Tanzania: national parks and reserves. Specially protected natural areas. Reserves and national parks of the world
Africa has the largest nature reserve in the world. It is called Kavango Zambezi. The complex is located on the borders of five Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The total area of the reserve exceeds 44 million hectares. The protected area united 36 nature reserves and the lands surrounding them. Almost half of all elephants in Africa, more than 600 species of various plants and about 300 species of birds live in Kawang Zambezi.
With the formation of such nature protection complexes as the transnational nature reserve of Africa, which is called Kavango Zambezi (KAZA for short), which are prone to migration (elephants and rhinos), feel completely safe in a vast area the size of Sweden.
Tourist paradise
This land is home to many world-famous attractions. For example, despite the fact that this African reserve was founded quite recently (2011), one of the main tasks that the five states set themselves was to create conditions for the free migration of all animal species. In addition, for these countries, nature reserves and Africa are the most important tourist sites. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to this unique transboundary reserve.
Animals
Undoubtedly, the main representatives of the animal world living in the complex are elephants. It’s probably hard to believe, but almost half of these giants live in the protected area from total number elephants of Africa. 600 species of plants grow in these vast territories. Many of them are unique. In the most picturesque areas of the region, 300 species of birds have found their homes.
South Africa is a land where the incongruous combines in an amazing way. Landscapes striking in their beauty are concentrated in the reserves and national parks of the country.
Kruger park
The cross-border territory, with an area of 20 thousand square kilometers, is located between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. An elephant and a lion, a buffalo and a rhinoceros, a leopard feel quite comfortable here.
Statistics confirm the uniqueness of these places. The area occupied by this African reserve can be compared with the territory of Wales. It represents countless picturesque meadows and pastures, coastal forests, which are home to about 150 species of mammals, including the largest population of rhinos.
A five-hour drive from South Africa's largest metropolis, Johannesburg, you can see the inhabitants of the wild and get an unforgettable experience. For example, in Kruger Park you can watch the fight between a lion and a crocodile.
The most fearless tourists can go on a guided tour, accompanied by armed guards. Reserves and National parks Africa is best visited in winter. At this time, the vegetation does not grow so rapidly and does not block the view. Animals can be seen at numerous water bodies, moreover, at this time the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.
Royal Natal
One of the most picturesque mountain ranges Africa - Drakensberg. The name translates as The sharp tops of the mountains here smoothly turn into green slopes, which are covered with bumps and bumps.
The Royal Natal National Park is located on a small area (2500 sq. Km), which is part of the Uqahlamba complex, a World Heritage Site. Regardless, the Drakensberg is one of the most famous rock formations on Earth.
Sedeberg Nature Reserve
This mountain range is located 200 km north of Cape Town. The Sedeberg Africa Reserve is made up of many sandstone hills, thick fynbos and the magnificent Mount Saint Roque. Excursion routes last from one hour to several days.
During such a walk, you can enjoy the wildlife of these places. You can climb the steep slopes to the picturesque hills - Wolfberg Arch or Tourists prefer to stay at the Sanddrief base. There is an observatory and a huge wine cellar. The best time to travel is from April to August. At this time, the weather for walking will be the best.
Mapungubwe
African national reserves amaze tourists with the beauty of pristine nature. Mapungubwe is no exception. It is located along the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, in the valley. In these places, giraffes and elephants, baboons and leopards leisurely stroll through the trees.
Mapungubwe is included in the World Heritage List and is of historical value, so if you are in Johannesburg, be sure to come here.
In ancient times, this territory was the center of the South African kingdom. In 1300 B.C. nine thousand people lived in these places. Archaeologists managed to discover hills with burials in which unique valuables were buried, for example, a golden figurine of a rhinoceros. It is better to come here in June-August.
Blyde River
The nature reserves and parks of Africa differ from each other in their natural landscape. This canyon deserves to be seen with your own eyes. It rises above the Blyde River, and it seems that it breaks down from the tops of the Drakensberg ridge with the luxurious crowns of thousands of beautiful trees.
