Atlas of Conservation Cartography, Volume II

Atlas of

CONSERVATION CARTOGRAPHY Volume II

Copyright © 2021 University of Montana All Rights Reserved. This atlas or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in an atlas review.

Printed in the United States of America Atlas of Conservation Cartography Volume Two, 2021 University of Montana W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT, 59812 www.cfc.umt.edu Editor and Director of Cartography Kevin McManigal Cover Map and Design: Kevin McManigal Title Page Art: Peter Scilla

TA BLE OF CON T E N TS FORWARD by Kevin McManigal..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 TIGERS FOREVER POSTER, for Panthera by Kevin McManigal................................................................................................................................. 2

CHAPTERS Leo Andrade, Nerthus Navigation Skelligs Special Protection Area, Ireland ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Seth Boogaard, Bow Guard Cartographics Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Haley Brueckman, Contrast Cartography Cerro Castillo National Park, Chile............................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Shira Ellenson, Makom Maps Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan ................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Amelia Evavold, Seiche Cartography Sassen-Bünsow Land National Park, Norway .............................................................................................................................................................11 Kate Gonzales, Clear Sky Cartography Manú National Park, Peru ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Alexa Harrington, Archer Cartography Tongariro National Park, New Zealand ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Amy Katz, Katz Cartographics Nam Ha Protected Area, Laos ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Katie Marema, Gaia Cartography Cairngorms National Park, Scotland ........................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Phoebe Mather, Coyote Cartography Lokobe Strict Reserve, Madagascar ............................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Emma Montague, Echo Mapping Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia ................................................................................................................................................................... 23 James Moxley, Strike & Dip Maps Taranaki National Park, New Zealand ........................................................................................................................................................................ 25 Kris Mueller, Waypoint Cartographics Lorentz National Park, Indonesia ................................................................................................................................................................................ 27 Madison Murrill, Cracked Cartography Cutervo National Park, Peru ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29 Wyatt Nielson, Small Step Cartography Manongarivo National Park, Madagascar ................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Michael Riviere, Arcadia Cartography Parc National des Ecrins, France ................................................................................................................................................................................. 33 John Ross, Dialed In Cartographic Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast Nature Reserve, United Kingdom............................................................................................................. 35 Christina Salzmann, Alpenglow Cartographics Nanda Devi National Park, India ................................................................................................................................................................................. 37 Peter Scilla, Excelsior Cartographic Ilulissat Isfjord, Greenland............................................................................................................................................................................................ 39 Hannah Shafer, Nature & Stuff Cartography Reserva Nacional Futaleufù, Chile .............................................................................................................................................................................. 41 Zoe Tyson, Cephalo Cartography Thingvellier National Park, Iceland ............................................................................................................................................................................. 43

APPENDICES Cartography Company Logos ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 45 Map References .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 46

FORWARD Last Stand Landscape. It has a certain ring to it, but unfortunately, for many of the world’s most iconic species, it carries a negative connotation. In wildlife biology, we talk about the carrying capacity of an ecosystem. That is, the aspects of a species’ range that determine the total population able to thrive on that given landscape. It may include variables like available prey, water, landcover, etc., but in all cases, a species has evolved over millennia to capitalize on a specific niche that only exists in a finite area of Earth. Enter humans. In a geologic blink, we have managed to slash, burn, destroy and denude vast swathes of primary habitat that untold species called home. In many cases, we trampled and trashed before we could even count and catalogue. We may never know exactly what has vanished.

Since the last ice age, the planet has lost one third of its primary forest, with half of that loss occurring in the last one hundred years.

This represents an area twice the size of the United States. Countless species disappeared as the trees fell, not to mention those gone in “developed” wetlands, grasslands, beaches and deserts. The picture painted appears quite bleak.

And now we enter a new age, the Anthropocene. For the last several decades, habitat loss has been considered the largest factor pushing species to the brink of extinction.

However, we now find there is no more habitat to lose. For many of the megafauna, like the elephants and rhinos, the bear and buffalo, the 1

lions and tigers, the small parcels of range are all that remain. Within the world’s wildlife refuges, national parks, and protected areas, lie the Last Stand Landscapes for these wonderful citizens of Earth, these animals we proclaim to love. We idolize them, lift them up as characters, logos and mascots, figureheads of our commitment to conservation. Meanwhile, we are slaughtering them in the field. For today, even in the last of their habitat, we allow a greater threat to decimate their kind. Poaching, the new scourge, continues to whittle away their numbers in the wild. Humans have only one choice to make. If we truly care, and want these magnificent beasts to carry on for future generations, for the health of all life on earth, we only need to do one thing; stop killing them. This appears easier said than done.

Let’s take the tiger as an example. Only a century ago, scientists estimate there were over 100,000 tigers in their natural habitat. Today, there are under 4000. One truly depressing statistic claims there are more tigers in captivity in Texas than are alive in the wild. And while there are pockets of healthy populations in the protected ranges of Asia, a recent study found that 1 in 5 wild tigers succumb to poaching every year. This disturbing mortality rate feeds the $23 billion illegal wildlife trade that robs us all of our shared global bio-diversity.

Millions have been spent on disproving the medicinal benefits of tiger parts, on raising awareness, on winning hearts and minds. All to no avail. At this point, the only recourse is to stop poachers with highly motivated rangers willing to die for these cats. Anything less, surely means extinction.

So, when there is nothing left to do but fight, fight we must. With clear objectives, and singular focus, the Panthera organization started the Tigers Forever program in 2014.

They set a simple goal of doubling wild tiger populations. Working with government agencies, local NGOs, and indigenous people that live with tigers every day, they established a network of existing parks and landscapes, fed by robust source populations, that only needed to be locked down and protected from poachers. The good news; it’s working! Wild populations have risen by over 800 cats, and breeding pairs are establishing ranges in areas previously devoid of any tigers. As the poster to the right depicts, many parks are getting close to carrying capacity, and now the program is funded to keep expanding tiger numbers in new sites.

Maps played a key role. One aspect of effective anti-poaching patrols, is the use of paper maps for efficient wayfinding and navigation. Student cartographers at the University of Montana mapped thousands of square kilometers using the latest techniques of modern cartography to give the rangers an edge in the field. And here we have a collection of maps by other student cartographers, highlighting protected areas around the globe.

Imagine all the species hiding in these faraway places, under the rocks, in the canopies, below the waves. Imagine the good these maps can do for the world.

Kevin McManigal Director of Cartography University of Montana, Missoula December, 2021

“It would be a massive indictment against humanity if during our time tigers walked into extinction and we didn’t prevent it…

It’s not at all too little too late.” Dr. Robert Pickles, head of tiger monitoring, Panthera.

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The Skellig Islands

are located 11 kilometers off the Southwestern coast of Ireland. The uninhabited islands are characterized as a Special Protection Area (SPA) by the E.U. Birds Directive. This SPA contains two islands, Great Skellig (also referred to as Skellig Michael) and Little Skellig. The two islands are separated by a distance of two kilometers. The SPA boundary consists of some of the surrounding water as well, leading to an area 6.24 square kilometers in size. The elevation of the islands varies from sea level to a high point of 234 meters on Skellig Michael. The climate on the islands is highly regulated by the nearby warm ocean currents and can be classified as a temperate forest biome despite its Northern latitude. Steady 3

rainfall occurs throughout the year; however, vegetation is sparse due to the rocky landscape and heavy presence of birds.

The isolation of the Skellig Islands makes them an ideal spot for sea bird conservation efforts. The islands are home to thousands of nesting sea birds and special conservation interest is given to the Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot, and Puffin. The islands are also home to historical nesting sites for the highly protected Peregrin Falcon. Little Skellig is completely off limits for docking boats, further shielding sensitive bird species on the smaller island.

The remoteness of these islands also made them an ideal location for

medieval monks, and some monastic structures still exist on Skellig Michael dating back to the 10th century C.E. After being vacated by the monks, lighthouse builders occupied the islands in 1820 and remained there until the islands fell under state guardianship in the 1880s. Architectural protection began in 1986, and Skellig Michael is now classified as a National Monument of Ireland. Since that time these islands have become prominent tourist destinations with the country of Ireland having to impose a quota system to limit crowds. The original monastic structures are still present on Skellig Michael and have been featured in multiple Hollywood films.

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VATNAJÖKULL National Park (vatna - water, jökull -glacier) in Southeast Iceland was formed in 2008 when the government combined Vatnajökull ice cap with two previously established parks Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur and is Europe’s second largest park.

Magnificent glaciers, rugged volcanic mountains, and vast tundra create a dynamic landscape of fire and ice. Its boundaries encompass roughly 14,141 sq km, or about 14% of the countries land mass. Iceland’s highest elevation (2,110m) sits on the pyramid-shaped peak of Hvannadalshnjúkur mountain, submerged in ice at the heart of the park. The Southeastern edge of the park abuts the Atlantic coast near the Norwegian Sea. One who travels across the park will encounter numerous sub-glacial valleys, spectacular canyons, highland plateaus of rock and ice, along with volcanoes Askja, Snæfell and Kverkfjöll. Hyaloclastite foothills surrounding the area are believed to been created by sub-glacier eruptions following the ice age.

Alpine vegetation in the area includes glacier buttercup, alpine whitlow grass, and large patches of mosses which provides a mosaic of vibrant color against the dark unvegetated foreground. While the park is not known for its wildlife, scores of sea birds and seals occupy the area, and reindeer can be viewed inland.

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Polar and temperate climate zones mix creating unpredictable weather where temperatures can vary from 20 degrees (C) during summer to below minus 10 degrees (C) in winter, and in the high regions average annual precipitation is approximately 4,000-5,000mm. European Heritage Days, commence annually within the park in Skaftafell. Tourists, scientists, and film makers regularly inhabit the park. Many international films have shot scenes in the park including 1985 James Bond: “A view to Kill”.

Protection of the park falls under the Nature Conservation Act of Iceland and other nature reserve policies. Scientific research on tectonic, oceanic, glacial, and biotic systems within the park is supported. Ice glaciers in Vatnajökull gain the most attraction from visitors.

Additionally, boat tours, ice cave exploration, and scenic drives allow all to experience the wonders of Iceland’s largest park. Many of the park’s enormous glaciers reach depth of around one kilometer in thickness, yet the ice has been melting in recent decades. While there has been no recent volcanic activity, unique underwater thermal vents host single celled organisms that

are believed to have survived the last ice age.

