The most famous national parks in the world. National parks and reserves of Russia

My publication is a response to the topic “25 photos of amazing places that are worth seeing at least once in your life.”

Gentlemen! Love your Motherland first of all! Study its history, nature, meet unique, unique beauties and protect them!.

I did not set myself the task of showing and describing famous National parks and nature reserves of Russia. This is impossible and not necessary here on the site. But I would like to remind you, introduce some of them, interest you, attract attention, and then it’s up to you...

GO...

There are just over a hundred nature reserves and national parks in Russia. This is hardly enough for such a vast territory as Russia, since some species of plants and animals continue to disappear. To draw attention to the problem, 2013 in Russia was declared the year of environmental protection. As part of the program, it was planned to develop about two dozen more environmental zones.

Every Russian region, from Kaliningrad (Curonian Spit with dancing forest) to Kamchatka (hills and volcanoes), has something to surprise.

Studying the nature of Russia is a very exciting activity. Eh, we know practically nothing about our Motherland, and at school not enough attention is paid to our unique nature. It is unlikely that anyone will set out to visit all the national parks of Russia, but when traveling around the country, it is worth looking into these natural corners. Delving into geography, you can find out that “Manpupuner” is, it turns out, not an overseas curse, but a wonder of the world in the Komi Republic, Tanais is a disappeared trading city in the Rostov region, the Krasnoyarsk and Lena pillars are not pillars at all, but amazing rocks. And many more discoveries await those who want to learn more about the amazing nature of our country.

Transbaikal National Park is one of the few national parks in Russia that fully meet UNESCO recommendations for this category of specially protected natural areas.

The Zabaikalsky National Park is located within a typical mountain taiga region. The relief is mountainous. Within the boundaries of the park there are large orographic units: the Svyatonossky ridge, the Barguzinsky ridge, the Chivyrkuisky isthmus and the Ushkany Islands.

Two mountain ranges stretch across the park in the direction from northeast to southwest: the Barguzinsky ridge - gradually descending from the Barguzinsky reserve to lake. Barmashovoye (the highest elevation of the ridge within the boundaries of the park is 2376 m above sea level) and the Sredinny Range of the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula (the highest elevation is approximately in the middle part of 1877 m), gradually descending to the north and south. The Chivyrkuisky Isthmus connects the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula with the eastern shore of Lake Baikal. The Ushkany Islands (Big Ushkany Island and Small Ushkany Islands) are the peaks of the Academichesky Ridge, which divides the Baikal depression into two basins - northern and southern.

Altai Nature Reserve - a World Heritage Site natural heritage UNESCO since 1998. Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) - May 26, 2009. It is included in the "Global-200" (WWF) list - pristine or little-changed ecoregions of the world, which contain 90% of the planet's biodiversity.

The territory occupied by the Altai Nature Reserve includes five physical-geographical regions of three natural provinces. Almost all natural zones are distinguished in the spectrum of altitudinal zones Gorny Altai: taiga lowlands and midlands, subalpine and alpine meadow midlands and highlands, tundra-steppe highlands, tundra midlands and highlands, glacial-nival highlands. Forests occupy 34% of the total area of ​​the main zone. They are located in the lower and middle parts of mountains, on steep slopes of valleys, as well as on lower parts of sloping ridges. The lower border of the forest begins at 436 meters (level of Lake Teletskoye), and the upper border varies in different parts. So, if in the southeast it is at an altitude of 2000–2200 m above sea level, then in the northwest it drops to a level of 1800–2000 m.

Of particular value in the protected area is the unique grove of relict pointed yew on the island. Petrov, thickets of endemic cross-paired microbiota, populations of such rare animals as the Amur goral, Amur tiger, Ussuri sika deer.

The Lazovsky Nature Reserve is located on the southern spurs of the Sikhote-Alin, in the interfluve of the Kievka and Chernaya rivers. The Zapovedny Ridge divides the territory of the reserve into two parts - northern continental and southern coastal. The average height of the mountains is 500–700 m, with individual peaks reaching 1200–1400 m above sea level. The mountain slopes have varying steepness, on average 20–25 degrees, their ridges are narrow but flat. Significant areas are occupied by rocky placers. The height of the spurs decreases in the east towards the sea, the watershed ridges turn into small hilly ridges up to 100 m high.

The territory of the reserve includes two small islands - Petrova and Beltsova, located at the southern border of the reserve. The islands are covered with forest.

