The world's largest protected natural area. The largest nature reserve in the world

table especially protected natural areas of the world contains background information: Protected areas and objects included in them belonging to different countries, such as nature reserves, national parks and reserves.

Russia is famous for the size of its vast territory. But few people realize that on the territory of this great country, there are many beautiful places. We bring to your attention the 12 best reserves in Russia.

These are truly breathtaking places that everyone should know about! Who would have thought that there is such beauty at hand!

1. Baikal Reserve

Around the deepest lake on our planet, Lake Baikal - one of the largest sources of fresh water in the world - is one of the best nature reserves in Russia. The main part of the protected area is located on the southern coast of the lake in the central part of the Khamar-Daban ridge. Coniferous and deciduous forests grow around, which are home to more than 300 species of animals and 80 species of plants, about 25 of which are listed in the Red Book. Black grayling, lenok, burbot and taimen are found in the rivers of the Baikal Reserve. You can even catch them (without abusing, of course), which is what tourists and the local population do. If you have never tried fresh grayling, then I assure you, you should correct this omission.

Those who have been to the Baikal Reserve at least once talk about its amazing effect on the state of mind. If you walk along tourist routes (and the reserve is open to visitors, you can safely walk here with a backpack for whole weeks), then spirituality and tranquility penetrate your soul, and you return to the usual city bustle as a completely different person. If you don’t like outdoor activities, then you can simply stay in one of the tourist campsites on the lake shore: the prices there are very democratic, and locals and the owners of "tourist villages" are friendly and welcoming.

2. Barguzinsky Reserve

The oldest and best nature reserve in Russia. It was organized in 1916 to save the sable from destruction. The reserve is located on the northeastern coast of Lake Baikal, occupying the western slopes of the Barguzinsky Range (Severobaikalsky district of the Republic of Buryatia). The territory of the Barguzinsky Reserve covers more than 374 thousand hectares. Of these, 15 thousand belong to the waters of the famous Lake Baikal. The reserve is located on the surface of the Barguzinsky Range and has on its territory many rivers, lakes, bays, capes. The most famous lakes on the territory of the Barguzinsky Reserve are Losinoye and Karasevoye lakes. However most attention and admiration is drawn to Lake Baikal, part of which is the territory of the reserve.

Animals in the reserve are predominantly forest, but there are also many species that live in mountainous and coastal areas. A huge population of sables, squirrels, chipmunks, wood mice, weasels, hares, wolverines lives on the territory of the reserve.

In 1986, the Barguzinsky Reserve was given the status of a biosphere reserve, and in 1996 it was included in natural object"Lake Baikal" is included in the List world heritage UNESCO.

3. Kuznetsk Alatau

The best reserve in Russia Kuznetsk Alatau is located in the south of Central Siberia. This is an amazing place with a unique ecosystem. In a valley surrounded by high mountains lies a virgin coniferous forest where thick cedars grow, crystal-clear mountain rivers with ice water, and glaciers and underground groundwater feed huge deep lakes.
The reserve is extremely popular with local tourists: both in winter and in summer, you can meet whole groups of people with heavy backpacks on their backs. The routes in this tourist area are not difficult, there are convenient well-trodden paths and shelters - houses where you can stay if you do not like to spend the night in a tent. As a rule, the distance between them takes one day's march or less.

True, everything is easy only until you cross the Karatashsky pass and get to the very interesting place reserve - Golden Valley. Part of the valley is well studied, but there are much more wild places where no one goes except for roe deer and bears. True, getting lost is unrealistic: having a map, along the rivers you can go to human habitation, the aforementioned shelters. Being in the valley, you need to look at the beautiful Lake Haratas. It is fed by huge waterfalls descending from high mountains, and real trout are found in the waters.

4. Altai Reserve

The territory of the Altai Reserve is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List under the name "Golden Mountains of Altai", and this is one of the largest Russian reserves. It is surrounded on almost all sides by high mountains, and from the south it is adjoined by the huge Teletskoye Lake. It is noteworthy that there is not a single road in the entire territory of the natural zone. However, this fact makes it even more attractive for tourists.