Some scientists concur that volcanic eruptions are past due and expect violent displays of activity to occur in the next half-century.

Over 30 “outlet” glaciers reside in the park boundaries which contribute to stunning glacier river systems. In one magnificent glacier carved canyon of the park, Jökulsárgljúfur, lies Europe’s most powerful waterfall named Dettifoss. Further North, the horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi is believed to have formed when Óðinn’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, stepped his foot down from the heavens. Near Snæfell, wetlands host reindeer and many bird species.

On the South side of the park, steep mountain ridges steer outlet glaciers upon the lowlands where embedded rivers carry sand to form coastal deserts. A glacial lagoon, one of the parks most visited landmarks, sits at the base of glacier Breiðamerkurjökull where large icebergs float slowly into the Atlantic and hosts some of the best seal watching in the country.

According to recent studies, Vatnajökull glaciers are slowly melting around three meters of ice per year. Do not hesitate, please visit this National Heritage Site before its glaciers melt.

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Cerro Castillo lies in the Patagonian region of Southern Chile, defined by its mountainous landscape and beautiful flora and fauna that is endemic to the region. The park is in the Aseyn Region of Chile and encompasses an area of 1,380 square kilometers. This area includes staggering mountains, hanging glaciers and glacial lagoons. At the southern boundary of the park the Ibáñez River meanders through a valley accessible by the Carretera Austral, Chile’s southern highway. Along this highway is the small historic village of Cerro Castillo.

Villa Cerro Castillo has a strong local identity and is where the traditional festival called “Fiesta de las Tradiciones” occurs, which is a popular event in the Aysen region of Chile. Cerro castillo lies in the ancestral home of the Aonikenk people. The Aonikenk people traditionally lived in the Patagonia and Pampas region of Chile and Argentina.

Villa Cerro Castillo is the gateway into Cerro Castillo National Park. From the town there are hiking trails that lead into the mountains, the most popular being the Travesia Las Horquetas hike. Trails venture through native lenga forests, turquoise lagoons, and views of the striking Cerro Castillo, the tallest mountain in the park at 2, 675 meters. Cerro Castillo has unique fauna, including mountain lions, Andean condor, chinque (Patagonian skunk), mag7

ellanic wood peckers and guanacos. The park prides itself on its conservation efforts to protect the South Andean humeul deer. Currently the humeul is listed as an endangered species and there are fewer than two thousand remaining. Cerro Castillo is an important protected habitat for the huemal and is included in The Route of Parks founded by Tompkins Conservation, a team of international conservationists working in Southern Chile. The Route of Parks is a project working to create wildlife corridors throughout Chile that will benefit the humeul deer and other important endangered native species of the region.

Parque Cerro Castillo has only been designated a national park since 2018 and is managed by The National Forest Corporation of Chile (CONAF). It became a national park through a the parklands protocol signed by the Chilen government and Tompkins Conservation. This decree established five new national parks in Chile, including Cerro Castillo, and expanded three existing parks. Prior to this designation, Cerro Castillo was a National Reserve. Becoming a national park has allowed

for more strict conservation measures, as well as increased opportunity for eco-tourism. With the park being so new, there are still many challenges in developing adequate trails and maps for the landscape. There is hope that eco-tourism will help the economy of rural local communities in the area, although it is important for the park to ensure increased tourism remains respectful to the locals.

Patagonia is increasingly becoming a popular tourist attraction for those looking for outdoor adventure. It is expected that Parque Cerro Castillo will continue to gain popularity, especially due to its proximity to the city Coyhaique, which is considered the gateway to Patagonia. With this increased eco-tourism expected, it is imperative that there is cultural appreciation for the people and environment of Southern Chile.

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WADI RUM

Protected Area (WRPA)

is a 731 km 2 park located in Southern Jordan, neighboring Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Red Sea. Nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon”, WRPA has been shaped by complex geologic activity over millions of years. The landscape is an artifact of lithology, tectonic movement, and rapid uplift. A sea of pink, windswept sands, mudflats, and alluvial fans stretch out as far as the eye can see. Towering red cliffs and massifs (jebel) of pyramidal sandstone rock rise sharply from the wide open valleys (wadi). Weathering and erosion have since cut through the granite and sandstone along faults, cracks and joints, resulting in a network of elaborate labyrinths, undercut canyons, soaring towers, and natural arches.

WRPA is home to a variety of diverse and endemic plants and animals. There are over 200 species of flowers and wild grasses classified into 3 main types of vegetation: sand dune (low shrubs with root systems adapted to fine sand), Acacia (found in rocky mountainous areas), and Hammada (flowering plants). Near ephemeral springs, hanging gardens of fern, fig, mint, olive, and wild watermelon can be found.

The once-endangered Arabian orbyx was successfully reintroduced into the park in 2002.

Though rare, Nubien ibex, Arabian wolf, wild gazelle, and striped hyena may also be spotted.

The herding Bedouin community commonly utilize camels, goats, and sheep.

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Due to its remote and isolated nature, much of Wadi Rum has been naturally protected.

Wadi Rum is 300 km south of Amman, the capital of Jordan. The four-hour drive to the park requires a private shuttle or local bus. Along the way, most visitors stop in Petra, an outstanding rock-cut capital city of the ancient Nabateans.

WRPA is situated east of the Great Rift Valley and south of the Jordanian plateau; a highland country of deeply cut escarpments averaging 900m in elevation. The highest peak in Jordan, Jabal Umm ad Dami (1,840m) lies just 30 km south of Rum Village.

Human presence in the park can be traced back 12,000 years, and the region at large (Levantine Corridor) is along the migratory course early hominins were believed to take when expanding out of Africa. There are over 20,000 petroglyphs, inscriptions, ruins, and archaeological remains scattered across the Wadi Rum desert. Rum village is the only settlement in the protected area and traditional ways of life are still maintained by the Bedouin tribe today.

The local community is heavily involved with managing the park and guiding tourist activities. WRPA was established in 1997 and enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.

The park is managed by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) with the goal of conserving the unique desert landscape and its associated cultural and natural values. British Army Colonel T.E. Lawrence’s autobiographical account, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, was set in Wadi Rum during the Arab Revolt of 191618. The subsequent renowned film Lawrence of Arabia (1962), as well as The Martian (2015), Star Wars (2016), and Dune (2021), were also shot in this iconic setting. Today, Wadi Rum is a popular destination for eco-adventure, including world-class rock climbing, hiking, ATV/ Jeep tours, camping, and stargazing.

Some challenges that the park faces include increasing socioeconomic pressure, difficulty enforcing regulations, environmental response to climate change, and geopolitical instability.

Illegal hunting, woody fuel collection, and pastoral grazing may pose a future threat if harvest exceeds sustainable limits. However, growing tourism poses the most significant threat on the landscape. Future success of the park will rely on increased infrastructure to support its growth, proper waste management, and regulatory standards that meet sustainable visitation numbers.

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Amman

Wadi Rum

To Aqaba 70km

0

2.5

Bedouin Camp Climbing Area

Paved Road Desert Track

Sites of Interest

Rock Bridges

Lawerence’s House

­

Sand Dunes

Disi

Shira Ellenson

WADI RUM

‫وادي رم‬ Seven Pillars of Wisdom Inscriptions

Nabatean Temple

Rum Lawerence’s Spring

5 km

Main Road

JORDAN

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To Amman 320km

Sassen-Bünsow Land National Park

is located on the island of Spitsbergen in the remote Svalbard archipelago, halfway between the coast of Norway and the North Pole. At 1,231 km2 in size, the park stretches in elevation from sea level to its highest peak, Kvitserken, at 1,125 m. The landscape is roughly split in half by a large, glacially carved fjord known as Tempelfjorden.

Tundra-filled mountainous regions lie directly to the north and south of this central feature. At the east edge of the protected area lie several glaciers which converge in Tempelfjorden and are fed by a larger icefield outside the park boundary. The southernmost region includes one of Svalbard’s largest valleys, Sassendalen.

Much of the western border follows the shoreline of surrounding fjords which flow to the Arctic Ocean. Sassen-Bünsow Land National Park combines extensive shoreline, mountains, valleys, glaciers, and glacial fjords into an extraordinary geographically and biotically diverse protected area.

Established in 2003, Sassen-Bünsow Land is one of seven national parks in Svalbard.

The Department for Environment Protection under the Governor of Svalbard manages all protected lands within the archipelago.

Considering its remote location and harsh environment, human history preceding the Park’s creation is understandably limited. It is so remote that there are no people indigenous 11

to the region or the rest of Svalbard. There are very few human structures within the park along with several scattered locations of historic mining claims and activity. The primary cultural landmark within Sassen-Bünsow Land is a hunting station which lies on the shore of Templefjorden near the center of the park. The station, named Villa Fredheim, was constructed in 1925 by Hilmar Nøis, otherwise known as “The King of Sassen.” Nøis endured thirty-eight harsh and solitary arctic winters there. There is no established infrastructure within the park, so it’s relatively few visitors explore on foot, by boat, helicopter, plane, or snowmobile.

The benefit of no infrastructure and low visitation is that this protected area remains just that: protected. Sassen-Bünsow Land National Park remains a pristine location for the study of natural processes and conservation of sensitive biota. Notable large mammals within the area include polar bears and Svalbard reindeer.

Svalbard reindeer are a subspecies of reindeer (smaller than mainland subspecies) endemic to Svalbard. Although nearly hunted to extinction in 1925, their population has since rebounded and is carefully managed by the Governor of

Svalbard. Coastlines and inland regions both serve as important habitats for other flora and fauna such as several vulnerable plant species, geese, wading birds, and seals. Geologic and climate features have also captured the attention of scientists. Locations within Sassen-Bünsow Land contain Quaternary geological elements formed in the youngest geological period of Earth’s history (last 2.6 million years). Snow conditions and ice formation in the park’s fjords are also of interest to climate scientists examining changing conditions in polar regions. Frequent research is conducted within the park on many of these topics, often by the Norwegian Polar Institute or the University Centre in Svalbard.