The very first reserve of the Far East and one of the oldest reserves in Russia, formed to preserve and study unique for Russia undisturbed liana coniferous-deciduous forests of Southern Primorye, characterized by a high proportion of rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. The reserve and its surroundings are the only place in Russia where the Far Eastern leopard lives.

In 2004, the Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve received the status of a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

The most valuable are black fir-broad-leaved forests or black fir forests, the Far Eastern leopard; on Mount Chalban, plants are common that are very rare in other places of the Far East - currant-leaved carp, Komarov currant. In the reserve, rock primrose was found for the first time (on Mount Chalban), and species new to science were described - Far Eastern violet and Ussuri corydalis. The Kedrovaya River flows through the reserve; its length does not exceed 25 kilometers. It is the ideal of a clean river for scientists all over the world.

The Samarskaya Luka National Park was created in 1984 by decision of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR, and is one of the first three national parks in Russia.

Samara Luka is a unique area formed by the bend of the largest European river Volga in its middle course and the Usinsky Bay of the Kuibyshev Reservoir. The Volga in this place makes a large arc facing the east, and then turns to the southwest. Its length is more than 200 km. The ancient carbonate rocks raised high here form something like an island.

The unique forms of relief, the peculiar microclimate, the amazing beauty of the mountains, the blue necklace of the Volga that frames them, the unique flora and fauna have earned Zhiguli and Samarskaya Luka generally worldwide fame.

An unusually high concentration of monuments of almost all known to science cultures of the European forest-steppe, starting with Bronze Age and early iron to modern times. There are about 200 natural and historical monuments on the territory of Samarskaya Luka. It is also rich in archaeological finds.

The Smolensk Poozerye National Park was formed on the territory of the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts of the Smolensk region in 1992 “to preserve natural complexes for recreational, educational, scientific and cultural purposes.” In November 2002, it was awarded the status of a biosphere reserve under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. The name "Smolensk Poozerie" owes its name to 35 large and small glacial lakes located in the park. Each of these lakes is beautiful and unique in its own way.

In terms of configuration, the park's territory is an almost regular rhombus. The maximum distance from west to east is 55 km, from north to south - 50 km. The geographical center of the park is located in the area of ​​the village. Przhevalskoe. The total area of ​​the park within the boundaries approved by state acts is 146,237 hectares. The security zone is 500 m of territory adjacent to the park border.

The Curonian Spit National Park is located in the part of the Kaliningrad region bordering Lithuania on a narrow strip of land between the salty Baltic Sea and the freshwater Curonian Lagoon. The northern boundaries of the park run along the Russian-Lithuanian border.

The natural uniqueness of the territory of the national park is that it is the largest sand bar in the world. The dune landscapes of the spit are distinguished by their exceptional beauty and aesthetic impact on humans and represent a unique object for the development of eco-tourism.

The Curonian Spit has been regarded as “an exceptional example of a sand dune landscape under constant threat from natural forces such as wind and water. After the destructive intervention of man, which threatened the existence of the spit, it was restored through stabilization and protection work that began in the 19th century and continues to this day.” Currently, the territory of the Curonian Spit is officially protected by the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

The Valdai National Park was formed with the aim of preserving the unique lake-forest complex of the Valdai Upland and creating conditions for the development of organized recreation in this area. The basis for the creation of the park was the unique combination and richness of natural components, the degree of their preservation and the ability to maintain ecological balance, a huge aesthetic impact natural landscapes. A differentiated regime of special protection has been established on the territory of the park, taking into account its natural, historical and cultural features. In accordance with this, the following functional zones have been identified: reserved, specially protected, recreational, zone of regulated use around lakes and rivers, as well as a visitor service zone.

The national park is located in the northern part of the Valdai Upland, its length from north to south is 105 km, from west to east - 45 km. The boundaries of the Park approximately correspond to the boundaries of the drainage basins of lakes Borovno, Valdayskoye, Velye, Seliger and the upper reaches of the Polomet River.

The Baikal-Lensky State Nature Reserve is located on an area of ​​659.9 thousand hectares. It is located on the territory of the Kachugsky and Olkhonsky districts of the Irkutsk region. The reserve stretches from south to north along the western coast of Lake Baikal for approximately 120 km at medium width 65 km.

Total length coastline The Federal State Budgetary Institution “Reserved Baikal Region” is about 590 km and covers the western coast of Lake Baikal from the village of Kultuk in the south to Cape Elokhin in the north. In December 1996, the Baikal-Lena Reserve (along with Barguzinsky and Baikalsky) was included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites.