The main part of the territory of the reserve is occupied by wild forest, where you can meet only rare trails laid by foresters. There are also 1190 lakes here - all with cold, purest water.

Nearby is the highest peak Altai mountains and Siberia - Belukha, where you can't climb without special equipment and good training. In general, the average height of the mountains is about 2,000 m above sea level, which is not so high: anyone can climb the pass. Wandering in the mountains is the most interesting thing: you can see landscapes of extraordinary beauty, and if you're lucky, you can see an extremely rare and noble animal listed in the Red Book of Russia - the snow leopard.

5. Pillars

Another best nature reserve in Russia "Stolby" is a truly unique phenomenon. It includes part of the Eastern Sayan Mountains. The main attraction of the area are amazing syenite remnants - the so-called "pillars". Some rocks are open to tourists, and some are located in the very depths of the reserve, and access to them is limited in order to preserve the integrity of the unique natural phenomenon and a special ecosystem peculiar only to these places.

These rocks were the cause of the so-called "stolbism". People often come here and climb the rocks in an informal setting, sometimes even without insurance. In general, from the point of view of mountaineering, poles are not the most difficult objects, so in most cases an ordinary rope is used as insurance. The goal is to climb to the very top of one or another pillar.

As in most Russian reserves, most of the territory of the "Pillars" is occupied by forests, here - fir. By the way, part of the reserve almost closely adjoins Krasnoyarsk, and there is an excellent ski resort here.

6. Kronotsky Nature Reserve

Kronotsky Nature Reserve is one of the oldest protected natural areas Russia. It is located on the Kamchatka Peninsula and adjoins the Pacific Ocean. It is here that the famous active volcano Kronotskaya Sopka, many waterfalls, the Valley of Geysers and thermal lakes are located.

About the Valley of Geysers is a special conversation. Let's start with the fact that it is included in the official list of the Seven Wonders of Russia. This is the only place on the continent of Eurasia where there are geyser fields, and this area is many times larger than the famous geyser fields of Iceland. The ecosystem of the reserve is extremely fragile and vulnerable to external influences. It is strictly forbidden to burn fires on the territory of the reserve. Despite the difficult conditions, the Valley of Geysers is a popular tourist destination. In 2007, they tried to limit access to it almost at the legislative level, but Vladimir Putin said: "This decision should be based solely on the opinion of experts." So the entrance to the valley is still free.

In general, the view of the smoking plains opening from the mountains is a breathtaking sight that, having seen once, you will never forget. In addition, the largest population of brown bears in Russia lives here: according to the latest data, there are about 700 individuals of this species. But since there is no mining on the peninsula, and, consequently, a person practically does not interfere in the natural natural edge, then extinction is not yet threatened by bears.

7. Caucasian Reserve

The Caucasus Reserve is also one of the best reserves in Russia. It is mostly mountainous area. It is located on the northern and southern slopes of the Western Caucasus and is also included in the list of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. The Caucasian Reserve is a site untouched by man, which allows rare bison and aurochs to live and breed comfortably.

By the way, not far from it is the famous city of Sochi, and the rivers originating in the mountains Caucasian Reserve, supply Sochi resorts with water, and numerous forests provide fresh air.
The territory of the reserve includes the Caucasus Mountains. It is here that the five-thousander mountains Elbrus and Kazbek are located, from the slopes of which the snow never melts. By the way, Elbrus is the highest point in Europe, and climbers from all over the world go to conquer it. By the way, even for an experienced climber, Elbrus is not the easiest route.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the fabulously beautiful lake Kezenoyam. Its waters are bright blue in sunny weather, and this is the deepest and most big lake North Caucasus. The lake is inhabited by a species of fish that is not found anywhere else in the world - the Eizenam trout. Currently, a hotel complex is being built on the shore of the lake.

8. Great Arctic Reserve

There are vast arctic deserts and arctic tundra. For most of the year, this area, immediately adjacent to the Arctic Circle, is covered with snow, falling only in summer on a short time. Bolshoy Arktichesky is the largest nature reserve in Eurasia and a home for polar bears.