Sassen-Bünsow Land National Park has valuable and endemic geology, biota, and geography and is important in conserving a continuous and intact arctic fjord and valley landscape. Due to its relatively pristine state, it is considered a “reference area” for natural research. The Park encompasses a unique landscape and, in combination with the total 65% of protected land within the Svalbard archipelago, supplements conservation of the entire polar region.

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Manú National Park,

like the jaguar, puma, giant otter, and harpy

founded in 1973, is eagle within the park. The site contains three in

southwestern

main vegetation types: alpine grassland above

Peru and encom- 3,200m (puna); subtropical montane cloud passes 6,627 sq. forest above 1,800m (yunga); and the tropical mi

(17,162.95 lowland rainforest of the alluvial plain. There

sq. km). The site are an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 different includes

tropical vegetation species within the park. However,

mountain ranges and research indicated there are still many species vast tributary river val- yet to be identified. leys with gently sloping hills that lead to the

Shortly after its designation as a Nation-

Amazon Basin’s alluvial plains. Significant al Park, UNESCO established protections for landscape diversity exists due to a wide range the park, initially as a Protected Natural Area of altitudinal gradient (365-4,000m). These and later as a Biosphere Reserve encompasslandscapes include high Andean grasslands, ing an extended area. UNESCO Biosphere montane cloud forests, and lowland rainfor-

Reserve designates three main areas to con-

ests. The watershed of Rio Manú covers the serve natural and cultural resources: the core most sizable portion of the park, where the area where ecological and anthropological river travels through the low flood plains, cre-

research is conducted, and the buffer zone and

ating numerous oxbow lakes and white sand transition area where recreation, tourism, and bars.

Manú is considered one of the most biologically diverse parks worldwide. It contains a diverse list of 200 mammal species, 800 bird species, 68 reptile species, 77 amphibian species, 500,000 arthropod species, 1,307 butterfly species, and several species of fish. There are also significant numbers of rare predators 13

education occurs. A decade later, the reserve was further recognized as a Natural World Heritage Site and is currently under the management of Peru’s National Protected Areas Agency (SERNANP).

In addition to its global recognition as a protected area, the considerable success in protecting Manu’s biodiversity can be attributed to its limited accessibility and indigenous land management practices. Visitors travel on unpaved roads to reach the park’s border.

Reaching the interior requires three additional days of travel by river. Four main indigenous groups remain within the park’s borders: the Machiguenga, the Mascho, the Yaminahua, and the Amahuaca. Despite protections, Manú National Park’s conservation faces considerable threats from natural resource exploitation (poaching, mining, logging, oil drilling) and the national highway network development.

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Tongariro N.P. was 567 meters at the lowest elevation resulting

established on September 23rd, 1887 and is located on the center of New Zealand’s North Island.

Tongariro has a very diverse natural landscape with multiple active volcanos and large mountain ranges within its 796-sqaure-kilometer boundary. Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand and has been deemed a world heritage site by UNESCO in recognition of Maori culture and spiritual significance.

Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and Mount Tongariro was revered as their divine ancestor. In addition to being a spiritual symbol, Mount Tongariro is one of the three active volcanos that can be found in Tongariro; the other two being Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. Mount Ruapehu is the highest of the three volcanos, standing at 2,797 meters tall, followed by Mount Ngauruhoe at 2,291 meters, and Mount Tongariro is the smallest at 1,978 meters. Natural hot springs and many lakes dominate the landscape in addition to the three loaming volcanos.

In addition to the cultural and natural importance, Tongariro reports the most visitors per year when compared to other National Parks in New Zealand. The diverse ecosystem and landscapes create a wide variety of recreational activities in the area. Elevations range from 2,797 meters at the highest point and 15

in incredible hikes, sights, and adventures for recreationists. Recreational activities that can be enjoyed include skiing, hiking, mountain biking and camping. The most popular hike for locals and tourist is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing which takes travelers through ancient lava flows and glacial valleys during the 19km trek. During the winter, skiing is the primary recreational activity as the park host a variety of downhill ski hills and may cross country skiing paths so options are plentiful. An additional claim to fame for the national park is that the area was home to several different filming locations that were used in making the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Specifically, Mount Ngauruhoe was the filming location for multiple Mount Doom scenes and the surrounding area was used for a variety of Mordor scenes as well. The Nature Conservancy has mapped out the coordinates of the filming locations so that recreationist and ultimate Lord of the Rings fans have the opportunity to hike to these famous locations.

The diverse landscape creates a variety of unique ecosystems that range from high alpine rocky terrain to temperature broadleaf

forests. The volcanic activity has resulted in a largely desolate ecosystems near the three active volcanos. The forests, however, are home to a variety of different endangered birds, vegetation, and bats. Tongariro National Park contains more than 56 bird species-many of which are endangered include kiwi birds, blue ducks, and New Zealand Falcons. There is also a large variety of fauna including orchids, ferns, and lichens that dominate the broadleaf rainforest while buttercups and lichens are dominant in higher elevations. Unfortunately, many invasive species that have taken over the park forcing the population of native species into dangerously low numbers. Native species populations are at significant risk but current management practices aim to reduce the populations of invasive red deer, rats, goats, and cats.

Tongariro National Park is simultaneously unique, popular, and difficult to manage, and the current goal is to find a balance between health of the ecosystem and keeping the park open for recreationists. Maintaining and educating tourists and locals about Tongariro Maori culture and endangered native species ecological habitat is essential for the continued goal of conservation.

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Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA) is a densely forested, mountainous region located in Luang Namtha province in northern Laos. Most of the NPA is secondary deciduous and evergreen forest, interspersed with cultivated rice fields. The north and the south contain areas of higher altitude scrub and human-altered bamboo forests. The tallest mountains are over 2000 m, with the tallest peak topping out at 2,094 m.

Three large rivers drain from the north to the south where they meet the mighty Mekong: the Nam Tha, the Nam Fa, and the Nam Long.

The NPA is ranked third in the country for its levels of biodiversity, containing over 300 bird species such as the short-tailed parrot bill and the black eagle. It is also home to many threatened and endangered species including clouded leopards, Asian elephants, tigers, gaur (also known as Indian Bison), and potentially small herds of muntjacs—commonly known as the “barking” or rib-faced deer. An endemic species of frog, Amolops akhaorum, is named after the local Akha people who helped to discover it.

Nam Ha was identified as a Provincial Protected Area in 1980 and officially established as one in October 1993. It is also designated as the only ASEAN Heritage Park in the country.

It is home to many Lao villages and more than 20 different ethnic groups who use the land to graze buffalo, harvest timber, and grow crops.

They eat and sell local plants such as rattan, cardamom, bamboo, jewel orchid, and ginger.

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These resources are becoming difficult to manage and maintain because both residents and outsiders are known to harvest from this area. Slash and burn agriculture, road building, and illegal hunting pose a threat to the ecological health of the NPA, while human-wildlife conflicts such as the predation of free grazing buffalo by tigers is also a common worry of local ranchers. Many of these issues have resulted in local communities creating natural resource management rules for the area, and most monitoring and management is in the hands of local village volunteers. Nam Ha is exemplary in its locally-based conservation efforts and has provided a co-management model for other protected areas in Laos.

As with many NPAs in Laos, Nam Ha is a prime ecotourism destination. Tourists come for jungle treks, mountain biking, camping trips, bird watching, and boating. Large caves are also scattered throughout Vieng Phoukha and Long districts, another destination for visitors. These trips provide economic security for many villages within its boundaries, which is especially important in Luang Namtha, one of the country’s

poorest provinces. Simultaneously, they offer a unique experience for foreigners.

In Luang Namtha province, ecotourism has been cited as an educational opportunity both for western and local Lao visitors. As development pressures heighten in the area, local ethnic groups such as the Akha, Khamu, Hmong, and Lanten have begun selling locally made products and offering tours of their villages. This way, they can share the importance of their culture with others while maintaining their economic viability and autonomy. Funds from ecotourism and Nam Ha visitor fees are also funneled into programs that work to prevent illegal hunting of threatened species and build NPA staff capacity.

Though increased tourism is advantageous for many local people, it places severe stress on the ecosystem. The Provincial Tourism Department in Laos works to maintain a balance between ecotourism and environmental sustainability by imposing limits on group size and the number of wildlife hunting permits. If you choose to visit, remember to be considerate of the land and the rare biodiversity it is home to.

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Cairngorms National Park located in the North Central part of Scotland covering around 4528 km 2. This National Park was established in 2003 and is of two in Scotland. It holds 5 of the highest mountains in Scotland with a very diverse landscape from wetlands, rainforests, valleys, to farms, and wildlife.

It is home to many different insects, raptors, red squirrels, water voles, otters and the capercaillies. Capercaillies are an iconic bird and considered the largest grouse in the world living within these pine forests since the last Ice Age. It is known as: “The Horse of the Woods” in Gaelic the Celtic language of Scotland. About 80% of capercaillies reside in Cairngorms National Park and their numbers have been steadily decreasing over time, due to “a number of cumulative reasons including loss of suitable habitat or woodland management that has not favored the species, bad weather, predation, collisions with deer fences and disturbance.” Their numbers seem to be holding their own since park and private landowners have stepped in.

“The Cairngorms Capercaillie Project is now delivering key recommendations from the framework related to population monitoring, habitat creation, sustainable recreation planning and work enabling communities to make decisions and take informed action for capercaillie.”

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There is about 18,000 people that reside in Cairngorms, living in towns and villages within the area of Angus, Highland, Peth, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Kinross.

One of the most celebrated munros (a mountain) in Scotland with a height over 3,000ft) within Scotland is the Lochnager, a popular mountain residing in Cairngorms, known for its beauty and it was described in a poem by in the 1700s by “Lord Byron who was a British Romantic poet and satirist whose poetry and personality captured the imagination of Europe.”

Cairngorms also has a monument that is somewhat out of the norm for Scotland. A 12.5m x 12.3m pyramid, “located on Balmoral Estate in Deeside, the ‘pyramid’ – which is in fact a cairn (a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop or skyline) – was erected

by Queen Victoria in memory of her husband Prince Albert who died in 1861.”

Cairngorms is known for holding the famous Highland Games that is a deep part of Scottish and Celtic culture going back hun-

dreds of years. “It is thought their origins lie in Scottish clans competing against each other in various sporting events as a clan chieftain’s way of choosing the best bodyguards and the strongest fighters. It was not all about war though; pipers and dancers were important too and Games doubled up as ‘gatherings’ where all members of a clan would march together in a display of force.”