Even more beautiful this place is made by green gentle slopes, above which rise hills of sandstone and limestone. The most famous of these is the Triple Rondavel rock, with its huge arches and semicircular peaks that resemble the roofs of rondavels (African houses).
It is better not to visit the nature reserves of Africa from January to March. At this time, traveling here is not very comfortable - moist air descends from the mountains, and there is a danger of contracting malaria.
Isimangaliso
This place seems to be created for lovers of ecotourism. The name of this wetland park means "miracle" in the Zulu language. Can't be more specific about this place. The national park covers an area of 3320 sq. km is an ecosystem of global importance. The territory of Isimangaliso is covered with lakes, marshy forests, coral reefs. This is the largest river delta on the continent and about 220 km of beaches located on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
The reserves of Africa are large and not very large, mostly prepared to meet tourists. For example, Isimangaliso Park has excellent conditions for diving and horseback riding. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can kayak and watch wildlife.
During one day in these places you can see a whale and a rhinoceros. This park, located 375 km from Durban, is especially good from June to October, when there is no exhausting heat, and the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.
Namakua
Not all nature reserves Africa can boast such unique vegetation as Namakuwaland, located along the coast of South Africa. It is often called the African garden, blooming in spring with a thousand colors. This is a true decoration of the arid continent. From the beginning of August to the end of September, this beauty can be seen with your own eyes.
The park is located near Cape Town. This true treasury has the richest flora. What is the flowering of daisies in this park - this is a bewitching sight.
Kgalgadi Transboundary Park
A "wild island" of land, located on the hot sands of the Kalahari Desert. Kgalgadi Park is located in the transboundary zone between Botswana and South Africa - it is the world's largest protected area. There are many animals here - lions and ostriches, leopards and cheetahs that survive in these arid lands.
Ktugalgadi Park is a great place to watch the big cats. However, care must be taken - at any moment you can find yourself with a lion on the same path.
table mountain
The national park, which has such a strange name, is located on the territory of the Cape Peninsula. From here you have a breathtaking view of Cape Town, the most Old city SOUTH AFRICA.
This park has many great opportunities to spend active rest. Here you will be offered to fly on a paraglider from the rock Lion's Head. You can go rock climbing on the highest slope of Table Mountain, take a walk along the picturesque paths. locals recommend climbing uphill through the meadows of the Kirstenbosch botanical garden.
Golden Gate
The Maluti Mountains are located 300 km northeast of the city of Bloemfontein. In the early morning here you can see herds of grazing antelope. The magnificent view of the mountains in the rays of the setting sun, when the slopes are covered with a golden color, gave the name to this park. Mount Brandwag is especially beautiful - it can be seen here from any point.
National (natural) park- a protected area of the territory (water area) with an 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.
There are currently more than a thousand national parks.
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. This 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 is occupied by a twisted coniferous pine. From deciduous trees aspens, willows, birches are found more often 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. There are about 60 species of mammals in the park, including rare ones: wolf, lynx, grizzly bear, american bison, black bear (baribal), wapiti deer, elk, black-tailed deer, bighorn 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 quite a 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 an emergency landing here and told about what he saw in his homeland. 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. prey on 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 it disappears here too wild fauna, as it 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 a 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 almost 4 thousand meters here. There are many waterfalls on mountain rivers. 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 surviving sites brought the main glory to the national park. 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.
IN coniferous forests mountain spruce, maritime pine, Douglas fir (up to 45 m high) predominate. 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 state Rwanda, on the southern slopes volcanic mountainsVirunga. Several cones of extinct volcanoes rise up to 4500 m high in the park. Virunga is located just south of the equator, and its landscapes are dominated by humid equatorial and mountain forests and shrubs. 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 of the globe. It is this uniqueness that is of great interest to 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. Altitude zonation is well represented here with an abundance of various tropical forests. 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 (a rare bird of the nightjar family, usually nesting in deep caves in numerous colonies, active at night). Here is the largest poisonous snake on Earth - 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 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 turtles, 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 associated with a narrow coastal zone of shallow water and a strip of coast. This large reptile, up to 1.5 m long, swims well, 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.