Unlike other reserves, there are also industrial sites here: for example, oil is extracted in some places. Coastline The reserve is washed by the waters of the Arctic Ocean.

9. Sayano-Shushensky Reserve

In one of the best nature reserves in Russia, there are the largest cedar forests in terms of area (about 1000 km²). The main relief is mountains and mountain valleys, with some peaks reaching a height of almost 3,000 km above sea level. About 100 species of rare or endangered animals live in this reserve. For example, it is here that the largest population of snow leopards in the world lives. True, according to some reports, the situation with snow leopards is critical: according to the deputy director for scientific work Sayano-Shushensky biosphere reserve Sergei Istomov, there are no more than ten wild leopards left here, and not at all dozens, as stated in official documents.

Unfortunately, in 1975 a reservoir was opened in these places. The Yenisei River was blocked, and as a result, extensive land flooding occurred. Then everything that lived on a narrow coastal strip disappeared. Fortunately, after about five years the situation returned to normal, but some species of animals could not adapt to the new conditions and left these places.

Of course, where there are mountains, there are tourists. True, hiking and mountaineering are predominantly developed here, and there are practically no hotel complexes.

10. Vasyugan swamps

AT Western Siberia, between the Irtysh and Ob rivers, there are some of the largest swamps in the world. It is one of the main sources of fresh water for the region. Tourists rarely visit these places: few people risk wandering through the vast expanses flooded with water, although in most places the swamps are not deep. Of course, rare species of birds and animals live in these wild places.

However, those who wish can walk through the swamps for many days in a row: in the middle of endless water fields there are completely dry islands overgrown with forests. But for kindling a fire, you get a huge fine: such human intervention causes considerable damage to the ecosystem of these places.

Unfortunately, the preservation of the reserve is under threat, since swamps are not only fresh water and rich animal world, as well as reserves of peat, oil and natural gas. So far, no industrial developments have been carried out in this area, but the development of minerals may begin in the coming years. From this point of view, the nearby Baikonur Cosmodrome is no less harmful, since substances from launch vehicles fall into the water.

11. Olekminskiy reserve

Wonderful place Olekminsky reserve is located in the Republic of Sakha. It was founded in 1984 and is the only nature reserve in Yakutia.

Most of the territory of one of the best nature reserves in Russia is occupied by forests. These are mainly deciduous and birch forests, pine and spruce forests are less common. Birch forests consist of grass birch and lingonberry-forb. A feature of birch forests in the Olekminsky Reserve is their distribution in small areas in floodplains. In addition to forests in river valleys, you can find small groups of shrub birches, which are called dwarf birches. In the valleys of the Olekma River, groves of Chosenia and fragrant poplar also grow.

The Olekminsky Reserve is inhabited by both taiga birds - hawk owl, hazel grouse, upland owl, bearded owl, black and three-toed woodpeckers, as well as East Siberian birds - capercaillie, Siberian flycatcher, rubythroat nightingale, rock duck, Siberian thrush and many others. Recently, on the territory of the Olekminsky Reserve, southern species of birds have also been seen - black swift, lapwing, chaffinch and quail, which previously could not be found in Yakutia. The jay, black crane, black stork and peregrine falcon of the reserve are listed in the Red Book. Starling, dipper, jay, kingfisher, crested honey buzzard, whooper swan, gray crane are listed in the Red Book of Yakutia.

Almost the entire territory of the reserve is inhabited by Brown bear. A high number of wolves has also been noted, which has increased markedly over the past 10 years.

The most protected species of mammals living in the Olekminsky Reserve are musk deer, otter, fox, reindeer, wolverine, brown bear, lynx and sable.

12. Far Eastern Marine Reserve

The purpose of this reserve was to preserve rare species marine and coastal animals and plants. It is forbidden for a person to enter some territories, but what remains for tourists is quite enough. True, fishing and hunting are completely prohibited here, so you will have to be content solely with admiring the beauties of nature. And there is something to admire. The visitor will see the untouched clear sea with narrow grassy beaches, low deciduous forests.