Cairngorms National Park, an exquisite place full of history, culture, wildlife, and scenic beauty. Preserving areas like this is not only important but vital for the economic and cultural existence of the park, but also for protecting biodiversity and our aesthetic values, giving us a place to be in nature and enjoy it to the fullest. Cairngorms National Park is a very unknown gem to the rest of the world. But for those that know of this amazing landscape, it is a place of great wonder.

And to all of those that now have seen a small glimpse into this wonderous place, it very well could be part of your next adventure.

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Lokobe Strict Reserve & National Park is located on the southeastern portion of the island Nosy Be in the Diana Region of northwestern Madagascar, on the continent of Africa.

The island of Nosy Be is only 5 miles (8 km) from the northwestern shore of mainland Madagascar, located in the Indian Ocean. Nosy Be has a population of a little over 100,000. Local industries include trade and shipping, fishing, and tourism. The market in the larger town of HellVille is bustling with people bartering, and vibrant with local produce.

Lokobe Strict Reserve is just east of Hell-Ville, and the village of Ambanoro borders the park directly to the west. The national park encompasses an area of 5.88 mi 2 (15.23 km 2). This preserve is a lowland rainforest with a tropical savanna climate.

The island of Nosy Be is volcanic in origin, and the coastline is covered with scoria cones and some more recent basaltic lava flows. These volcanics overlie Mesozoic limestone, as well as other sedimentary rock types. The highest point in the landscape, Mont Lokobe, is 1,476 ft (450 m) above sea level, while the lowest points in the area meet the sea at the shore. The highest points are in the south-central portion of the reserve and consist of three hills ranging from 1,115 to 1,467 ft (340 to 450 m).

The park is home to three native le21

mur species, the endangered black lemur (displayed in the photo at the top right), the Nosy Be mouse lemur, and the Nosy Be sportive lemur, as well as the unique Nosy Be panther chameleon. The endangered black lemur’s colors vary due to gender.

Femal black lemurs are actually brown to reddish-brown in color, while male black lemurs are black. The black lemur became endangered as mass deforestation has taken its reigns on the country to support agriculture and logging. All-in-all, this park hosts 370 species of wildlife, including 11 species of primates, 16 species of bats, 84 species of reptiles, and over 100 species of birds, making it a wildlife viewing destination.

When traveling to Lokobe Strict Reserve, there are a few ways to get there.

However, the easiest way, avoiding 20 hours on a boat, would most likely be flying into Fascène Airport in Nosy Be then do the rest of the traveling via car.

Most of the park is still completely undeveloped and can only be accessed by piroques (displayed in the photo below), a traditional dugout canoe, lending to the idea that this park is still generally untouched.

The Ambanoro Office, in the village of Ambanoro (displayed on the map) just west of the park boundary, is where the entrance fee is paid to enter the park. Visitors can travel to Ambanoro by road from Hell-Ville, but there are no roads into the park. Once in the protected area, there are only three trails. It is advised to hire a guide when visiting.

The national park in its present boundaries is one of the only remaining forests in the Diana region of Madagascar.

Most forested land in surrounding areas have been victim to slash and burn. Lokobe Strict Reserve was elevated to the status of nature reserve in 1966, and in 2011 this area was officially designated as a National Park, permanently protecting the land.

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Tanjung Puting National Park. Many islands dot the sea between the Pacific and Indian Oceans including Borneo, the third largest island on Earth. The island is split between 3 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. On the coast of Central Kalimantan, the Indonesian territory of Borneo, a mere thirty to sixty meters above the Java Sea, Tanjung Puting National Park encompasses 4,150 square kilometers.

The protected area consists of rain forests, peatswamp forests, mangroves, and wetlands, and is home to hundreds of endemic flora and fauna. Proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards, sun bears, pythons, crocodiles, kingfishers, giant Bornean butterflies, pitcher plants, and ramin trees inhabit Tanjung Puting National Park, as well as the largest population of wild orangutans.

In 1936, the Dutch declared the area a game reserve. In 1984, after gaining independence, Indonesia declared it a national park.

Tanjung Puting National Park is surrounded by palm oil plantations which has led to illegal logging and mining of the protected area.

The tropical rainforest and peat swamps are considered areas of high carbon storage. The deforestation and degradation of this land will contribute more carbon to the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse gas effect, and contributing to climate change.

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Perhaps the most famous feature is the orangutan research and conservation center.

Orangutans are classified as critically endangered due to deforestation and poaching. In 1971, Camp Leaky Research Centre was established by Biruté Galdikas and Rod Brindamour to study and rehabilitate orangutans. Galdikas’ research and conservation efforts have helped the protected area maintain its efficacy by welcoming tourists and increasing enthusiasm for this national park. Camp Leakey has supported many research projects including orangutan, proboscis monkey, gibbon, and river system ecology.

The research station welcomes tourists to come witness the feeding times of orangutans in rehabilitation. Tourists can book an eco tour which includes a klotok boat tour with a living quarters on the boat and a visit to the research station and the two other Orangutan Rehabilitation Centers, Pondok Tanggui and Tanjung Harapan. For lodging, tourists can stay at the Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge located on the Sekonyer River, elevated on a boardwalk above the wet terrain. The lodge participates in a reforestation campaign and has planted over 11,000 trees in the park.

To travel to Tanjung Puting national park, the common route is to fly from Jakarta to Pangaklan Bun, then take a taxi from Pangaklan Bun to Kumai and boat from Kumai into the national park. Boating the Sekonyer River is the best method of viewing the park.

Conserving Tanjung Puting is important because people have often extracted resources from this area in the past, degrading the habitat and polluting rivers. Wetlands control erosion and flooding, regulate streams, filters water, and encourage the success of fish populations. The local people benefit from harvesting the abundant fish, the environmental controls, and use numerous resources including fibers, woods, oils, medicinal plants, rubber, and latexes. It is estimated that over 2,000 endangered species live in Tanjung Puting National Park. Ramin and meranti trees, also endangered, are used for their hardwood, but also cleared for palm oil plantations. Sometimes fire is used to clear land quickly and cheaply for plantations. The unchecked flames can burn into the park and can smoulder for months due to the peat and coal. Preserving Tanjung Puting is critical to maintain habitat for these species and prevent the growing palm oil plantations.

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Taranaki National Park (formerly Egmont National Park) is located on the North Island of New Zealand, in the west side of the Taranaki region. The protected landscape has a 341.49 km2/131.85 mi2 area with an almost circular-shaped boundary, except for the Northwest border that extends to the coast. The protected landscape has a difference in vegetation along its border because forests were cleared for agriculture outside the park.

Three volcanic cones make up the mountainous terrain of the protected area with two of the cones (Mt. Pouakai and Mt. Kaitake) in the Northwest, and Taranaki Maunga/Mt. Taranaki (formerly Mt. Egmont) in the region’s center. It has an elevation of 2,518 m/8,261 ft, making it the highest point in the park. The peak is also the North Island’s second highest point and is among the most conical mountains in the world. Mt. Taranaki was once a recently active stratovolcano (a steep-profiled explosive volcano) that is currently dormant. Its last major eruption occurred in 1854.

In 1865, Taranaki Maunga and the surrounding area were seized from the native Māori people by the New Zealand Government under the powers of the Settlements Act of 1863, as a means of creating and keeping peace after the second Taranaki War. The area was formerly known as Egmont National Park, that was established as a forest reserve in 1881. In 1900, it officially became a national park that is managed

by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. The IUCN considers the region to be category II park.

Egmont National Park was originally titled 25

after Mount Egmont, which was named by Captain Cook in 1770, in tribute of John Perceval, 2nd Earl of Egmont. Mount Egmont appeared on maps until 29 May 1986, when the Minister of Lands declared that Mount Taranaki would be an alternate and equal name.

In January 2020, the park was renamed to Taranaki National Park and its native Māori name, Te Papakura o Taranaki, which roughly translates to “The sacred ground of the shining mountain peak”. The name change has not been fully recognized by the New Zealand government, so protected area is known as Taranaki/Egmont National Park. The Mt. Egmont name was removed and officially replaced with its more common and native name, Taranaki Maunga/Mt. Taranaki.

According to the Māori, the Taranaki Maunga (formerly Pukeonaki) is said to have once stood with other mountains in the central part of the North Island.

After losing a battle with another peak (Tongariro) over their love of Pihanga Maunga, Pukeonaki fled to the West, carving out the Whanganui River.

The protected area’s Köppen Climate Classification is a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb) with high rainfall because of its high elevation, proximity to the coast, and warm ocean currents. The region ranges from semi-coastal and montane forests to lush rainforests, tussocklands (grasslands), alpine and scree areas, an extensive kahikatea-rimu-kāmahi semi-swamp for-

ests, and a small area of swampland (Ahukawakawa) that contains a third of the park’s plant species. Taranaki National Park has the only forest tract within the Egmont Ecological District, which provides the area’s only habitat for multiple bird species. The region is home to 28 native birds (such as Miromiro, Tūī, Korimako and Kererū), 15 frequently occurring introduced birds, native snails known as Powelliphanta, several unique invertebrates, and half of New Zealand’s indigenous fish species found in or near the region.

The park was once home to many endemic species but went extinct due to habitat loss and predation of invasive species such as mice, rats, weasels, ferrets, stoats, cats, and possums. The North Island Brown Kiwi, Fernbird, and Whio (Blue Duck) are all threatened bird species in the protected region. Both the Department of Conservation and regional council have acted to control these predators inside and outside the park, as well as future-plans to reintroduce native birds and bats into the landscape.

Te Papakura o Taranaki is a well-respected and sacred place to- the Māori. Acknowledging Taranaki’s and New Zealand’s history with the natives, European settlers, and their descendants is crucial to ensuring that these missteps will never be done again. Progress has been made with the name change of the mountain and the park, and hopefully more progress can be made with the people of New Zealand.

