新澳门开奖结果

Maasai Mara giraffes By Fernando Anuan’ga – Wikimedia

10 of the Best National Parks in the World.

President Ulysses S Grant signed into law the Yellowstone, as the first national park in 1872.

This was followed by the formation of the US National Park Service decades later to conserve nature, scenery, historical objects and wildlife, for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

After the US-led the way, over 6,000 national parks in over 100 different countries were created.

National parks are a heritage of the people who reside in or around them to take care of them on behalf of the whole world.

National parks spur tourism which in turn contributes to nations’ economies. Let’s go through 10 of the most famous national parks in the world.

1.      Corcovado  National Park-Costa Rica.

The park is located in the Osa Peninsula in southwest Costa Rica, covering 42,000 hectares of land.

It is Costa Rica’s largest park with a biologically intense ecosystem holding 2.5% of the world’s species population.

In Corcovado, there are 6000 species of insects, 500 species of trees, 117 species of amphibians, 367 species of birds, 40 species of freshwater fish and 140 species of mammals.

The species are found in 13 ecosystems that range from grasslands to forests to coastal mangroves.

The sheer number of wildlife available for viewing will amaze visitors. The remoteness of the park has allowed animals to thrive.

It is easy to spot all 4 species of Costa Rican monkeys, anteaters, caiman crocodiles, handsome birds, jaguars amongst others.

After interaction with forest animals boat to Cano Island for snorkelling and scuba diving in the exceptional waters teeming with dolphins, sharks, stingrays, humpback whales and turtles.

2.   Yellowstone  National Park-The USA.

Firestone River geysers by  Brocken Inaglory –

The first national park ever designated, all other national parks in the world have borrowed from “America’s best idea”. Home to the bison, America’s largest land mammal.

The park was created after a huge volcanic explosion thousands of years ago but its violent belly still smoulders today.

  In the park the earth breathes through its 300 geysers, the most for any park worldwide, the most famous being Old Faithful vents every 60 t0 90 minutes.

It is a gift to nature lovers, its vivid hydrothermal features, waterfalls, alpine lakes rustic canyons with wildlife spilling from its pine forests and grassland.

Yellowstone has the highest concentration of mammals than any other park in the US making viewing viable any season.

The park is visitor friendly with 10 visitor centres, boardwalks, viewpoints and ranger guidance and talks on request.

Activities include hiking, camping, fishing. The raw beauty of Yellowstone is intoxicating attracting over 4 million visitors annually.

3.   Galapagos National  Park-Ecuador

A Great Blue heron at Galapagos Nat. Park by Bernard Gagnon-

The first national park to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1978. It is an archipelago of volcanic islands off the coast of Ecuador and was Charles Darwin’s living laboratory.

Most people have learnt about the island in science class because of Darwin’s theory of evolution.

The Galapagos is special due to its many endemic species of plants and animals only found there. Every island is an ecosystem with different plants and species colonizing it.

The landscape is as dynamic and diverse from the lush green plants of Santa Cruz highlands to the  Bartolome lava fields.

Galapagos wildlife includes sea lions, marine iguanas, the diminutive Galapagos penguin, flightless cormorants, tortoise, flamingoes, seas birds and marine animals.

Activities include hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, boating or taking a cruise.  Interestingly, Galapagos is the only place in the world where wildlife has not developed a fear of humans

4. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park- Australia.

Snorkelling at in the great barrier reef by iDesouza –

The Great Barrier Reef National Park is home to the largest living structure on earth believed to be 20,000 years old.

 A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 new natural wonders of the world.

The reef extends for 2,300kms comprising of islands and submerged coral reefs from Queensland to the western Pacific Ocean.

It supports millions of creatures in its 70 habitats. The reef system is endangered due to the effects of global warming and the increase in tourists.

To break it down the reef is made up of 2,900 reefs and 900 islands spread out over 133,000 square miles. Other environments present are mangrove and deep ocean drop-offs

Corals provide food and shelter for thousands of other forms of life. The reef is home to over 4,000 types of molluscs, 600 species of corals and over 1,600 types of fish and green sea turtles that nest on the reefs islands. Over 30% of the reef area is protected from fishing and other extractive activities.

Activities to enable one to enjoy the reef to the maximum include snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottomed boats and aeroplane/ helicopter rides.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a magical place.

5.  Kruger National Park-South

Africa

Leopard with its prey at Kruger by Diego Delso –

It is the largest and most popular national park in South Africa it sprawls over 4.8 million hectares of savannah grasslands and forests on the border with Mozambique.

Further, it is part of the  Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve thats recognized by UNESCO.