In warm sea ​​waters even tropical sharks live and sea ​​snakes. In general, the animal world, both under water and on the surface, is extremely diverse, but most of the animals, unfortunately, are also endangered.

In the northern region of the reserve there is a hotel where you can relax on the seashore with amenities, albeit without frills.

Some governments are making great efforts to protect certain areas in order to preserve cultural and cultural heritage for future generations. natural resources of his people.

There are more than 160 thousand protected areas in the world. In total, they occupy 10% of the entire surface of the planet. Here are the biggest ones:

The largest nature reserves in the world

1. Papahanaumokuakea (area - 1.5 million km²)

The first to propose the idea of ​​creating a conservation area in Hawaii ex-president USA Theodore Roosevelt back in 1909. But only 100 years later, in 2006, George W. Bush, with the support of the US Department of Commerce and the Interior, who provided funding, created the Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument.

And in 2016, Barack Obama almost quadrupled the protected area, making Papahanaumokuakea the largest nature reserve in the world.

More than 7,000 species of various plant and animal species live here, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

2. Northeast Greenland National Park (area - 972 thousand km²)

Given that national park covers all northern part Greenland, it is recognized as one of the largest national parks in the world. Its dimensions are larger than the area of ​​163 of the 195 existing states in the world.

This national park is home to polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes, snowy owls and many other species of wildlife, some of which are on the verge of extinction. The park was created in 1974, over time its territory increased, and in 1977 it already received the status of a biosphere reserve of international importance.

3. Marine Protected Area of ​​the Chagos Archipelago (area - 544 thousand km²)

The territory of the world's largest marine conservation area is under the auspices of the UK and is the largest reserve of marine life on the planet.

The area is larger than France and is located 500 km south of the Maldives. The reserve covers seven atolls and coral islands with the most beautiful and diverse underwater natural world, which plays a key role in the formation of the local ecosystem.

Chagos is home to over 1200 species of corals, various fish and one of the rarest species of sea turtles.

4. Kavango-Zambezi transboundary reserve (area - 444 thousand km²)

The reserve covers the territory of several African countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is home to several national parks, including Chobe, Nhai Pan and Bwabwata, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls.

The Kavango Zambezi was founded to protect the migration of animals from one country to another. biological resource The region contains one of the largest populations of elephants on the African continent.

5. Protected area of ​​the Phoenix Islands (area - 408 thousand km²)

The protected area is located on the territory of the Republic of Kiribati and is the largest natural reserve marine life in the Pacific Ocean.

These places are connected to the mystery of the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, a famous female pilot whose plane in 1937 is believed to have disappeared in these waters.

Five of the eight protected islands are home to extremely rare endangered bird species that attract the attention of tourists and explorers. Some areas of the reserve can be visited, but only with special permission.

6. Great Barrier Reef (area - 344.4 thousand km²)

One of the most interesting natural attractions in Australia is, of course, the Great barrier reef- the largest accumulation of corals in the world. Here, in one place, there are many exotic species of marine flora and fauna.

The area was declared a national park due to the fact that corals began to disappear rapidly under the influence of environmental pollution. Now, for example, tourists and surfers visiting the nature park are required to follow strict rules of conduct.

The Great Barrier Reef is located near the state of Queensland and consists of a chain of more than 900 islands and 2,900 individual reefs, stretching 2,600 kilometers in length.

Tourism in this region brings Australia billions of dollars in income.

7. Galapagos Marine Reserve (area - 133 thousand km²)

The islands of the archipelago are located a thousand kilometers from the coast of Ecuador. The reserve is home to many species of sharks, whales, turtles, and fish. The remote location, the mixture of warm and cold sea currents, fresh and salty waters, contributed to the development of an unusual animal world.

Charles Darwin studied in detail the various types of animals that lived on these islands, and later, based on the analysis of the data obtained, developed his theory of evolution.

The biggest threat to the region's biodiversity today is illegal fishing, lobster, sea cucumbers (holothurians) and some shark species.