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Lorentz National Park, located in the Papua Province of Indonesia, covers 2.35 million hectares (9,073 square miles) from the tropical beaches of the Arafura Sea in the south to the Maoke Mountains in the north. This area is of world significance for biodiversity as it is the only protected area contiguously encompassing land from a tropical sea ecosystem to snow topped peaks. In addition to the 630 documented bird species and 123 mammalian species located within the park, the region is also home to the short and long beaked echidna, two of the world’s three egg-laying mammals. Six birds are endemic to the snow-covered mountains including the Snow Mountain quail and robin. 26 more bird species are endemic to the central mountainous ranges and three are endemic to the southern lowlands of the region. An endangered tree-kangaroo species was only recently discovered in 1995 which makes its home in high elevations just below

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the tree line. Named the dingiso (Dendrolagus mbaiso), its speices name mbaiso means “the forbidden animal” to the local Moni tribe.

The Maoke Mountains make up part of Papua New Guinea’s Central Highlands range and are a result of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plate collision. This area contains the last remaining glaciers in the range, along with its highest peak, Puncak Jaya (Carstenz Pyramid), topping 4884 m (16,023 ft.) above sea level. Just one of three equatorial regions to maintain permanent ice fields, the Carstenz region is significant in studying the effects of climate change in this part of the world. This mountain building process has created a landscape with vastly different ecological regions that encompass five of World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) global 200 ecoregions including New Guinea Montane Forests, New Guinea Central Range Subalpine Grasslands, New Guinea Mangroves, and New Guinea Rivers and Streams. The lowlands are a swampy plain with expansive virgin forests divided by multiple tidal rivers and streams.

Lorentz and the surrounding area is home to multiple ethnic groups who continue to maintain traditional lifestyles dating back roughly 25,000 years. In the highlands live the Amungme, Dani Barat, Dani Lembah Baliem, Moni, and Nduga, while the Asmat, Kamoro and Sempan live in the lowlands. Access to the park is difficult due to its remoteness and visitors must take a small aircraft to villages or trek into its northeastern borders. In addition to a park permit travelers must also have a travel permit which allows officials to monitor use and help reduce illegal hunting. Protection of the region was first established by the Dutch Colonial Government in 1919 after the explorer Hendrikus

Albertus Lorentz passed through in his 1909-10 expedition. In 1978 a Strict Natural Reserve was established and in 1997 Lorentz National Park was created by ministerial decree in Indonesia and is currently managed by the Ministry of Forestry.

Illegal activities such as logging, mining, and road development are among the challenges facing park managers. One of the world’s largest copper and gold mines is located west of the park in Tembagapura, the Freeport mine. It began in the 1970s and has displaced many people of the Amungme tribe, created roads slicing through the landscape, and grown into a 4 km wide open pit. The World Heritage Outlook described Lorentz National Park as being of significant concern in the 2020 Conservation Outlook due largely to new road construction, illegal logging, and hunting of the Boelen’s python. Management is claimed to be ill-prepared to deal with threats to the park due to lack of monitoring and ineffective engagement with local tribes to appropriately identify threats. The large area and remoteness of the park keep it relatively protected geographically, but growing access from roads are a likely sign of future threats to the local environment.

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Cutervo National Park was established in 1961, and is Peru’s oldest protected area. Cutervo is in the Northwestern corner of Peru, in a region called Cajamarca. There are two sectors of Cutervo, a Northern and Southern, including a 19,426 hectare (194.26 km²) buffer zone around the park in order to mitigate threats and harm to the ecosystems within its borders. The Northern sector is 2,429.54 hectares (24.3 km²) and the Southern 5,785 hectares (57.85 km²), for a total protected area of 8,214.23 hectares (82.14 km²). Cutervo contains the crucial biomes of Andean montane forests and alpine tundra known as Andean Moorland, which are foundational to headwater conservation in the region.

With an average rainfall of over 800 mm per year in Cutervo, sometimes up to 2,000 mm per year, the importance of protecting this place for watershed health was recognized by local authorities. In addition to these biomes, lowland tropical habitat provides for the abundant flora and fauna species in the Park. Elevations vary from 1550 to 3500 meters in Cutervo, with the highest point existing in the Cordillera de Tarros Mountains. The caves of these peaks are home to many species, including an endemic “oilbird” huácharos (or guacharos) and a rare fish species called bagre de las cavernas. Many endemic flora also exist in Cutervo’s montane biomes, as well as the lush tropical lowlands.

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Spectacled bears, pumas, jaguars and armadillos are a few of the many fauna species which inhabit the National Park.

The Park is ~400 km from the coast and the current villages of La Capilla, San Andres de Cutervo, and La Flor to Cutervo are established nearby. There has been a strong human presence in and around Cutervo, for at least several hundred years and possibly millennia. There are archaeological remains inside the park, namely within the El Perolito site, and Indigenous history in the area certainly predates Columbus and European settlement.

Presently, outdoor recreation is allowed in De Cutervo and mostly occurs between July and October. Hiking and camping are the most popular activities, with some of the many caves in the park also seeing visitors in the summer months.

The Park is often under threat from clear-cutting by timber companies, wood extraction being one of the major issues in the conservation of Cutervo. People who want to have pastures for livestock in the area some-

times clear the forest as well. Since the Park was established in 1961, the boundaries have been expanded and these new boundaries have been contested or infringed upon by local inhabitants. Cutervo’s ecological integrity and ecosystem services were deemed in need of preservation by biologist Salomon Vilchez Murga, deputy of the Cajamarca region at the time of Cutervo’s establishment. Since then, the Park has been managed by the Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el estado (SERNANP).

The National Park provides vital ecosystems for abundant plant and animal life, including several endemic species which are found nowhere else. The preservation of trees and plants in the park helps with global carbon storage and sequestration, a service that becomes increasingly important as more deforestation happens throughout South America and the world. The intrinsic value of leaving portions of the landscape undeveloped by humans is another priceless element of the beautiful Cutervo.

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Manongarivo S p e c i a l R e s e r v e is located in Northern Madagascar, and straddles the border of the “Diana” and “Sophia” regions of the country. It is rugged, with an elevation ranging from 180 to 1800 meters within the 650 square kilometers of the park. The highest peaks are on the southern end of the park, with surrounding peaks dropping in elevation closer to the northwestern borders. The lowest elevations are found on the western edge, where the Ano Malaza flows past the hamlets of Analanantsoa and Prositra.

Manongarivo is an excellent place to see wildlife, including predators like the fossa and many species of birds. The area is also the exclusive home to the Sambirano Mouse Lemur and the Sambirano Woolly Lemur.

Manongarivo acts as a last refuge for these species from habitat destruction occuring in the Sambirano River Valley, which is being developed for agriculture and logging.

Another example of an endemic species is the ant Leptogenys manongarivo, which is named after the park. Though Malagasy ants are generally less appreciated than vertebrates by the public, this species is fairly unique not only because it is endemic to Manongarivo currently, but because this is its natural range that was not restricted to the park by humans.

Manongarivo was originally founded 31

in 1956 under the French colonial government as a research area. Since Madagascar’s independence, the government has collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to manage the park as a haven for biodiversity. Both WWF and the IUCN helped the Malagasy government set up a comprehensive parks system by training staff, organizing the research and knowledge of local scientists, and codifying new principles for conservation. Manongarivo was declared a “Wildlife Reserve” under this new system, which means that the Malagasy government is focused on the conservation of animal and plant species.

The mountains within Manongarivo are a very important reservoir of water for the area. Many streams and rivers that support surrounding agriculture start in the highlands.

The Sambirano Valley, which is the historical range of the eponymous Woolly and Mouse Lemur, lies to the East of Manongarivo and is fed by streams that begin inside the borders of the park. The Ano Malaza River also

begins its journey in Manongarivo and flows all the way out to the Mozambique Channel on Madagascar's West coast. It passes towns like Maromandia, where it aids in agricultural irrigation and creates a large delta habitat as it spills into the ocean.

The forests both in and around the park are threatened by logging of ebony wood. Ebony wood, which comes from a slow growing tree desirable for its acoustic properties, grows especially well in protected areas like Manongarivo. Logging continues to some extent even within the borders of the park however, because although the restructuring of the parks systems of Madagascar included the hiring of law enforcement rangers, they are spread too thin to halt logging altogether.

Within the park, there is an office for public information/access, as well as guides to lead tours which help support conservation efforts. The park is also pubicly accessible from Beraty. Manongarivo may be a more obscure protected area, but it is well worth any visitor's time.

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Écrins National Park is located in France and split between two departments, Hautes-Alpes and Isère. The region was officially designated in 1973 and is one of six National Parks located within the country. This protected area is named after its most prominent peak Barre des Écrins, which translates to “closed off case” as the mountain is surrounded by four distinct glaciers. The peak sits at 4,102 meters and being the southernmost 4,000m peak, effectively marking the descent of the European Alps towards the Mediterranean Sea. Although the park's namesake peak is last 4,000m, this protected area features an additional 150 peaks over 3,000 meters. These staggering peaks contain within them the second largest glacial system in France, over 11,000 hectares approximately 10% of the park.

The Park experiences a humid continental climate and with the radical mountainous terrain creates montane and alpine ecosystems. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea also lends to less humid summers.

Crystal blue alpine lakes are nestled in the bowls of these mountains carved out by glaciers. There are numerous waterfalls throughout the valleys and countless fields of green during the warm months. The previous extent of glaciers in this area have shaped the 33

valleys and river bottoms where people have settled for the past millennia.

The local culture revolves around herding goats and sheep, where the production of milk and cheeses in these villages continues.

The park actively works with locals in continuing to preserve these cultural activities, promoting them through partnership and providing resources for tourists to participate.

More recently, outdoor recreation has become the main contributor to Park visitation.

Throughout the year visitors travel globally to come hike, ski and mountain climb. Though no camping is allowed within the protected area there are chalets or shelters to hike to.

A variety of fauna exist within the Park such as chamois, mouflon, and lynxes. In the 1960s ibex, where reintroduced to the area and wolves have also made a return after being previously hunted out of the region. The sharp granite and gneiss peaks make it suitable territory for birds of prey to thrive as well as their prey, marmots.

There is a large diverse plant popula-

tion, over 2,500 species of flowers, trees and mosses are scattered throughout, some unique to a valley due to the aspect. Of these, 389 species are endemic and 216 are rare or endangered.

The massive extent of park totaling 918km2 creates both immense recreational opporutunities as well as experiencing the local culture.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a union of of several public and private sector member organizations concerned with ecological conservation.