Tanzania is an amazing country full of diverse beauties. Kilimanjaro is also located here. The beauty of the aquatic and animal world of Tanzania is impressive. The natural wealth of the country is amazing.
National Parks in Tanzania
Tanzania is perfect unique country, it is rightly considered one of the most interesting places in the world in ecological terms. Imagine that in the territory of one state there are thirteen wildlife sanctuaries, twelve national parks, thirty-eight protected areas, as well as a large number of nature-saving places. Unique natural complexes brought great fame to the country, which made it one of the best in the world for eco-tourism. What is not here! Even the most sophisticated travelers will be amazed by the beauty of these places. Here you can go on a safari, visit ecological tours, fly in a hot air balloon over the savannah. And some reserves even allow trophy hunting.
It is impossible even to enumerate the number of artistic scientific films that have been filmed here throughout history. This is such an amazing state of Tanzania. The country's national parks are a great opportunity to plunge into see exotic animals in their natural habitat, admire natural beauties known throughout the world.
Kitulo Park
Kitulo National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. This place is also called God's garden. And this place got its name for a reason. Three hundred and fifty species of vascular plants grow in the reserve. Imagine that this place is one of the richest in the world in terms of vegetation.
It gained worldwide fame thanks to the huge flower fields that open during the rainy season. This is such a beautiful and impressive sight that it is simply impossible to convey in words. There are forty-five species of orchids alone here.
Walking in the park, on spacious meadows, you can see antelopes, goats.
Kitulo is by no means a safari park. This is more of a place for botanists and nature lovers. Here you can just walk and enjoy the beauty. You should definitely see the Big Ruaha River. People come to the national park to see numerous bird colonies. Here you can find a very rare African bustard, as well as a colony of endangered blue swallows and many other rare birds.
The national park was founded in 2005. More precisely, it functioned earlier, but then suspended its activities. Since this region is extremely interesting from a botanical point of view, in 2005 Kitulo started working again. It occupies 466 square kilometers. Tourists are most interested in the period from December to April. It is at this time that the peak of flowering plants occurs. Visitors are offered hiking with and without a guide, bird watching, mountain climbing.
Kilimanjaro National Park
The highest mountain in Africa is Kilimanjaro, its height reaches 5895 meters. It rises majestically above the savannah. Kilimanjaro has three peaks, two of which are extinct volcanoes, the third is partially active (Shiro, Mawenzi, Kibo). Over the past century, smoke from the crater has been observed here.
If desired, any tourist can climb the mountain and feel at the greatest peak. For such a trip, you do not need to have special climbing equipment - you only need warm clothes. Do not forget that the top of the mountain is always covered with snow. During the days of travel you will pass several climatic zones. And from the tropics you will find yourself in eternal cold.
For tourists, a special six-day route for climbing the mountain has been developed.
Animal world of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro National Park is listed world heritage. It was created in 1973. It is currently divided into seven zones. Only a part of them is intended for hiking. best time to visit the park - this is the period from December to February. The main purpose of the visit, of course, is to conquer the world famous summit. More than ten thousand people come here every year with such a mission.
The animals of Tanzania are very diverse. Kilimanjaro Park has no less rich world of fauna. There are lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, monkeys, lemurs, hyraxes and many others. No less diverse and rich is the world of birds. Eagles, buzzards, bearded lambs live on the territory of the reserve. There are a lot of insects here, which is associated with the conditions of the tropical climate.
Katavi Park
Katavi National Park is located in the west of the country. In the neighborhood with it are located the reserves of Lukvati, Rukva, Luafi and a large number forest reserves. All these territories of untouched lands are twenty-five thousand kilometers. Katavi is the third largest park in Tanzania. It was named after the legend of a local tribe.
To the west of Katavi is Lake Tanganyika, as well as the Mahali Mountains and Gombe Stream parks. On the south side - and the famous national parks Rauha and Kitulo.
The animals of Tanzania are very diverse and numerous, only in the territory of Katavi there are fifty varieties of medium and large mammals. There are over 20,000 zebras here alone. Giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, elephants also live. Of the predators, leopards, lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, hyenas, wild dogs live here.
