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Nature reserve

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A nature reserve is a protected area of land or water. These areas are managed to protect flora, fauna, fungi, and geological features. They are also used for scientific study and research.

Jefferson Memorial Forest-Bee Lick Creek
Jefferson Memorial Forest-Bee Lick Creek

People call these areas by many names. They might be called wildlife refuges, biosphere reserves, or nature sanctuaries. In some places, they are known as ecological protection areas. These reserves are usually more strictly protected than a standard nature park. They can be managed by government institutions or by private owners like charities.

The management of a reserve depends on its specific goals. In Brazil, the National System of Nature Conservation Units classifies reserves into different types. Ecological stations and biological reserves are two main examples. These areas aim to preserve natural attributes by excluding direct human interference.

Tarvasjõgi
Tarvasjõgi

In ecological stations, people may only visit for scientific or educational purposes. Scientists are even allowed to make small changes to the environment to help their research. However, these changes are strictly limited. For example, they cannot affect more than three percent of the area. This helps maintain the natural ecological processes and biological diversity.

Humans have tried to protect wildlife for thousands of years. In the 3rd century BC, King Devanampiya Tissa established the Mihintale wildlife sanctuary in the Anuradhapura Ancient Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Many ancient cultures also had sacred areas where hunting and fishing were forbidden. Some West African cultures maintained "evil forests" that were off-limits to humans.

Charles Waterton
Charles Waterton

The first modern nature reserve was established in 1821 by Charles Waterton. He was a naturalist and explorer in West Yorkshire, England. Waterton spent £9000 to build a wall that was nine feet tall and three miles long. This wall protected his estate from poachers. He also invented artificial nest boxes for birds like starlings and jackdaws. He even tried to introduce little owls from Italy to his land.

As time passed, different nations developed their own systems for conservation. In Germany, the site of Drachenfels became the first state-designated nature reserve in 1836. The Prussian State bought the land to stop quarrying. In the United States, Yellowstone National Park was the first major nature reserve. Other important early examples include the Royal National Park in Australia and the Barguzin Nature Reserve in Russia. The Barguzin reserve was the first federal reserve set up entirely for scientific study.

Drachenfels (Siebengebirge) from Rhöndorf
Drachenfels (Siebengebirge) from Rhöndorf

Today, many international organizations help oversee non-profit animal sanctuaries.

Different countries use very specific rules for their protected lands. In Australia, the term "nature reserve" is defined by individual states rather than one national law. In 2016, 1767 areas in the Australian National Reserve System used this name. Canada recognizes 55 National Wildlife Areas through the Canada Wildlife Act. About half of these areas consist of marine habitat, while the rest is terrestrial.

PenasBlancas, part of the Bosawas Reserve, Jinotega Department, Nicaragua
PenasBlancas, part of the Bosawas Reserve, Jinotega Department, Nicaragua

In Egypt, 30 nature reserves cover 12% of the country's land. The largest reserve in Egypt is Gebel Elba on the Red Sea coast.

Nature reserves can contain many different types of environments. In the United Kingdom, England has over 215 national nature reserves. These range from ancient woodlands to former industrial areas that wildlife has reclaimed.

Szczeliniec Wielki 2007
Szczeliniec Wielki 2007

In Hungary, the Hortobágy National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe. This park features alkaline grasslands, marshes, and fishponds. It is a famous place for the autumn migration of cranes. Visitors can also see Hungarian horses, buffalo, and grey cattle there.

These protected areas are vital for maintaining the Earth's biodiversity. In Sweden, there are almost 4,000 nature reserves. These areas make up about 85% of the surface protected by the Swedish Environmental Code. In Romania, about 5.18% of the land has protected status. This includes the Danube Delta, which covers 2.43% of Romania's total area.

Whether they are mountain parks in Kosovo or coastal areas in England, reserves help keep the natural world functioning.

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🖼️ Images & Media (13)
File:Jefferson Memorial Forest-Bee Lick Creek.jpg
Jefferson Memorial Forest-Bee Lick Creek.jpg
File:Charles Waterton.jpg
Charles Waterton.jpg
File:Drachenfels (Siebengebirge) from Rhöndorf.jpg
Drachenfels (Siebengebirge) from Rhöndorf.jpg
File:Golyamata-Gramada.jpg
Golyamata-Gramada.jpg
File:Tarvasjõgi.jpg
Tarvasjõgi.jpg
File:Termeszetvedelmi terulet.JPG
Termeszetvedelmi terulet.JPG
File:Parku Kombëtar Bjeshkët Nemuna, Liqeni i madh ne Liqenat, Rugove.jpg
Parku Kombëtar Bjeshkët Nemuna, Liqeni i...
File:Szczeliniec Wielki 2007.jpg
Szczeliniec Wielki 2007.jpg
File:Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran - panoramio.jpg
Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran...
File:Tramping or hiking in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park..jpg
Tramping or hiking in Aoraki Mount Cook...
File:PenasBlancas, part of the Bosawas Reserve, Jinotega Department, Nicaragua.jpg
PenasBlancas, part of the Bosawas...
File:Лес вокруг г.Ямантау.jpg
Лес вокруг г.Ямантау.jpg

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