Of the 6 categories developed by members of the IUCN Écrins National Park provides management across three types. The peripheral zone is a zone established outside of the protected area that is categorized as a 5 due to the shared ecological similarities of the core, but also works to conserve the local inhabitant culture. As a designated National Park of France, it falls under the IUCN category 2. The remote mountaineering and hiking opportunities within also contain Wilderness aspects under a category 1b.

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Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast is located on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in the country. The 0.7 km2 coastal boundary is shaped similar to a rectangle, reaching out into the Northern Atlantic Ocean, and climbing south up the sheer cliffs onto the flat highlands of the Antrim Plateau. The most famous physical features of Giant’s Causeway are its massive cliffs and around 40,000 hexagonal basalt column outcroppings. The cliffs can reach heights of around 100 meters and are accompanied by large clusters of the basalt pillars that descend, in some areas, in what resemble large stairs. These “steps” reach down to the coast where other maritime features, such as exposed cliffs and sea caves, are present. The Climate of the park is cool, damp and windy, being dictated by the prominent westerly ocean winds. The area receives around 1,000 mm of annual rainfall and the temperature usually stays around 4-14 degrees C. The protected area is host to plants such as Parnassus, wild thyme, ragwort, rare orchids, ash, hazel, and blackthorn trees. Land animals including rabbit, badger, fox, Irish hare, and others typical to Northern Ireland can be seen here. Off the coast, you can spot whales, porpoises, basking sharks, seals, and various other marine life. The reasoning for its protection status is mostly due to the importance of preserving the basalt pillars, which showcase not only natural beauty, but important stages of Earth’s geological development. There are several hiking trails available in Giant’s Causeway, including a 9-km long trek beginning in the nearby village of Portballintrae, winding along the coast and cliffside, and ending at the ruins of Dunseverick Castle to west.

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The great basalt pillars of Giant’s Causeway have been a source of inspiration for legends of giants who fought for their homeland of Northern Ireland, subsequently altering and creating the modern landscape. Gaelic lore says that the iconic basalt pillars of Giant’s Causeway are the remnants of a causeway built by a giant named Finn McCool, so that he could cross the North Channel and accept the challenge of a Scottish giant Benandonner. Out of fear of his opponent, Benandonner fled back to Scotland while dismantling the causeway on his way out, resulting in the features left standing today. Giant’s Causeway became a popular tourist attraction in the mid-to-late 19th century, which leading to the construction of a railway from the nearby town of Portrush directly to the causeway.

Commercial development of the site continued until the 1960s when the National Trust stepped in.

Majority of the vegetated sea cliffs in the park are designated as the North Antrim Coast Special Area of Conservation, and much of the property is part of the greater Giant’s Causeway and Dunseverick Area of Special Scientific Interest. Additionally, the surrounding coastal areas have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The National Trust ensures the integrity of these natural features are protected from commercialization efforts.

During the late 17th century, the Bishop of Derry visited Giant’s Causeway and reported its existetnce to much of the western world. Throughout the 18th century, it gained international attention thanks to the works of distinguished artists. Some of the more popular artist renditions of the basalt outcrops at Giant’s Causeway were featured in encyclopedias, leading to intrigue of the geological process involved with creating such structures. Over the next couple of centuries, Giant’s Causeway would become a popular destination for both tourists and academics. However, the transition of Northern Ireland to the United Kingdom led to much protest and violence throughout the 20th century, which negatively affected the tourist industry of the region. In 1986, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Nature Reserve in 1987.

Giant’s Causeway holds significant geological value and is considered to be the most renowned geological site in Northern Ireland, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. It has offered a detailed view into the origins of igneous rocks and provided essential information to guide geologists to our current understanding of the Earth’s structure and mechanisms. The beauty of Giant’s Causeway has inspired people on cultural and scientific level for centuries and thanks to protective measures it may continue to inspire future generations.

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NANDA DEVI BIOSPHERE RESERVE (NDBR) is located in the Indian northwestern State of Uttarakhand, bordering Tibet to the North and Nepal to the East. In 1982, Nanda Devi National Park was created with the goal to protect the environment from degradation by tourism. In 1988, the area was expanded through a buffer zone around the park and renamed as the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. In 2000, the Forest Department of Uttarakhand added the neighboring Valley of Flowers National Park to the Biosphere Reserve, creating a 5869 km2 protected area.

Nanda Devi National Park is located at an elevation of approximately 3,500 meters (above sea level) and covers an area of 630 km2. It is home to the second highest peak in the Indian Himalaya, Nanda Devi, with an elevation of 7816 meters. The park features majestic high rising mountain peaks, rivers, glaciers and various glacial landforms. There are 16 peaks in the park that rise above 6000 meters. Only twenty kilometers northwest of Nanda Devi National Park lays the Valley of Flowers National Park, situated in a hanging valley and covering an area of 87 km2. Compared to the steep and rugged terrain of Nanda Devi National Park, the Valley of Flowers features pristine hills and meadows, hosting rich and diverse endemic alpine flowers. There are more than 600 plant species, many of them 37

cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Hosting many endangered animal and plant species, such as the Himalayan black bear and snow leopard, both parks have high significance for long-term monitoring and research in the Himalaya.

Until 1934, the parks remained unexplored and were mainly used for hunting and exploitation of medical plants by the Indo-Aryan and Indo-Mongoloid (Bhotiyas) people. The Valley of Flowers National Park was long being used by migratory villagers to graze their herds of sheep, goats, cows and buffalos on the meadows. Trading of salt and wool across the Tibetan border was common and one of the main sources of income back then. The Bhotiyas people have a rich culture and a long history of religious beliefs and folklores. A combination of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, the region is sacred to the Bhotia and is famous for pilgrimages of thousands of visitors every year to honor the goddess of Nanda Devi.

In the 1970s, mountaineering and trekking activities became popular, yet by the 1980s, a ban was imposed due to the resulting disturbances on the environment. In addition, restric-

tions on grazing was implemented. Local communities were not properly consulted prior to the extension of restrictions, leading to protests in 10 villages against the Reserve Management and the Forestry Department.

Today both parks are uninhabited, yet more than 15,000 people live in the Biosphere Reserve buffer zone, surrounding the parks. Small amounts of ecotourism are performed in and around the park, enabling the locals to collect modest visitation fees and in turn support anti-poaching and fire prevention activities. Local communities benefit from ecotourism and conservation programs, but are facing the ongoing challenges of hydropower projects that impose environmental threats and degradation of the fragile landscape. In addition, natural hazards are becoming increasingly more common in the Himalaya. The close proximity of the local communities to glaciers, high-rising mountains, narrow river valleys, and population- and infrastructure growth enhances their vulnerability and risk to such hazards. Over the last few decades, floods and other mass-wasting events have drastically increased, leaving behind huge socio- and economic losses.

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ILULISSAT ISFJORD U N E S C O Wo r l d Heritage Site i s located just north of the 69th Parallel on the western coast of Greenland between the settlements of Ilulissat and Ilimanaq. It lies about 350 miles (or a 1.5-hour plane ride) north of Nuuk, the country’s capital and largest municipality.

The park’s boundaries begin at the mouth of Disko Bugt and hug tight to the fjord’s watershed as they crawl eastward for 25 miles along its sharp ridges and tundra. As the seabed abruptly rises to meet the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier—the fastest and most productive in the world outside Antarctica—the area fans out and rises gradually with the accumulating ice as it pierces roughly 20 miles into the Greenlandic Inland Ice sheet.

Other than during the summer, the fjord is perpetually covered by the seasonal advance of Sermeq Kujalleq, perennially both creating and destroying a vibrant cold-water ecosystem protected under the ice. The fjord itself hosts many of the Arctic’s most emblematic flora and fauna, including ringed seals, halibut, finn and minke whales, Arctic poppy, cottongrass, several species of falcons and gulls, and the elusive Greenland shark. Polar bears have also been known to make appearances, although encounters that far south are usually quite rare.

Human activity in the area dates back generations. The Saqqaq people were the first recorded group to settle the area around 2,500 BCE, only to disappear a millennium later. Ruins of their settle-

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ment at Sermermiut (“site of the glacier people” in Greenlandic) can still be seen today nestled in a shallow valley opening near the mouth of the fjord. The ruins contain some of the most well-preserved turf houses of ancient hunter-gathers in the world. After the Norse left Greenland in the mid-15th Century, Sermermiut served as a center of trade for locals and European colonists for 450 years. At this point, the spread of Danish colonization and founding of Ilulissat just north of Isfjord had pushed the last remaining residents of the valley into town and effectively exiled the traditional hunter-gather in western Greenland.

Hunting remains a primary source of food around Greenland. The Isfjord’s incredibly productive waters have made relationships between residents and park management tenuous ones, with the former arguing that increased conservation efforts have limited access to important fisheries since UNESCO first designated the site in 2004. Recent increases in tourism and population around Ilulissat add to the many anthropogenic pressures threatening the conservation of the area today. Avannaata Kommunia—the park’s local management entity—has worked in close partnership with Naalakkersuisut (Greenland’s National Agency for

Nature and Environment) and UNESCO to limit encroaching development. A series of amendments were passed by the Home Rule Government of Greenland in 2007 and 2014 to establish a buffer zone for human activity around the park and limit fishing and whaling activity in the waters along the coast and in Disko Bugt, respectively.

Sermeq Kujalleq contains the highest-quality ice samples from the Quaternary period in the world and has been the subject of much attention by climatologists and glaciologists for over 250 years. However, global climate change has been pushing the summer extent of the glacier further onto land instead of its typical location floating in the fjord waters.

The continuing conservation of the Ilulissat Isfjord World Heritage Area is imperative to protecting such an outstanding example of Earth’s natural history and the ways in which it can be altered.

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Reserva Nacional Futaleufú

is in northern Patagonia of Chile. Located in the Palena Province of the Los Lagos Region, the eastern and southern boundaries are defined by the international border of Chile and Argentina. With 12,000 hectares (120.65 km2), this lush and species rich reserve offers a vibrant ecosystem. The protected landscape contains the headwaters of the Rio Chico and Rio Espolón, which is a tributary of the infamous Rio Futaleufú, which has carved out this impressive valley. Las Escalas sector (the stairs), depicts the rolling hills and dipping valleys which then rise to the mountains and creates the border with Argentina. The reserve was created to shelter many endangered species and includes the highest occurrence of the endangered southern Andean deer (Huemul), which is endemic to Patagonia. Along with the huemul, the endangered Cypress tree can be found here. There are also countless bird species including the endangered Andean cóndor. The Argentinian wild cat and puma can also be found roaming the dense vegetation. It is important in the further preservation of these species that areas such as the reserve continue to prevent habitat destruction and fragmentation.