8. Air and Tenere National Reserve (area - 77.36 thousand km²)

The protected area is located in Niger and is under the protection of UNESCO. The name appeared as a result of a combination of the names of the two regions where the reserve is located: the eastern part on the Air plateau, and the western part in the Tener desert (part of the Sahara).

The reserve is home to various endangered animal species, and only some of its parts are accessible to tourists.

Dunes, caves, canyons, underwater caves and other geographical features that are found only in this part of the world have become a distinctive feature of this territory.

There is a mountain of real marble, as well as sand dunes with an ever-changing appearance.

9. Rangel St. Elias (area - 53.3 thousand km²)

This national park and sanctuary was created in 1980 and is located on the territory of southern Alaska and nine states of the USA.

The 16 mountain peaks of this park are the highest in the United States, and the local landscapes are reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.

10. Transfrontier Park Big Limpopo (area - 37.6 thousand km²)

protected area The park continues to expand and currently covers land in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, bringing together several national parks.

Animals inhabiting the area: African elephants, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, white rhinos, cheetahs, mongooses, etc.

Tourism is developed here, various safaris are held. In addition to standard jeep tours, there are canoe tours, walking tours, and various events and festivals.

By the end of the 19th century, people began to understand that if they did not protect environment, but only to exploit it mercilessly, then in a fairly short time they will have time to destroy many species of the animal and plant world. Some of that hard work has already been done. In addition, our beautiful and diverse planet may forever lose its unique natural formations. For this reason, reserves and national parks of the world appeared. Each state that has national parks strives to preserve their natural splendor and diversity. At the same time, in different countries the forms of national parks may vary, 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. In addition to staff national park there are no other residents here. About 10 thousand musk oxen also live here, which is 40% of all these animals left in the world. The other inhabitants of the park are reindeer, polar bears, walruses, arctic hare and ermines. Sparse vegetation is represented here by mosses and lichens, and only in some places you can see dwarf willows and birches.

2. Kruger (South Africa)

In the national park. Kruger is represented by a typical South African wildlife. This is not only a nature reserve very popular among foreign travelers, but also a profitable business that brings considerable income. This oldest national park in South Africa, listed as a UNESCO heritage, was founded back in 1898 in the northeast of the country. Its area is 19,000 sq. km, and from end to end the distance is 340 km. It consists of three parts located in the valleys of the Olifants and Sabi rivers. A curious kind of "unarmed" African safari is practiced in this reserve. In a huge national park, most of the animals are grouped in its central part. Among them: elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, white rhinos, leopards, 17 species of antelopes and over 400 species of birds.

As for such wonders of nature as waterfalls, Europe has not been very successful with them, because the most grandiose in terms of power are on other continents ...

3. Serengeti (Tanzania)

The Serengeti National Park is one of the largest (15,000 sq. km) and most famous on the planet, it has an almost complete ecosystem. This oldest reserve in Africa appeared in 1929. Almost 500 species of birds and 3 million of the most large 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 wildebeests is explained by the fact that a drought begins in the north of the park, burning grass, and in search of food, herbivorous ungulates rush to the cooler and more humid south. On the contrary, when the rainy season begins, the herds return to the north and west.
The Serengeti is also proud of its largest lion population in Africa. Among its inhabitants, mention should be made of elephants, hyenas, gazelles, rhinos and hippos. In the Maasai language, the name of the park means "endless plains" - and in fact, the vast savannah mainly extends here.

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 at once: Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. The national park was founded here in 1872, because there are a huge number of geysers and thermal springs. Large alpine lake Yellowstone is located in the crater of America's largest supervolcano. A very long time ago this volcano erupted, so the surrounding areas are covered with ancient lava.
Two-thirds of all geysers in the world are concentrated in Yellowstone - almost 3000, among them the largest in the world - "Steamboat". Very famous for its regular eruptions is the geyser "Old Faithful", which ejects boiling water to a height of 40 meters at intervals of 45-125 minutes. Only five geyser fields are known in the world, located in Yellowstone, Kamchatka, Chile, Iceland and New Zealand. Yellowstone is densely stuffed with a variety of thermal springs, of which there are about 10,000 (that is, half of those available in the world), there are mud volcanoes and sources of hydrogen sulfide.
Hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, fish, birds and about 2,000 species of vegetation live in the national park.