Currently, the process of unifying the Baikal-Lena Nature Reserve and the Pribaikalsky National Park into a single natural conservation, scientific and tourist complex has been completed: Federal State state-financed organization"Reserved Baikal region".

One of the oldest reserves in Russia, founded in 1920 to preserve unique mineral deposits. Since 1935, it has been transformed into a complex reserve for the preservation and study of mineral wealth, flora and fauna of the eastern macroslope of the Southern Urals. In 1991, the historical and archaeological branch "Arkaim" (currently the Stepnoye forestry) was added to the reserve for conservation and study unique monument early urban civilization of the Bronze Age - the Arkaim settlement and the archaeological complex in the Bolshekaragan Valley. The reserve is the only mineralogical reserve in the country and one of the few mineralogical reserves in the world.

Karadag Reserve

Not far from Feodosia there is an amazing reserve with which many legends are associated. Kara-Dag (“Black Mountain”) is a volcanic massif, the last eruption of which occurred 150 million years ago. The Karadag Nature Reserve itself, covering an area of ​​more than 2870 hectares, was founded in 1979. Moreover, part of its area falls on the Black Sea.

The wonderful landscapes of Kara-Dag have attracted tourists in ancient times. To prevent the unique nature from being destroyed, it was decided to establish a nature reserve. Walking in this area is allowed only if accompanied by employees, strictly along the “ecological trail”.

Since its foundation, the fauna and flora of the Karadag Reserve have been restored to a significant extent. 125 species of animals living on the slopes of the mountain range, 79 species of plants are listed in the Red Book.

If you believe the legends, a giant Karadag monster resembling a snake lives in one of the underwater caves near Kara-Dag.

Alien species of Kara-Dag - the result of the work sea ​​waves, sun, wind and time. The symbol of the reserve is a rock in the form of an arch, born directly from the water. It is called Shaitan-Kapu, which means “Devil's Mouth”. Other rocky outcrops also deserve unusual names- “Dragon”, “Ivan the Robber”, “King” and others.

Manpupuner

The Ural Mountains... more than 200 million years ago, they stood proudly on the young planet Earth and witnessed many grandiose events. Over the course of many millennia, water and wind gradually destroyed them. And today the Ural Mountains are among the lowest in the world. But there were places in the Urals where nature could not cope with the stone. One of them is known to us as Manpupuner.

First of all, under the influence of the environment, soft rocks were destroyed, and stronger rocks were able to survive to this day. Geologists call them remnants. On Manpupuner, the remains are huge stone pillars with a height of 30 to 42 m.

This place is truly mystical, because the Weathering Pillars, as the remnants are also called, are so ancient that even the Mansi during the pagan period worshiped them, and in translation from their language Manpupuner means “small mountain of idols.” Mansi, unlike geologists, know the true origin of the stone pillars.

Russian North Park

Vologda Region.

Located in the north of the Russian Plain, “Russian North” became one of the first national parks to appear fully officially on the territory of the Russian Federation.

The peculiarity of this protected area is that in a relatively small area in this area of ​​the Russian Plain it was possible to simultaneously collect the most complete “collection” of plants and trees, comfortably accommodate a huge number of mammals, fish and birds, many of which have long been listed as endangered species not only on the territory of the Russian Federation, but also on a global scale.

As for historical and architectural monuments, their number in the Russian North National Park cannot but amaze. First of all, among other buildings, several monasteries built during the 14th-15th centuries of Russian history are of particular importance.

Barguzinsky Reserve

The oldest reserve in Russia, the Barguzinsky Nature Reserve, is located on the northeastern coast of Lake Baikal, on the western slopes of the Barguzinsky ridge. His task was to preserve and study sable. There are 39 species of mammals and 243 species of birds known in the reserve. The permanent inhabitants of the reserve are: sable, weasel, lynx, fox, wolf, bear, reindeer, elk, squirrel, hazel grouse, stone grouse, nutcracker, Baikal seal.

Here you can see all the altitudinal zones of the Barguzinsky ridge, trace the change of vegetation from the shore of Lake Baikal to the high-mountain lakes.

Great Arctic Nature Reserve

The reserve is located beyond the Arctic Circle - on the Taimyr Peninsula and small islands, where there is permafrost, and can only be reached by air, and even then in summer weather. But the impressions from even one trip will definitely last you a lifetime.