Located only 5 km from the small town of Futaleufú, the reserve was established in 41

1998 by the Ministry of National Assets to protect the species such as the Huemul. Now managed by the Chilean National Park Service (CONAF), the reserve welcomes hundreds of people a year. The homesteaders of this remote area of Patagonia rely on the land and each other to create rich history of agriculture and ranching. The Carretera Austral (Chile’s major highway) finally reached the small town in the 1980s creating easier access for resources and tourism.

A major source of tourism comes from the draw to the renowned rivers for kayaking and rafting, plus world-class trout fishing. Popular hikes within the park give way to beautiful overlooks. Mirador el Cóndor and Mirador Futaleufú are hikes which are accessible to many ability levels. Other areas of the park can be accessed through hikes, biking, and horseback. The reserve dedicates itself to the protec-

tion of these scenic views and the rivers which impress themselves upon the land.

Current political enterprises concerning resource extraction along the Rio Espolón and Rio Futaleufú have shown inconsistencies with the proposed management of these rivers.

While the Rio Futaleufú is globally cherished, it has yet to reach a worthy protection status.

The Rio Espolón is threatened by mining practices as well as unresolved historic pollution.

Upstream of the reserve, the Rio Futaleufú and Rio Espolón are threatened by potential damming and continued pollution. “A landscape painted by God” is how this area is described on the welcome sign into town.

The Reserva Nacional Futaleufú is an incredible, natural masterpiece worthy of protection and admiration. From the biodiversity to the ravishing turquoise waters, the traditions of this land and the unique character of the surrounding areas, Reserva Nacional Futaleufú dedicates itself to the continuing protection of this wild slice of Patagonia.

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Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a 228 km2 protected landscape located in the Southern region of Iceland, just 40 km east of Reykjavik, the nation’s capital. It was established as the first national park in Iceland in 1930 as part of the Þingvellir Conservation Act from two years prior. Þingvellir’s importance in Iceland predates its establishment. The park’s name translates to ‘the fields of parliament,’ linking it to the year 874, when Norse occupation of Iceland began. The newly settled Norse people were looking for a collective meeting location where they could come together to create laws and settle disputes – a tradition that became known as Alþingi. This practice ended on Þingvellir’s land in 1798, although the general practice continues to this day in Reykjavik. This makes Þingvellir the original location of the longest-running, still occurring parliament in the world.

The park is considered a spiritual center and an icon of Icelandic nationalism. It was on these grounds that the Icelandic people left behind the Old Norse belief system of Asatru and converted to Christianity in the year 1000. It was here that independence from Denmark was declared, and the nation’s first president confirmed. Þingvellir lies within an elongated graben on the Mid-Atlantic rift zone that divides Iceland between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Lava fields, deep ravines, and stunning lakes are interspersed with huge 43

fissures associated with the rift zone. Scientists estimate that the valley floor has subsided 3-4 meters since the founding of Alþingi, subsidence that will only increase in the centuries to come.

Tectonic activity is not the only threat of change in the park, humans are as well. People have built summer houses on the shores of Lake Þingvallavatn – a rift valley lake that is the largest natural lake in Iceland. Thousands of people visit the park each year, disrupting local flora and fauna. They are drawn to Silfra, the ice-cold ravine fed by glacier water so clear that snorkelers can see unobstructed for over a hundred meters, and to enclosed park ravines that served as filming locations for Game of Thrones.

The park is encircled by a belt of mountains on three sides and housed in the sub-polar birch woodland climate (Cfc in Köppen classification). One hundred and seventy-two species of plants have been found in the area, representing about 40 percent of the Icelandic flora. Birches and willows transform the park into a watercolor of orange and red in the fall. The famous Great Northern Diver birds sit grouchy and protective along the edges of Lake Þingvallavatn. Foxes hideout in hillocks and descendants of minks held in captivity during the fur trade now roam

the hillsides. Trails crisscross the park and hikers can trek easily to the stunning Öxarárfoss Waterfall and take a jaunt to Lögberg (“Law Rock”), the location of Alþingi’s assembly. Those in search of some darker history can travel to Drekkingarhylur (“Drowning Pool”) where at least 18 women were executed in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The original park boundaries, drawn in 1930 were expanded in 2004. That same year the original territory was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Managed by the Þingvellir Commission, four permanent staff work at the park year-round. Seasonal rangers operate from April to November: supervising, conducting maintenance, and doing interpretive work. Experts from the Archaeological Heritage Agency of Iceland are consulted on preservation efforts. Since 2004 the park has been extremely well-preserved.

Trails are well-marked, bridges maintained, and the visitor center gets glowing reviews. Interpretive panels offer guests copious amounts of information on the park’s history and biodiversity.

Crowds tend to pack the park, which can be seen as either environmental sacrilege or a show of appreciation for the parks natural beauty.

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R EFERENCE S Forward: Facing Author: Kevin McManigal References: ourworldindata.org/world-lost-one-thirdforests Bar-On et al. 2018, “The Biomass Distribution on Earth.” PNAS 115. panthera.org worldwildlife.org

iba-ireland en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulmar en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skellig_Islands improvephotography.com/50208/ photographers-guide-skellig-islands/ npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/ synopsis/SY004007.pdf whc.unesco.org/en/list/757 wondermondo.com/skellig-michaelmonastery/

iucn.org

vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en/areas/meltingglaciers vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en/about-us

Park: Cerro Castillo National Park, Chile Cartographer: Haley Brueckman Projection: GCS South American 1969 South America Albers Equal Area Conic References: adventurealan.com/cerro-castillo-trekguide/

www.npr.org/2020/09/10/911500907/theworld-lost-two-thirds-of-its-wildlife-in-50years-we-are-to-blame

Park: Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

bcn.cl/siit/mapas_vectoriales

Cartographer: Seth Boogaard

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_Castillo

www.cnn.com/2021/05/13/us/tigers-captive us-wild-trnd/index.html

Projection: WGS 1984 UTM Zone 28N

eorc.jaxa.jp/ALOS/en/aw3d30/

References:

flickr.com/photos/ wildernessphotographs/2942949629/

www.thegef.org/what-we-do/topics/illegalwildlife-trade scientificamerican.com/article/wetlandsupdate globalforestwatch.org

bit.ly/dtm-iceland-20m data.opendataportal.at/dataset/dtm-iceland guidetoiceland.is/travel

google.com/maps/place/Cerro+Castillo/@46.8335595,-73.3439843,9z/data=!4m5!3m 4!1s0xbd92a9c2e5c3d42f:0xe09d1ad85b7d 0540!8m2!3d-46.0580556!4d-72.2008333

Park: Skelligs Special Protection Area, Ireland

image.shutterstock.com/image-vector/speargod-odin-gungnir-two-600w-713559202.jpg

Cartographer: Leo Andrade

mapcruzin.com

mdpi.com/

Projection: Transverse Mercator

naturalearthdata.com

References:

OpenStreetMap.org

ne.cl/herramientas/portal-de-mapas/ geodatos-abiertos

askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/biomes britannica.com/science/Koppen-climateclassification datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/ the-skelligs:-great-skellig-and-little-skellig-

pinimg.com/originals/d8/13/b7/ d813b724651d5a130b1556897923f90b.jpg search.earthdata.nasa.gov tiplr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ siglufjordur-herring-museum-img-8367.jpg

mapcarta.com

parquenacionalcerrocastillo.cl/trekkingparque-nacional-cerro-castillo/?lang=en patagonjournal.com/index. php?option=com_content&view=article&i d=4001%3Ala-importancia-de-lapreservacion-de-los-territoriosnaturales&catid=179%3Asustainable-

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tourism&Itemid=372&lang=en

Park: Sassen-Bünsow Land National Park, Norway

datasheet/output/site/manu-national-park/

rutadelosparques.org/en/parque-nacionalcerro-castillo/

Cartographer: Amelia Evavold

whc.unesco.org/en/list/402/

Projection: ETRS 1989 UTM Zone 33N

andina.pe/ingles/noticia-peru-manunational-park-draws-over-9000-tourists-ayear-557325.aspx

thenounproject.com/ search/?q=camping&i=309192 thenounproject.com/ search/?q=hike&i=31779 thenounproject.com/ search/?q=ranger+station&i=2891655 thenounproject.com/ search/?q=view+point&i=108371 tompkinsconservation.org/explore.php upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ commons/1/1c/View_of_Cerro_Castillo_ and_surroundings%2C_Chile.jpg

Park: Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan Cartographer: Shira Ellenson Projection: WGS84 UTM Zone 37N References: IUCN (2020) World Heritage Outlook.

Wadi Rum Protected Area: 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment.