For ordinary person the difference between "sleeping" and "extinct" volcanoes is not obvious. But the differences between them are quite significant...

5. Snowdonia (UK)

This national park is located in North Wales. This is one of the first 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 it, and the number of tourists visiting it per year reaches 6 million. For them, 2381 km of open hiking trails have been laid in the park, there are also 264 km of trails for horseback and hiking travelers and 74 km of other routes. So, those who wish can climb to the top of Snowdon by funicular or along a picturesque hiking trail, which has a length of 13 km. There are also old railway lines in the park.

6. Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)

The term "Plitvice Lakes" was first mentioned in documents from 1777. In 1949, this place became a national park, 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 the photographs here are unusually spectacular. Along the hiking trails 18 kilometers long along the banks of the lakes, wooden decks are arranged, from which it is convenient to observe the surrounding beauty and take pictures of it.
There are several hiking trails, a journey through which can take both a couple of hours and 8 hours. There is a boat plying the lakes, and the mountains can be viewed from an electric train with special wagons adapted for a better view. But in local lakes it is forbidden to swim, bring dogs here, and have picnics with fires. The Plitvice Lakes are also famous for their unique coniferous and beech forests that have been growing here for many centuries and are able to recover.

The territory of Russia is huge, so it is not surprising that dozens of waterfalls are scattered on it, in its most diverse corners. Some of them are so...

7. Fiordland (New Zealand)

This is the name of the largest national park in New Zealand, which occupies south island much of its southwestern highlands. Here are the deepest lakes of the country and rather high and picturesque mountains, reaching 2746 m. ​​And now Fiordland remains a remote area. There are many beauties here: swift rivers with waterfalls, picturesque fjords, rich and unique flora and fauna. In local dense forests home to beautiful birds such as cockatoo parrots. In local waters Pacific Ocean you can meet penguins or bottlenose dolphin.
The famous British writer Rudyard Kipling glorified the local bay of Milford Sound, calling it "the eighth wonder of the world." Throughout its 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 Transboundary Reserve

This reserve is unique in many ways. Spread over a vast territory of 444,000 sq. km, it captures the territories of five countries at once: Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. There are no borders on the territory of the reserve itself, so animals can move freely throughout its 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 is home to world-famous attractions, such as the luxurious Victoria Falls. A transboundary reserve appeared recently - in 2011. The most important task of the five states that organized it was to provide opportunities 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 in the endless reserve. First of all, travelers are attracted here by African elephants, which are home to almost half of all savannah elephants living in Africa. 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.

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

9. Papahanaumokuakea Marine Reserve (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 world's largest protected marine reserve. The Papahanaumokuakea Nature Reserve was founded recently - in 2006. There are exotic animals and plants on its islands, but not only these living objects living on land are valuable, but also luxurious coral reefs hidden under a layer of water, 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 mark the married couple of the patrons of nature - the local gods Wakea and Papahanaumoku. For the indigenous people of Hawaii, 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 found that some of them were inhabited by humans in prehistoric times. For example, on the islands of Nihoa and Makumanamana, the remains of ancient settlements have been preserved, in which people who were engaged in agriculture lived. Within Papahanumokuakea was a tenth of the tropical shallow coral reefs belonging to the United States.

10. Limpopo Transfrontier Park

This park also occupies the territories of several African countries - South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Its area on this moment is about 37,000 sq. km, 10 different zones. To date, the final boundary of the reserve has not yet been established, especially since its expansion is to be 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 animals already live there.

1. Yellowstone, USA
The very first, most famous, highest geysers and the largest alpine lake in North America All of this is Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America - located in the crater of the largest supervolcano on the continent.

2. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
On the territory of the most beautiful reserve there are 16 large karst lakes, 140 waterfalls, 20 caves. Moreover, new waterfalls are born here every year.

A characteristic feature of the reserve is the color of the water. Pictures of the lakes look like a photomontage, but the water here is really azure.

3. Snowdonia, UK
Unlike reserves in other countries, Snowdonia, like other national parks in England and Wales, includes both public and private lands.