Kruger is home to 118 species of reptiles, 500 species of reptiles, 35 species of amphibians, 30 species of fish, 47 species of mammals and 300 species of plants.

Savanna grassland, bush belt, riverine forest and scrubs grace the landscape.

It hosts the big 5 of Africa namely elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino and rare wonders; black rhino and African wild dogs.

The vastness of the Kruger guarantees animal spotting at every outing. The best way to discover Kruger is by taking a safari by car.

It is truly a place of beauty and wonder.

6.  Jim Corbett National Park – India

By Stalin SM –

It was the first protected area in India to be designated so in 1936. Therefore, the mother of all national parks. 

It is located in a sub-Himalayan region with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 4,000 feet.

Riverine belts, swampy depressions, grasslands, hills and a large lake dominate The park’s landscape.

The vegetation is a lush deciduous forest that covers over 70% of the park.

The main attractions are the tigers, otters, fish-eating crocodiles and Asiatic elephants.

The best way to watch the animals in their element is by taking a jeep safari or elephant safaris.

The park is one of the 13 areas in India and Nepal protected by WWF’s Terai Arc Landscape Program which aims to restore endemic Bengal tiger, Asian elephant and Indian rhino through the restoration of migration corridors.

7.  Torres del Paine National Park-Chile

Reflections by Thartmanwiki –

 Chile and Argentina’s shared gem is Patagonia. It is a land of legendary beauty where mother nature is at its best.

Torres del Paine national park is a beautiful wild place of unspoilt southern Chile.

The Andean mountain range crosses the territory from north to south giving rise to mixed and changing climatic conditions.

The peaks and westerly winds create climatic conditions that are considerably different in places that are close together enabling a wide variety of plants and fauna to proliferate.

Its main attractions are the blue icebergs, The 9,000ft granite peaks, glacier-fed rivers, fresh and saltwater lakes.

Wildlife includes foxes, huemul deer, fox, armadillo, pumas, guanacos, water birds and king of the Patagonian skies the Andean condor.

To spice it up, there is rock art along the Fauna trail and rich archaeological history in Milodon Caves.

The park is tranquil, unspoilt and welcoming. For hikers and bikers, this is a bucket list item.

All in all,  the  “Towers of Blue” (for which the park is named) is the park’s most natural wonder.

8. Akan Mashu National Park-Japan.

Mt. Meakan crater by Pakku –

Located in the Northern parts of Japan Akan Mashu National Park’s biggest attraction is the grouping of volcanoes surrounding the three main lakes.

Get lost in the crystal clear lakes and hot springs and visit the forested volcanic craters.

The national park is a volcanic complex offering a broad spectrum of adventures. 

Apart from the clearest lake with up to 40 meters of visibility, there is also the boiling mud lake and the ball like algae growth known as Marimo.

Many vantage points are provided to ensure visitors take in all the breathtaking panoramic views of the caldera.

Inside the park are three eco-museum centres (Kawayu, Wakato and Akonhan) to introduce visitors to the natural environment endemic to their location.

Accommodation is available in the parking area.

9.      Tikal National Park- Guatemala

Ruins at Tikal by AlisonRutHughes-

This national park’s focus is on history and culture. Tikal was a large ancient Mayan  City that thrived for over 1,000 years but was abandoned in the 10^th century.

The jungle reclaimed the city until its discovery by a missionary priest at the end of the 17^th century.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the rainforests of northern Guatemala.

It is a large archaeological site that has uncovered a city complex of 3,000 structures on 6 square miles.

The ruins feature spectacular temple towers, royal palaces, pyramids, tombs, inscribed stones and game courts.

After taking in enough of the ruins one can also discover the rest of Tikal which includes wetlands, savannah, and palm forests hiding jaguars, pumas, monkeys, anteaters and birds. Tikal will tickle your brain.

10.  Pembrokeshire National Park-United Kingdom

Kittiwakes nesting on the coastal cliffs by Manfred Heyde –

Pembrokeshire Coast national park is a small park full of diverse habitats.

 Its coastal features are protected, the only park in the UK to so tasked .  Limestone cliffs, coves, beaches and rock pools dot the coastline.

The National Geographic Traveler Magazine US rated the park as one of the best coastal destinations in the world.

The park is a haven for water sports such as surfing, swimming and kayaking. The 186 mile Pembroke shire Coast Path provides unfettered access for trekking and hiking activities.

Additionally, the wildlife includes sea birds, rabbits, seals and pods of dolphins.

The park is a culturally significant site for Wales; experience the rich heritage by visiting the scheduled 286 ancient monuments.

In conclusion, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, the list above may vary depending on interest.

In general, if you visit these 10 places will enjoy nature, wildlife and culture of all the continents.