Park, forming a living carpet, and this riot of colors makes this place fabulously beautiful. Of course, it is advisable to visit the park in the spring, although it is beautiful all year round.
Kakadu National Park, Australia
The Australian Government and Indigenous People are working together to take care of this beautiful national park Cockatoo. The park is a World Heritage Site and its breathtaking views attract tourists all year round. One of the park's most interesting attractions is the Aboriginal rock art that can be found in the area. It is also home to a range of animals, including the saltwater crocodile.
Hortobagy, Hungary
Hortobagy became the first national park in Hungary. It was declared as a national park in 1973. In 1999, the park was included in the list of World Heritage Sites. Home to wild horses and a range of endangered birds, Hortobagy Park is home to over 342 bird species and is a true birdwatcher's paradise.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
This area of Croatia is ideal for relaxing and hiking. Mountain landscape with lakes and streams. The uniqueness of the reservoirs of this park is that the water contains travertine. This gives the water perfect transparency as well as a very bright blue-green hue.
Madain Saley National Historical Park, Saudi Arabia
While many parks are densely vegetated, Madain Salei is almost entirely desert and rocky. The amazing oases and attractions of the park will blow your mind. The ancient burial ground in the park is also beautiful. Over 125 graves and facades were carved into the rock sometime between 500 BC. and 100 AD. They are still in excellent condition and are certainly worth a visit if you visit the area.
Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
Here you can admire Everest, as well as the mountains adjacent to it, monasteries and villages. national park serves as a home for mountain goats, which are perfectly balanced, climbing dangerous sheer cliffs.
Iguazu National Park, Argentina and Brazil
national park Iguazu is located in Argentina and Brazil. Iguazu Falls is actually made up of hundreds of waterfalls in a circle of curved rock. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including howler monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, and caimans.
