Mount Kenya National Park

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized Kenya's Mount Kenya National Park as a World Natural Heritage in 1997.

Mount Kenya National Park is an area established in 1949 to protect the mountains and surrounding mountains of Kenya. At first it was only a protected area then it was developed into a national park. In April 1978, this protected area was listed on the World Biosphere Reserve by Unesco. Until 1997, the national park was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site .

Mount Kenya is in fact a volcano that has been decommissioned in central Kenya. At 5,199 meters above sea level, Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro. Mount Kenya is located 150 km northeast of Nairobi. Scientists say that Mount Kenya was created by the continuous eruption of a series of surrounding volcanoes about 2.5 to 3 million years ago. Early mountains have a crater on the top but now have been eroded and covered with snow, becoming a beautiful snow peak. Previously the valley area existed with a frozen lake but about 150,000 years ago, this glacial lake was melted, water from the lake flowed down the mountain to form small lakes and continue to freeze. Until the 19th century, these lakes completely dissolved due to the warming of the earth.

Mount Kenya has a very rich ecosystem with high trees, low trees and grasslands. Because of the diversity of flora, the abundance of animals grows here.

Vegetation in Mount Kenya National Park grows and varies with altitude from highland grasslands. In the grassland area are mainly wild flowers and grass, on the slope where the average height is mainly developed pine trees and snow trees. Unlike many forests, bamboo here grows strongly at altitudes above 2,500 meters. From a height of over 2,500 height of declining tree species, forest trees gradually shift to clumped trees or low-spread trees. Over 3,000 have a number of forest flowers flourish. From 4,500 or more, plants almost no longer exist only a few species of grass can sustain life in that harsh environment.

In terms of fauna, Mount Kenya National Park is home to numerous species of wild animals such as monkeys, baboons, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, wild boars, civets, hyenas, rhinos and many types of antelopes . Especially there are species listed in the list of rare animals such as African Elephants; Black rhinoceros; Black-breasted antelope; White-tailed civet . Some animals live in bamboo forest areas are very rich such as: lizards, wild pigs, shrews. In addition to Mount Kenya National Park is also home to countless species of birds, with special species named in the list of rare and precious wildlife such as Dai Dai, Long ear owl .

Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa, mountain vegetation contributes to stabilizing the ecosystem of this area. Besides, the mountain source also provides a source of food, not small for people living near the mountain area. However, in recent years, the number of population has increased rapidly, threatening the natural resources as well as the ecosystem of Mount Kenya's national park. Illegal deforestation, illegal mining and felling of trees and flat land for agricultural activities have resulted in a sharp decrease in forest area. Besides hunting wild animals, collecting honey . also greatly affects the overall ecosystem of the national park. The Kenyan government had to take measures to strengthen the protection of forests and flora and fauna of the national park. At present, it is estimated that there are more than 15,000 visitors visiting here every year to visit and explore.

Mount Kenya National Park is recognized as a World Natural Heritage by Unesco according to criteria (vii) and (ix).

Criterion (vii): Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa with a height of 5,199 meters above sea level. This is a mountain formed through volcanic eruption from millions of years ago with extremely interesting natural landscape.

Criterion (ix): The evolution and development of ecosystems as well as flora and fauna in Mount Kenya National Park are outstanding examples of the process of change to adapt to the environment of animals. , plants for millions of years. Besides the diversity of ecosystems in the national park is also the basis for scientists to study the development process of many plants, animals and the environment.