Hippos are the most common in Katavi. At the end of the dry season, two hundred animals gather together in the pools. In general, all small water bodies during the drought period are occupied by elephants, hippos and crocodiles. In total, there are three large reservoirs on the territory. So, two of them are occupied by hippos, adjacent to storks and crocodiles.
Katavi is famous for the fact that tourists have the opportunity to see a huge number of wild animals in a small area. In the dry season, this is easiest to do, since all animals move closer to water bodies.
Katavi is one of the most beautiful places in all of Africa where you can get good shots of lion and crocodile hunting.
As for the flora, there are 226 species of trees in the park. There are forests, grassy fields, swamps and seasonal lakes. During the rainy season, the termite fields are flooded with water. These lands are the most fertile in the entire park. White acacias grow on the shore of Lake Katavi.
Study of primates
Gombe Stream is the smallest of all the national parks in Tanzania. It is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Its area is only fifty-two square kilometers.
The park became famous thanks to a primatologist who has been studying primates for more than forty-five years. Once there was no reserve here. And Dr. Goodall set up a little chimpanzee observation station in the wild. This project is still in operation.
Gombe Stream is small in size, but nevertheless its ecosystem is quite diverse. There are hills covered with dense tropical forests, valleys, woodlands, waterfalls, streams, bamboo groves. The plants of Tanzania are diverse in all regions of the country.
In addition to chimpanzees, other primates also live in the park: red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, baboons, red colobuses. Here you can meet antelopes, snakes, leopards and hippos.
Gombe Stream is famous for its birds. In such a small area, two hundred species of birds nest: paradise flycatcher, sparrow, screamer eagle, palm vulture, crowned eagle.
Tourists are attracted primarily by the large beaches of the reserve on Lake Tanganyika, excellent conditions for underwater swimming and hiking tours that allow you to watch wild animals.
Arusha park
What do you think Arusha National Park is famous for? Tanzania is generally famous for its nature reserves, each of which has its own unique flavor. Arusha is known for being densely populated with giraffes despite its small territory.
In addition, experienced travelers know that in many parks in Tanzania it is not even allowed to get out of the car during excursions, so as not to become, as they say, dinner for predators. But in Arusha, you can safely walk along special hiking trails and admire the animals.
In addition, more than four hundred species of birds nest here. White and black monkeys, baboons, elephants, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, leopards live. Elephants are very rare, but lions are not at all.
All dishes in local restaurants and cafes are prepared exclusively from goat meat and bananas, they are unsweetened here and taste like our potatoes.
On the territory of the park is the famous Mount Meru, which is the fifth highest point in Africa. Travelers will be surprised by the local nature. The plants of Tanzania are very diverse and unique, and here, in a small area of the park, sufficient species richness has gathered.
Mahali Mountains
Mahali Mountains is a national park of Tanzania, located in the west of the country. It is famous primarily for the fact that the largest population of chimpanzees lives on its territory. The creation of a national park in Tanzania took place in 1979. This event was preceded by attempts to organize a hunting reserve.
The reserve is located on the coast of Lake Tanganyika. It is the second in depth and width after the famous freshwater lake Baikal. Tanganyika - freshwater lake. However, its inhabitants are very similar to marine ones. This is due to the fact that the reservoir was formed in ancient times and never dried up, and therefore the fauna did not die, but only replenished with new varieties.
On the territory of the reserve is Mount Mahali. vegetable and animal world The park has not been fully described and studied. It is only known that eighty-two species of mammals and three hundred and fifty-five birds have been recorded on protected lands. It is believed that these data cover only eighty percent of the animals.
Fauna and are represented by a combination of three zones. So, for example, not only monkeys live in the forests, but also squirrels with wild boars. There are lions, giraffes, zebras in the savannah. And antelopes settled in the forests. The reptiles of the region are little studied, there are some that are completely new to scientific world. The fourth part of the reserve is covered with miombo forests.
Importance of nature reserves for Tanzania
What is known in the world of Tanzania? National parks are its main wealth. Currently, there are sixteen of them in the country. Think about it, this is an impressive number. The reserves have two main tasks. This is the protection of territories and the attraction of many tourists.
