Las Orquídeas National Natural Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Las Orquideas National Natural Park |
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| PNN Las Orquideas | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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| Area | 287.53 km2 (111.02 sq mi) |
| Designation | National Natural Park |
| Established | 1974 |
| Administrator | SINAP |
Las Orquídeas National Natural Park is a special protected area in Colombia. Its name means "The Orchids" in Spanish. This amazing park is located in the Western Andes Mountains. It was created in 1974 to protect its unique nature. The park covers about 287.53 square kilometers (which is about 111 square miles). It sits on the western slopes of the mountains.
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Discovering Las Orquídeas National Park
Las Orquídeas National Natural Park is a true natural treasure in Colombia. It's a place where many different plants and animals live. The park helps protect these species and their homes.
Where is the Park Located?
This beautiful park is found in the Western Andes Mountains of Colombia. These mountains are a very important part of the country's geography. The park's location on the western slopes means it gets a lot of rain.
When Was the Park Created?
Las Orquídeas National Park was established in 1974. This means it has been protecting its incredible ecosystems for many decades. National parks are important because they keep natural places safe for future generations.
Climate and Diverse Ecosystems
The park has a wide range of elevations, from lowlands to high mountains. This creates many different types of environments, each with its own unique plants and animals.
From Lowlands to High Peaks
The park stretches from about 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level all the way up to 3,450 meters (11,319 feet). This huge change in height means the park experiences different climates. It goes from warm, tropical areas to much cooler, alpine regions.
A Humid and Rainy Home
The climate in Las Orquídeas National Park is mostly humid. It gets a lot of rain every year, usually between 3,000 and 4,000 millimeters (118 to 157 inches). In the highest parts of the park, the rainfall is a bit less, around 2,500 millimeters (98 inches). All this rain helps the many plants grow.
Different Forest Types
Because of the varied elevation and climate, the park is home to several types of plant communities:
- Lowland Rainforest: These forests are found in the lower parts of the park, from about 300 to 1,000 meters (984 to 3,280 feet). They are very warm and wet.
- Premontane Forest: As you go higher, from about 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,280 to 6,560 feet), you find premontane forests. These are a bit cooler than the lowland rainforests.
- Montane Forest: Even higher, from about 2,000 to 3,200 meters (6,560 to 10,500 feet), are the montane forests. These are often called cloud forests because they are frequently covered in mist.
- Páramo Grassland: At the very top, from about 3,200 to 3,450 meters (10,500 to 11,319 feet), you'll find páramo grasslands. This is a unique type of high-altitude grassland with special plants that can handle the cold and strong winds.