Snowdonia has 2381 km of open hiking trails, 264 km of trails for walkers and horseback riders and 74 km of other open roads.

4. Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Located on the Colorado Plateau, Arizona, USA, on the territory of the Grand Canyon National Park. It is cut by the Colorado River in the thickness of limestones, shales and sandstones. The length of the canyon is 446 kilometers. The width (at the level of the plateau) ranges from 6 to 29 kilometers, at the bottom level - less than a kilometer. Depth - up to 1600 meters.

The canyon was cut by the Colorado River in the thickness of limestone, shale and sandstone about 5-6 million years ago. These arguably the most complete geological outcrops in the world represent the history of the Earth over 1.5 billion years.

5. Serengeti, Tanzania
The name Serengeti, Tanzania's oldest and most popular nature reserve, comes from annual migration when six million hooves pass across the open plains - 200,000 zebras and 300,000 Thomson's gazelles join the antelopes' march in search of fresh pasture. And even at a time when migration subsides, the wildlife viewing opportunities in the Serengeti are the most magnificent: huge herds of buffalo, small groups of elephants and giraffes, thousands upon thousands of eland, topis, congas, impalas and Grani gazelles.

The main spectacle in the most beautiful reserve of Tanzania is the hunting of predators.
Prides of golden-maned lions feast on the open spaces of flat pastures. Lonely leopards prowl between the acacias along the Seronera River, and many cheetahs roam the southeastern plains in search of prey. An almost unique case: all three species of African jackals are found here, along with spotted hyenas and a host of less visible small predators, from earthwolf insects to red servals.

6. Fiordland, New Zealand
The largest park in New Zealand occupies most of the mountainous southwestern part of the South Island.

Here are the deepest lakes in New Zealand, and the mountains reach a height of 2746 meters. The park is known for its unique bird fauna, including the rare kea parrot, the kaka forest parrot or the green nestor, the owl parrot living in burrows, the best singer of the New Zealand forests is the Tui bird (shrub robin) and the takahe shepherd, until recently considered extinct and found only in one of the Fiordland valleys, as well as the symbol of the country - the flightless kiwi bird and the yellow-eyed penguin. Dolphins and fur seals are found in the waters off the coast. The exceptionally picturesque landscape of the coast, cut by deep fjords, to which mighty glaciers descend from the mountains, sometimes reaching a height of 300 m, gives a special flavor to the park.

7. Iguazu, Argentina-Brazil
Iguazu is a whole water complex located on the river of the same name. The waterfalls are located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the Devil's Throat waterfall separates the two countries - the largest of the entire complex.

Iguazu refers to 275 separate waterfalls. The height of the water fall of some reaches 82 meters, but most of the waterfalls are a little more than 60 meters. According to legend, after the first lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, first saw Iguazu, she exclaimed: "Poor Niagara!" A surprised woman can be easily understood: the Brazilian-Argentine waterfall is four times wider than the North American Niagara.

8. Banff, Canada
Banff is the oldest Canadian national park, it was organized back in 1885. But, despite its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff is a major tourist center with a developed infrastructure. Here you can find everything that is associated with Canada: the extraordinary beauty of landscapes and the smell of firs, glaciers and hot springs, hiking trails and ski slopes.

The center of the reserve is the highest locality Canada, the city of Banff, located at an altitude of 1463 m above sea level.

9. Torres del Paine, Chile
The most high point park, located in the south of Chile, in Patagonia, is Mount Paine Grande, whose height is 3050 m.

The park is one of the most visited tourist sites in Chile. This world's most famous national park in Chile is located almost 3 hours from Puerto Natales. After all, there are glaciers, high mountains, lakes, forests, many animals and birds live here, and even orchids can be found among the flowers.

10. Tatras, Poland-Slovakia
More than a quarter of the national park is occupied by green areas and bare rocks. The flora of the Tatras is made up of more than a thousand species of plants, and the chamois can be called a living symbol of the park.

There are also deer, wild boars, roe deer, and also wolves, bears and lynxes in the park.