In the Great Arctic Nature Reserve, a relatively new type of ecological tourism for Russia is now gaining popularity - birdwatching.

Reserve "Ubsunur Basin"

The unique state natural biosphere reserve “Ubsunur Basin” is one of the key territories of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion. Which, in turn, is included in the Global 200 list - a list of pristine or little-modified ecoregions of the world, which contain more than 90% of the planet's biodiversity. Simply put, this is one of the few places on the planet where you can feel like you were 500-1000 (or even more) years ago.

The Ubsunur basin is characterized by a rare combination of different fauna elements; 83 species of mammals are found here. The red wolf, snow leopard (irbis), Altai mountain sheep (argali) and gazelle are included in the Red Book of Russia and the reserve. In 2003, the basin was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve

Organized in 1924, one of the largest not only in the Krasnodar region, but also in Russia. A reserve was established to protect the unique natural complex of the Russian subtropics and restore the number of animals and birds living on its territory. The reserve is home to many species of southern plants, including fruit trees; Above 1900-2000 m above sea level there are subalpine meadows, characterized by a large number of flowers, making this area especially beautiful. The most valuable species of animals, birds and plants living in the reserve are listed in the Red Book. Any economic activity Human entry into the reserve is prohibited.

Kivach

The Kivach Nature Reserve is one of the oldest in Russia, created in 1931. It is formed around the waterfall of the same name, which is its main attraction. A visit to the reserve and waterfall is included in almost all excursions in Karelia.

Derzhavin - the first Olonets governor and outstanding poet, wrote the famous ode “Waterfall”, after which Kivach took a prominent place in the works of many poets, artists, and prose writers. The waterfall is beautiful at any time of the year: the waters of the river are compressed by basalt rocks. Suns from an eight-meter height fall down in heavy cast streams, forming a powerful whirlpool, in shreds of foam, and producing an impressive noise. The most famous visitor to the waterfall is Emperor Alexander II. On the occasion of his arrival in 1868, a good road was built to Kivach, a gazebo was built on the right bank and a house for the night on the left, and below the waterfall - a bridge across the Suna River.

Klyuchevsky Natural Park

Klyuchevsky Natural Park (Kamchatka Region) is located on the territory of the forest fund of the Klyuchevsky forestry enterprise. The territory of the natural park is unique in its relief and has no analogues in the whole world: in a small area there are 13 volcanic structures of different ages, among which rises the most active in the world and the highest active volcano in Asia, Klyuchevskoy, with an absolute elevation of about 4800 meters above sea level. Due to frequent eruptions, its height is constantly changing due to solidifying lava flows.

Krasnoyarsk pillars

Krasnoyarsk Pillars is a state nature reserve located in the spurs of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, on the right bank of the Yenisei. Local rocks are called pillars because of their shape. They are high - from 60 to 600 meters - and narrow. The age of the pillars is worthy of respect: according to various sources, from 450 to 600 million years have passed since their appearance. According to scientists, the pillars were formed due to the powerful pressure of magma, which was never able to break through to the surface of the earth. And their bizarre outlines were formed due to the influence of wind and precipitation.

The reserve has about a hundred pillars made of gray-pink granite, each of which has its own name. Names were not assigned randomly, but depending on what or who a particular stone resembles. One of the most famous is the Grandfather pillar, as it resembles a formidable old man with a huge thick beard. Next to him were his relatives - Great-Grandfather, Granddaughter, Grandmother, Gemini. There are animals, birds and basically anything else there. For example, the Chinese Wall, Feathers, Lion Gate, Tusk.

Call of the Tiger National Park

Located in Primorsky Krai.

The national park was formed in 2007 in the south-eastern part of Primorsky Krai, and the main objective Its creation was to preserve the population of Amur tigers, which are under threat. Of course, other rare animals live here - the Far Eastern forest cat, sika deer, goral, roe deer, red deer, Himalayan and brown bears.

Its landscape consists of mountains and valleys, so the elevation difference can reach more than 1,700 km. There are more than 50 mountains alone, more than a kilometer high, on the territory and on its borders. Thanks to the difference in height, the amazing diversity of the park’s flora is achieved, which has no equal in the whole world. Here you can see many plants listed in the Red Book, dense spruce and tundra forests, as well as relict plants. The unique appearance of the park’s landscapes is given by the vines (schisandra, wild grapes) that wrap around coniferous trees. Here you can also find many medicinal plants and flowers: lilies, peonies, slippers and so on.