Available at: worldheritageoutlook.icun.org/ whc.unesco.org/en/list/1377/ dwtkns.com/srtm30m/ diva-gis.org/ wadirum.jo Terrain Tools, Ken Fields Photo credit: Walter Neser

References: data.npolar.no/dataset/?filter-links.rel=data owlcation.com/stem/Svalbard-Reindeer-inNorway-Facts-and-Potential-Problems peakvisor.com/peak/robertfjellet.html sysselmesteren.no/siteassets/kart/temakart/ naturvernomrader/nasjonalparker/sassenbunsow-land-nasjonalpark.pdf tripadvisor.it/LocationPhotoDirectLinkg503715-d3494593-i181139390-Svalbard_ Adventures-Longyearbyen_Spitsbergen_ Svalbard.html unis.no/studies/ web.archive.org/web/20070930045738/ http://www.dirnat.no/sassenbunsow/#Topp Correspondence with: Anders Skoglund (Norwegian Polar Institute), Jannike Wika (Governor of Svalbard’s Office), Stephen Coulson (The University Center in Svalbard)

Park: Manú National Park, Peru Cartographer: Kate Gonzales Projection: SAD 1969 South America Albers Equal Area Conic References: pbs.org/edens/manu/history.htm world-heritage-datasheets.unep-wcmc.org

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theguardian.com/environment/andes-to-theamazon/2015/feb/12/peru-highway-mostbiodiverse-place-on-earth storymaps.arcgis.com/ manuperuamazon.com/peru-manu-nationalpark-travel-tour-tour/ dwtkns.com/srtm30m/ naturalearthdata.com/ diva-gis.org/gdata facebook.com/natgeomaps/photos/ stock.adobe.com/images/jaguar-pantheraonca-a-wild-cat-species-the-only-extantmember-of-panthera-native-to-theamericas/268542081?prev_url=detail Park: Tongariro National Park, New Zealand Cartographer: Alexa Harrington Projection: New Zealand Transverse Mercator 2000 References: data.linz.govt.nz doc.govt.nz elevation.maplogs.com lovetaupo.com whc.unesco.org

Park: Nam Ha National Protected Area, Laos

Park: Lokobe National Park, Madagascar

Cartographer: Amy Katz

Cartographer: Phoebe Mather

Projection: Asia South Albers Equal Area Conic

Projection: Africa Albers Equal Area Conic

References:

References:

asean.chm-cbd.net/nam-ha-nationalprotected-area-rich-repository-biodiversityethnic-diversity-and-knowledge dwtkns.com/srtm30m/ equatorinitiative.org/wp-content/ uploads/2017/05/case_1348163487.pdf equatorinitiative.org/2017/05/29/nam-haecotourism-project/ gibbonexperience.org/wp-content/ uploads/2017/06/NEW_MAP_FINAL.png

lonelyplanet.com/madagascar/northernmadagascar/nosy-be/attractions/ parc-national-lokobe/a/poisig/1526261/355395

gettingstamped.com/wp-content/ uploads/2016/08/Tanjung-Puting-NationalPark-Boreno-orangutan-tour-4-800x530.jpg orangutan.org/wp-content/ uploads/2010/06/0684-446x296.jpg diva-gis.org/gdata https://dwtkns.com/

madamagazine.com/en/lokobe-nationalpark/

Park: Taranaki National Park, New Zealand

theculturetrip.com/africa/madagascar/ articles/why-you-need-to-visit-lokobeforest-in-madagascar/

Cartographer: James Moxley

thenounproject.com/

References:

Projection: New Zealand Transverse Mercator

namha-npa.org/

madacamp.com/Lokobe

thetimes.co.uk/article/scottishsharpshooters-have-muntjac-menace-insights-ngg2cr2rv

1001fonts.com

Photo credit: Emma Mather

aa.co.nz/travel/editorial/egmont-nationalpark-the-shining-mountain

Park: Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia Park: Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Cartographer: Emma Montague

Cartographer: Katie Marema

Projection: Indonesian 1974 UTM Zone 49N

Projection: WGS 1984 Complex UTM Zone 30N

References:

References: https://cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/f acts-figures/ britannica.com/biography/Lord-Byron-poet societyaberdeen.co.uk/pyramid Photo credit: @VisitScotland and @ Skipbroon cairngormsnature.co.uk/capercaillieframework

borneonaturefoundation.org/project/habitatprotection/ tanjung-puting.com/ orangutan.org/rainforest/tanjung-putingnational-park/ factsanddetails.com/indonesia/Places/ sub6_10g/entry-6817.html#chapter-3 ecolodgesindonesia.com/tanjung-putingnational-park-history/

alastairmcdowell.blogspot.com/2012/05/ pouakai-northern-circuit.html alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=39.12911471993336&b_tl_ lng=174.17356699115425&b_br_ lat=-39.16046734380363&b_br_ lng=174.24066058248258 amusingplanet.com/2016/01/mounttaranaki-and-egmont-national-park.html api.mapbox.com/ arcgis.com cdemtaranaki.govt.nz/taranaki-hazards/ natural-hazards/volcanic commons.wikimedia.org

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data.linz.govt.nz/layer/51768-nz-8m-digitalelevation-model-2012 doc-deptconservation.opendata.arcgis.com doc.govt.nz gns.cri.nz google.com/maps Jen Iles (jiles@doc.govt.nz) lonelyplanet.com/articles/mount-taranakimaori mapcarta.com myfonts.com Natalya (Taly) Matthews (nmatthews@doc. govt.nz) newzealand.com/us/feature/national-parksegmont nzlii.org/nz/other/nz_gazette/1986/84.pdf stuff.co.nz taranakimounga.nz/nga-mounga/history

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Park: Lorentz National Park, Indonesia

dwtkns.com/srtm30m/

Cartographer: Kristopher Mueller

hub.arcgis.com/maps/esri::world-hillshade/

Projection: Indonesia 1974 UTM Zone 53S

livingatlas.arcgis.com/en/ browse/#d=2&q=landcover

References: amazingmasterpiece.blogspot.com/2013/03/ lorentz-national-park.html arkinspace.com/2011/05/kangaroo-thatwent-back-to-trees.html indonesia-tourism.com/papua/lorentz_na tional_park.html roamindonesia.com/west-papua/west-pap ua-attractions/lorentz-national-park/ whc.unesco.org/en/list/955/ worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/ex plore-sites/ wdpaid/198298

Park: Cutervo National Park, Peru Cartographer: Madison Murrill

openstreetmap. org/#map=13/-6.2380/-78.8025 download.geofabrik.de/south-america.html thenounproject.com/

Park: Manongarivo Special Reserve, Madagascar Cartographer: Wyatt Nielsen Projection: Africa Albers Equal Area Conic References: data.humdata.org/dataset/hotosm_mdg_ waterways data.humdata.org/dataset/ hotosm_mdg_populated_places

Projection: WGS 1984 World Mercator

geonode.wfp.org/layers/geonode:mdg_trs_ roads_osm

References:

madacamp.com/Main_Page mindat.org/loc-208176.html

teara.govt.nz

traveltourxp.com/5-amazing-national-parksin-peru/

thenounproject.com

protectedplanet.net/261

topomap.co.nz

sacha.org/envir/bosques/cutervo/cutervo. html

Park: Parc National des Ecrins, France

tripsavvy.com/egmont-national-parkguide-5195394

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutervo_National_ Park

Projection: Europe Lambert Conformal Conic

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ commons/0/09/State_Highway_3_NZ.svg

cuevasdelperu.org/tag/san-andres-decutervo/

web.archive.org

naturalearthdata.com/downloads/

pinterest.com/pin/641622278133747994/

Cartographer: Michael Riviere

References: ecrins-parcnational.fr/ biodiversite.ecrins-parcnational.fr/

geoservices.ign.fr/catalogue thealps.com/trekking-alps/ecrins-nationalpark ultimatefrance.com/holidays/ecrinsnational-park glims.colorado.edu/glacierdata/

giantscauseway.ccght.org/about-the-worldheritage-site/

Park: Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India Cartographer: Christina M. Salzmann Projection: Indian 1975 References:

around-ilulissat-greenland eng.geus.dk/explore-geology/learningabout-geology/explore-ilulissat-icefjord/ portrait-of-the-ice-at-ilulissat kangia.gl naturalworldheritagesites.org/sites/ilulissaticefjord

yichuans.me/datasheet/output/site/nandadevi-valley-of-flowers-national-parks/

nytimes.com/2021/06/22/climate/IlulissatIcefjord-Centre-greenland-glaciersustainable.html

Projection: Transverse Mercator

naturalworldheritagesites.org/sites/nandadevi-valley-flowers-national-parks/

trek.zone/en/greenland/places/246250/ ilulissat-icefjord

References:

whc.unesco.org/en/list/335/

whc.unesco.org/en/list/1149

flickr.com/photos/ parthachowdhuryphotography/6635396677

wikitravel.org/en/Ilulissat

Park: Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast; Northern Ireland, UK Cartographer: John Austin Ross

protectedplanet.net/12207 land.copernicus.eu/ land-files/ osnispatialni.opendata.arcgis.com/ irishcentral.com/travel/best-of-ireland/ myths-legends-giants-causeway yichuans.me/datasheet/output/site/giantscauseway-and-causeway-coast/ mirror.co.uk/travel/uk-ireland/giantscauseway-facts-northern-ireland-11613873 scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/scotlandsend-giants-causeway-294208nationaltrust. org.uk/giants-causeway nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/trails/ giants-causeway-red-trail giantscausewayofficialguide.com/ atlasobscura.com/places/giants-causeway

thetravelshots.com/nanda-devi-and-valleyof-flowers-national-parks/ tourmyindia.com/states/uttarakhand/nandadevi-raj-jat.html jstor.org/stable/26392936 longdom.org/open-access/a-review-on-theextraction-methods-use- in-medicinalplants-principle-strength-andlimitation-2167-0412-1000196.pd Park: Ilulissat Isfjord UNESCO World Heritage Site, Greenland Cartographer: Peter John Scilla

worldheritagesite.org/list/Ilulissat+Icefjord Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland. 2002. Nomination of the Ilulissat Icefjord for inclusion in the World Heritage List. Edited by N. Mikkelsen and Torsten Ingerslev.

Copenhagen: Ministry of the Environment. isfjordscentret.gl Photo Credits: Jacob Latrub, Dieter Zillman

Park: Reserva Nacional Futaleufú, Chile Cartographer: Hannah Shafer

Projection: Greenland Polar Stereographic

Projection: Transverse Mercator WGS 1984 UTM Zone 18S

References:

References:

atlasandboots.com/travel-blog/hiking-

data.humdata.org/dataset/hotosm_chl_ waterways

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data.humdata.org/dataset/hotosm_chl_roads protectedplanet.net/en conaf.cl/parques/reserva-nacional-futaleufu/ patagonia-ffg.blogspot.com/2017/06/ reserva-nacional-futaleufu.html

Park: Þingvellir National Park, Iceland Cartographers: Zoe Tyson Projection: Hjorsey 1955 UTM Zone 28N References: whc.unesco.org/en/list/1152/ guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/ jorunnsg/ingvellir-national-park thingvellir.is/en/ commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:17-0905-%C3%9Eingvellir%C3%96xar%C3%A1rfoss-RalfRDSC_2721.jpg viajes.nationalgeographic.com.es/a/islandiavuelta-completa-a-isla-agua-hielo-yfuego_16308 protectedplanet.net/684 mapcruzin.com/free-iceland-arcgis-mapsshapefiles.htm search.earthdata.nasa.gov/search www.diva-gis.org/Data

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