A nature reserve is an area with important flora, fauna, and geological features and is protected to conserve and provide an avenue for further research. Some have unique bio-diversity that gives them the required environment to host their unique species. Below are ten marvelous nature reserves found around the world.
This nature reserve is in Egypt, Africa. It is located in Sharm El-Sheikh. This reserve protects a small mangrove forest, while most are marine and red sea reefs. It is the most famous national park in Egypt and one of the most famous dives in the world. It is also the first marine protected area in Africa and the Middle East. There is so much to learn and enjoy here: there is a lot of marine life, different species of coral reefs, sea urchins, starfish, and other sea life. You can also enjoy snorkeling, diving, and a red sea cruise.
Located in Northern Tanzania is Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is the largest unfilled inactive volcanic caldera (a depression formed when a mountain erupts and collapses on itself) in the world. Due to its beauty and is a paradise for animals, with approximately 30,000 animals, it is also known as ‘the garden of Eden.’ It is home to the big five: Lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo, endangered Black Rhino, and flamingoes. Enjoy a safari to the Ngorongoro crater and gold mountains, and visit the Olduvai Museum and footprints at the Lateoli.
Yellowstone National Park is the world's first national park. Located in Wyoming and parts of Idaho and Montana, it sits on top of a supervolcano that is capable of an eruption of magnitude 8. It also has a caldera. However, there is much to appreciate in the national park. Bison, elk, moose, and pronghorn are two species of bear, birds, mammals, fish, and even the gray wolf. It boasts over 300 geysers (hot springs that eject water and steam into the air), over 290 waterfalls, and one of the world's most extensive petrified forests.
Wakhan National Park is home to around 15,000 people. It is in Afghanistan but borders China, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Beautiful snow-peaked mountains, valleys, and the ancient game of buzkashi characterize it. The Park protects the indigenous people, the rare and vulnerable wildlife, including the Marco Polo sheep, other mammals, and carnivores like wolves, the red fox, lynx, stoat, and snow leopard. There are mountain ungulates like Markhor and the Himalayan ibex. It is also home to the Amu Darya River and has alpine grasslands.
The Maasai Mara reserve is known for its wildlife conservation and wilderness area in Africa. It borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south. Together, they form Africa’s most diverse and spectacular ecosystems. They are also the world’s top safari game-viewing ecosystem. It is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African Bush Elephants. You can also enjoy the migration of the wildebeest in the Maasai Mara.
Located in northern Colombia on the Caribbean coast is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria National Park, the world’s highest coastal mountain range. The mountains form a beautiful and exuberant background because of their topographical elevations near the sea. It has a variety of thermal mountain beds, from hot-dry to snow from the mountain that has birthed lagoons and rivers. There are a lot of birds and howler monkeys which provide an exciting soundtrack. It is still home to the indigenous civilizations that have lived there: the Kogui, Arhuaco, Kankuamo, and Wiwa ethnicities, Teyuna Archeological Park. It is called the ‘Lost City. Tropical forests have dominated here, where the temperatures are favorable. The soil is very fertile, and exotic plants such as frail Jones and pajonales can be found.
The Great Barrier Reef is located in Northeastern Australia and spreads over 2,300 km. It is known to be the largest living structure on earth. It can be seen from outer space! There are 14 coastal ecosystems from coral reefs, coastlines, estuaries, open water, sea grass, woodlands, forests, rain forests, floodplains, heath and shrublands, and grass and sedge lands. It hosts the world’s most extensive collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1500 types of fish, and 4,00 types of mollusks. It is also home to the dugong and the giant green turtle, threatened with extinction.
The Pu Luong Nature Reserve lies in Vietnam, with beautiful nature, culture, and high biodiversity. It has gorgeous limestone mountains with rice terraces and jungles in between. It is protected because of its bio-diversity and culture. Though in Vietnam, the majority of the White Thais are from Thailand. These people have an authentic lifestyle that has not been infiltrated by tourism in the area and live in great harmony. The reserve also has beautiful terrain, waterfall and sites, water wheels, and wildlife such as the water buffalo that attract many tourists.
This Marine Reserve is one of the largest and most biologically diverse marine protected areas. It is located in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. It has unique native flora, fauna, and endemic species, which is why it is a protected area. There are more than 45 endemic bird species, 42 reptile species, 15 mammal species, and 79 fish species: whales, dolphins, albatrosses, sharks, sea lions, seals, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and tropical reef fish. They all live harmoniously with the local population. There is also endemic flora with up to 500 species of vascular plants, bryophytes, and algae. There were also non-native vegetation species that were introduced, and they are now found around human settlements.
Thorsmork Nature Reserves is named after Norse God Thor! It is the valley of Thor. It is located between several glaciers. The valley of Thor is famous for its great variety of natural features. Its location between glaciers and volcanoes gives it a unique microclimate. The temperatures higher are warmer than their surroundings because the valley of Thor is protected from cold wind from the ocean. There is a wide variety of vegetation, such as thick moss, fern, birch, small shrubs, and rare arctic flowers. There are forests here, too, with striking landscapes and wildlife. Ever heard of Kari, the fox, on Instagram? Well, the arctic foxes are found here, and Kari approaches humans.
Over the years, many species, plants, and animals have gone extinct. Some of the species are gone even though an actual image of them is unavailable. We recently lost the last northern white Rhino, Sudan. Nature reserves are essential to protect these species from extinction or at least have a record of them. There are a lot of nature reserves around the world, and they all protect something important to the world.