About 250 people live in Call of the Tiger Park different types birds and more than fifty mammals. There is nothing like this in Russia anymore.

TO end of the 19th century centuries, people began to understand that if they do not protect the environment, but only mercilessly exploit it, then in a fairly short time they will manage to destroy many species of animal and plant life. Some of this dirty work has already been done. In addition, our beautiful and diverse planet may forever lose its unique natural formations. For this reason, nature reserves and national parks of the world appeared. Every state that has national parks strives to preserve their natural splendor and diversity. At the same time, the forms of national parks may vary in different countries, but they are all dedicated to the general idea of ​​preserving nature for future generations who could be proud of their country. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are now 6,555 national parks in the world.

1. Greenland National Park

The world's largest national park (972,000 sq. km) is also the northernmost. Its area exceeds the area of ​​163 countries of the world! It was founded in 1974. Apart from the national park staff, there are no other residents here. About 10 thousand musk oxen also live here, which is 40% of all these animals remaining in the world. Other inhabitants of the park include reindeer, polar bears, walruses, Arctic hares and stoats. Sparse vegetation here is represented by mosses and lichens, and only here and there you can see dwarf willows and birches.

2. Kruger (South Africa)

In the national park. Kruger features typical South African wildlife. This is not only a very popular nature reserve among foreign travelers, but also profitable business bringing in considerable income. This oldest national park in South Africa, listed as a UNESCO heritage site, was founded back in 1898 in the northeast of the country. Its area is 19,000 square meters. km, and from end to end the distance is 340 km. It consists of three parts, located in the valleys of the Olifants and Sabie rivers. This reserve practices a curious form of “unarmed” African safari. In a huge national park, most animals are grouped in its central part. Among them: elephants, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, giraffes, white rhinoceroses, leopards, 17 species of antelope and over 400 species of birds.

It is difficult to scare a Russian person with anything, especially bad roads. Even safe routes claim thousands of lives a year, let alone those...

3. Serengeti (Tanzania)

Serengeti National Park is one of the largest (15,000 sq. km) and most famous on the planet, containing almost a complete ecosystem. This reserve, the oldest in Africa, dates back to 1929. Its territory is home to almost 500 species of birds and 3 million of the largest mammals. Every year there are spectacular migrations of millions of herds of wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, these living rivers cover a distance of more than 3000 km. The migration of zebras and wildebeest is explained by the fact that a drought begins in the north of the park, burning the grass, and in search of food, herbivorous ungulates rush to the cooler and wetter south. On the contrary, when the rainy season begins, the herds return to the north and west.
The Serengeti also boasts the largest population of lions in Africa. Among its inhabitants we should mention elephants, hyenas, gazelles, rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses. In the Maasai language, the park's name means "endless plains" - and in fact, it is mostly an endless savannah.

4. Yellowstone National Park (USA)

Located in the northwestern United States, Yellowstone National Park is very famous in the world, especially in last years. It includes the territories of several states: Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. The national park was founded here in 1872 due to the huge number of geysers and thermal springs. A large alpine lake, Yellowstone is located in the crater of the largest supervolcano in America. This volcano has already erupted a long time ago, so the surrounding areas are covered with ancient lava.
Yellowstone is home to two-thirds of all the geysers in the world - almost 3000, among them the largest in the world - "Steamboat". The Old Faithful geyser is very famous for its regular eruptions, which throws boiling water to a height of 40 meters at intervals of 45-125 minutes. There are only five geyser fields known in the world, located in Yellowstone, Kamchatka, Chile, Iceland and New Zealand. Yellowstone is densely packed with a variety of thermal springs, of which there are about 10,000 (that is, half of those in the world), there are mud volcanoes and sources of hydrogen sulfide.
The national park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, fish, birds and approximately 2,000 species of vegetation.

On our planet there are areas where a person experiences special sensations: a surge of energy, euphoria, a desire to improve or spiritually...

5. Snowdonia (UK)

This national park is located in the north of Wales. This is one of the first nature reserves in England and Wales; it was created 60 years ago. It was named after the highest peak in Wales - Mount Snowdon, which has a height of 1085 m. The territory of the Snowdonia National Park lies not only on public but also on private lands. 26,000 people live within its borders, and the number of tourists visiting it per year reaches 6 million. For them, the park has 2,381 km of open hiking trails, there are also 264 km of trails for horseback and hikers, and 74 km of other routes. Thus, those who wish can climb to the top of Snowdon by cable car or along a picturesque walking trail that is 13 km long. There are also ancient railway tracks in the park.

6. Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)

The term “Plitvice Lakes” was first mentioned in documents in 1777. The site became a national park in 1949, and 30 years later UNESCO added it to its heritage list. On its territory there are 16 large karst lakes, 20 caves and 140 waterfalls. This place is unique in that new waterfalls appear here every year and in general the landscape is constantly changing. The water in the lakes here has an amazingly beautiful azure color, so photographs here turn out to be unusually spectacular. Along the 18-kilometer-long hiking trails along the shores of the lakes, there are wooden decks from which it is convenient to observe the surrounding beauty and photograph it.
There are several walking routes throughout the park, a journey along which can take either a couple of hours or 8 hours. There is a boat plying the lakes, and you can look at the mountains from an electric train with special cars adapted for better review. But it is forbidden to swim in local lakes, bring dogs here, or have picnics with bonfires. Plitvice Lakes are also famous for their unique coniferous and beech forests, which have been growing here for many centuries and are able to recover.

There are a wide variety of dangerous places on our planet that... Lately began to attract a special category of extreme tourists looking for...

7. Fiordland (New Zealand)

This is the name of New Zealand's largest national park, which occupies most of the southwestern mountainous area of ​​the South Island. Here are the country's deepest lakes and quite high and picturesque mountains, reaching 2746 m. ​​And now Fiordland remains a difficult-to-reach area. There is a lot of beauty here: fast-moving rivers with waterfalls, picturesque fjords, rich and unique flora and fauna. The local dense forests are home to beautiful birds such as cockatoos. In local waters of the Pacific Ocean you can find penguins or bottlenose dolphins.
The famous British writer Rudyard Kipling glorified the local Milford Sound, calling it “the eighth wonder of the world.” Along its entire 18-kilometer length, the bay is framed by high mountain peaks. This place is one of the wettest on the planet - it rains here every two days out of three.

8. Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Reserve

This reserve is unique in many ways. Spread over a vast area of ​​444,000 sq. km, it covers the territories of five countries at once: Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. There are no boundaries on the territory of the reserve itself, so animals can move freely throughout its entire territory. This largest African reserve includes a number of parks of individual states, for example, the Okavango Delta and Chobe.
In addition to the rich wildlife, the territory of this reserve contains world-famous attractions, for example, the magnificent Victoria Falls. The transboundary reserve appeared recently - in 2011. The most important task of the five states that organized it was to provide the opportunity for free migration for animals. But it has also become a very important and profitable tourist attraction, because literally every day a new tourist group appears in one place or another of the endless reserve. First of all, travelers are attracted here by African elephants, of which almost half of all savannah elephants living in Africa live here. Over 600 species of flora, including unique ones, also grow on the lands of the reserve, and 300 species of birds can be seen in the sky above the luxurious landscapes.

You can look at the flowing water endlessly. And if the water falls from a great height, then even more so. Fortunately, nature spoils us with such gorgeous...

9. Papahānaumokuākea Marine Sanctuary (USA)

This reserve is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in the Hawaiian archipelago, including a group of its small islands and atolls. It has an area of ​​approximately 360,000 sq. km, making it the largest protected marine reserve in the world. The Papahanaumokuakea Nature Reserve was founded recently - in 2006. On its islands there are exotic animals and plants, but not only these living objects living on land are valuable, but also the luxurious ones hidden under the layer of water. Coral reefs, forming a unique system.
This name of the reserve did not appear immediately, but only a year after its formation - this is how they decided to celebrate the married couple of the patrons of nature - the local gods Uakea and Papahanaumoku. For the native Hawaiians, these places have been sacred since ancient times; according to their beliefs, the souls of their dead relatives went here.
Archaeologists have explored these islands and discovered that some of them were inhabited by humans in prehistoric times. For example, on the islands of Nihoa and Makumanamana there are remains of ancient settlements in which people lived who were engaged in agriculture. Within Papahānaumokuākea is a tenth of the tropical shallow-water coral reefs owned by the United States.

10. Limpopo Transfrontier Park

This park also occupies the territories of several African countries - South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Its area is this moment is about 37,000 sq. km, it has 10 different zones. To date, the final border of the reserve has not yet been established, especially since it is expected to expand almost three times. This transboundary park appeared only in 2000, and a year later the first animals appeared in it. Now elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and other African wildlife already live there.