The National Park Project in Tanzania is playing huge role for the country. On the one hand, protected areas were created to preserve and increase natural resources, and on the other hand, there is a beneficial and non-detrimental use of flora and fauna due to tourism.
Currently, all parks protect the biodiversity of areas that are of significance to the World Heritage. Each of them is engaged in the restoration of disturbed biological balance in its territory. The creation of a national park in Tanzania was a solution to the vast problems caused by deforestation and the destruction of animals. Each protected area has its own specific tasks.
Tanzania, whose national parks have become a symbol of the country, gave forty-five thousand square kilometers of its territory for them. In total, together with all the reserves, the reserves occupy a third of the entire country.
Tourism for Tanzania is an extremely important source of income. A significant part of them goes to maintaining the same parks. In addition, these cash allow for Scientific research in the field of flora and fauna, so rich in this region.
The nature of the country is so diverse that there are still a large number of corners that the hands of scientists have not yet reached. Representatives of the animal and plant world have not been fully studied, their complete census has not even been carried out. So there is still a lot of exciting work and new research ahead.
Smart tourism policy
The National Park project in Tanzania has benefited not only the animal and plant world, but the country as a whole. Tourism draws attention to environmental issues from the world community, which is good for the environment.
The very presence of crowds of tourists scares off poachers, who are enough in this region. Even the fact that the reserves did not rush for quick enrichment at the expense of the tourism business is surprising. And it pleases. Many of them receive guests in a very dosed manner, which does not harm the environment at all.
What an amazing country Tanzania!
At the end of the 19th century global community came to the conclusion that if no measures are taken to protect the environment, then the earth may lose many species of flora and fauna. Our planet may lose most natural formations that have adorned the earth for centuries. The national park serves to preserve the reserves of natural lands owned by the sovereign state.
No matter how different the national parks of individual countries are, they have a common idea - to preserve wildlife for future generations - as a symbol of national pride. international union The Nature Conservancy today states that there are 6,555 national parks in the world.
For the first time, Mackinac National Park, northern Michigan, became an officially designated national park; then the Royal National Park, in 1875 - Australia. The largest national park in the world, according to the IUCN, is the Northern Greenland National Park, established in 1974.
The main national parks and reserves of the world
Yellowstone National Park
- Yellowstone National Park is the first public park in the world. Discovered in the Rocky Mountains in the United States back in 1872. Millions of tourists come to see the beauty of pristine nature with bizarre hot geysers. The park is home to an almost lost species of bison;
In 1971, clear criteria were established for evaluating the national park:
Minimum size 1000 ha in zones;
Regulatory legal protection;
Budget and sufficient staff to provide effective protection;
Prohibition on the exploitation of natural resources.
The main national parks and reserves of the world that fall under the special criteria of the IUCN - TOP category
1. Swiss National Park, Switzerland: IUCN Ia - Strict Nature Reserve
2. Everglades National Park, USA: IUCN Ib - Wilderness Area
13. Serra dos Órgãos - National Park.
14. Guanacaste National Park, Costa Rica
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Kafue, the largest park in Zambia
One of the most better ways to observe living beings in their natural habitat, without trying to manipulate them or control their activities, is 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. On the lands of the park live African elephants, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and many other animals.
Galapagos Marine Reserve
Area: 133,000 km²
The Galapagos Nature Reserve is the largest marine reserve in the world. developing countries. This area is home to many 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.
Great Barrier Reef National Park
Area: 345,400 km²
The Great Barrier Reef National Marine Park is located off the northeast coast of 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 of the Hawaiian archipelago and unites ten atolls and islets that are part of it. 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.
Okawongo-Zambezi Transboundary Reserve
Area: 444,000 km²
The protected area covers land in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe for 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
The Chagos Archipelago, owned by the UK, is located 500 kilometers from the Maldives. It is the largest marine reserve in the world, its area exceeding the size of a country like France. On the territory of the reserve there is one of the richest in life forms marine ecosystems. 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.