National parks help preserve the diversity of plant and animal species on our planet. The beauty that is created by human hands cannot be eternal. Only beautiful creatures of nature can die and be reborn again - they are eternal.

National parks of the world

Serengeti, Tanzania park

Some anthropologists claim that the cradle of the world is located in the Olduvai Gorge of Tanzania. During archaeological excavations found here a large number of remains of prehistoric animals and primitive people. It is believed that the age of such finds exceeds two million years. The Serengeti Game Reserve is home to the largest population of large animals in Africa. There are over three million of them here: rhinoceroses, zebras, leopards, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, buffaloes, and antelopes are found everywhere in these places. The local family of lions, numbering over three thousand individuals, is considered the largest in the world.

Of particular interest to tourists and scientists is the massive annual seasonal migration of animals. It happens twice a year.

During the dry months of the year, October and November, approximately one million antelope and 220,000 zebras move from the northern part of the country to its southern regions in search of pastures. In April, when the rainy season begins in the south, huge herds that can amaze people with their numbers return to the north.

Lensays Maranhenses, Brazil

This unusual park is located in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, near the Bay of São José. Its name from Portuguese is translated not too poetically - “Maranhão underwear”. This is due to the fact that from a great height its territory resembles white canvases stretched across the ground. This place causes controversy among scientists, as it has its own peculiarity. During the dry season, it is an almost lifeless desert, but after the rainy season, lakes form between the dunes. Moreover, for some unknown reason, within a few days these lakes become inhabited, filled with all kinds of living creatures: small fish and crabs. Such a rapid colonization of water bodies by living organisms causes numerous disputes among scientists. There are two opinions on this matter. According to the first version, the eggs are brought here by birds arriving to drink, and according to the other, life is preserved from the previous period, resuming with the appearance of water.

Yellowstone Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park is unique due to its age: it is considered the oldest park on the planet, as it was founded back in 1872 by President Grant. There are plenty of animals here: moose, grizzly bears, pumas and bison feel great in the local forests. But the main feature of the park is not the richness of the animal world. Tourists come here to look at the unusual landscapes of the Valley of Geysers. It all looks amazingly beautiful, it's just the smell rotten eggs, emitted by hydrogen sulfide fumes, somewhat spoils the picture. At the bottom of Yellowstone Lake, several geysers are actively functioning at once, so all the trees near the lake stand dead, covered with a snow-white coating of hydrogen sulfide.

Swaziland Hlane Park

Hlane Park is a habitat for leopards and lions. Only one person has the right to hunt in this reserve - the King of Swaziland. But, as a person who loves nature, he comes here only once a year for the purpose of relaxing and admiring the beautiful animal kingdom, and not to exterminate innocent animals.

Kronotsky Nature Reserve, Russia

The oldest reserve in Russia is known throughout the world as the territory where the largest population lives. brown bears. Besides this, this is practically the only place left where beautiful wild reindeer can still be found. But not even these wonderful creatures nature attracts tourists from all over the world, and the amazing Kamchatka landscapes. In a small area of ​​the reserve, on currently, there are more than a hundred geysers and hot springs, as well as eight active volcanoes.

France's Port-Cros Nature Reserve

Port-Cros National Park is located on the island of the same name, not far from the French Cote d'Azur. Tourist visits to the park are strictly limited, no more than 1,500 per day. What's interesting about this place? Picturesque bays with white sandy beaches.

Tongariro, New Zealand

On the territory of Tongariro National Park, nature has created real lunar landscapes, since there are three active volcano(while there are only four of them in the country). In the distant past, this territory was sacred place for the Maori tribe. It is currently known as Mordor from The Lord of the Rings.

Cairngorms National Park in Scotland

The Cairngorms National Park status was only granted in 2003. The reserve's lakes are considered the cleanest bodies of water in Britain. What makes these places especially picturesque is the huge population of swans that flock to the local lakes.

Nordwest Spitsbergen National Park, Norway

Spitsbergen is the kingdom of the animal world and northern expanses. Arctic foxes, walruses, reindeer and polar bears live here. A real Christmas fairy tale. Traces of numerous polar expeditions remain on the territory of the reserve.

Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada

The owners of Wood Buffalo Park are the mighty bison; there are about sixteen thousand of them here. Tourists often come here in the summer not only to admire the mighty animals, but also to engage in active recreation. Hiking, cycling and canoeing excursions are organized here. In winter, the reserve is visited by ski lovers, who are often rewarded by nature with a special prize - the opportunity to observe the northern lights.

There are few things that compare to the magic and splendor of the African wilderness. Hardly any other national park in the world in terms of its pristine rural areas The wildlife and vastness of the area rivals that of the Kruger Game Reserve in South Africa.

The Kruger National Park is capable of offering some of the best safaris in the world. In one place you can see a wide range of the largest mammals on earth, a large number of birds, large predators and their prey. If you are a wildlife lover, then this is definitely the place for you.

Sagarmatha National Wildlife Refuge, Nepal

Perched high and majestic in the Himalayas, Nepal's Sagarmatha Wildlife Sanctuary contains three of the world's ten tallest mountains, including Everest. Endless glaciers, breathtaking valleys with pristine snow make Sagarmatha Nature Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, of course, for wildlife lovers, not visiting this high-mountain reserve means losing something important.

Fiordland Game Reserve, New Zealand

If you are a lover of magnificent fjords and boat trips, then this is a must-visit place. The main attraction is Milford Sound, but in addition, the other 14 fjords with the most romantic landscapes make this park a unique place, unlike any other nature reserve in the world.

Galapagos Islands National Park, Ecuador

With stunning scenery surrounded by clear blue waters, the Galapagos Islands are a paradise for exotic animals and wildlife. The unique atmosphere of the islands is of historical and scientific value. Recently, eco-tourism initiatives have been strongly supported here.

Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Traveling to Tikal National Park is first and foremost a means to explore Mayan heritage. Nestled in the wild jungle, Tikal hides fantastic Mayan ruins that date back to approximately 250-900 AD. Even what remains from those times amazes tourists with the amazing architecture of temples and the variety of different wild animals. Tikal is a place for amazing adventures and unforgettable impressions.

Yellow Dragon Nature Reserve, China

The calcium deposit here creates the illusion of gold, which gives the place its name - “Yellow Dragon”. This reserve is also home to the cute, world-famous panda - the symbol of WWF.

The area features a unique closed ecosystem of waterfalls, hot springs, virgin forests and snow caps on mountaintops, home to endangered species such as the Sichuan gold-bearing monkey and the giant panda. “Yellow Dragon” is a real mecca for photographers from all over the world.

Iguazu National Reserve, Argentina

The protected area, which is a World Heritage Site, is the most impressive site in Brazil and Argentina. The breathtaking waterfalls, over 70 meters high and 1,500 meters wide, are home to some of South America's best fauna. Views of the surrounding sub rainforests will not leave anyone indifferent.

Kakadu National Reserve, Australia

Kakadu National Reserve is located in Northern Australia. This quintessentially Australian landscape is one of the few places listed as a World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural significance.

The reserve spans more than 3.2 million acres and includes several of the continent's traditional indigenous territories. The wonderful South Alligator rivers, coastal beaches, rainforests and monsoon winds make national reserve Kakadu is a desirable place to visit.

People's Nature Reserve, Switzerland

Although Switzerland is best known for the magic of the Alps, it is home to the only national park that is still worth visiting. The Swiss national park was created in 1914 and is inhabited by a huge variety of interesting animals, such as the chamois, ibex, golden eagle or bearded vulture. Rivers, snowy mountain peaks and alpine valleys represent nature at its most picturesque.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The majestic Machu Picchu has been the most popular tourist destination in Peru for many years. No matter how many times a tourist has been here to enjoy the grandeur of ancient monuments, traveling in the footsteps of the Incas always brings excitement, adventure and mystery.

At the end of the 19th century, the world community came to the conclusion that if no measures are taken to protect the environment, the earth may lose many species of flora and fauna. Our planet may lose most of the natural formations that have adorned the earth for centuries. A national park serves to preserve natural land reserves owned by a sovereign state.

No matter how different national parks are individual countries, 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.

The first officially approved national park was the US Mackinac National Park, northern Michigan; then the Royal National Park, in 1875 - Australia. The largest national park in the world, according to the IUCN, is North Greenland National Park, created in 1974.

Major national parks and reserves of the world

Yellowstone National Park

• Yellowstone National Park is the world's first public park. Discovered in the rocky mountains of 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 assessing the national park:

Minimum size 1000 hectares in zones;

Regulatory legal protection;

Budget and sufficient personnel to provide effective protection;

Ban on exploitation of natural resources.

Major national parks and reserves of the world that fall under special IUCN criteria - 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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Zambia's largest park, Kafue