Lorentz National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lorentz National Park |
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| Taman Nasional Lorentz | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Puncak Jaya at the north-western edge of the national park
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Map of Lorentz National Park
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| Location | Papua Province, Indonesia |
| Nearest city | Wamena |
| Area | 25,056 km2 (9,674 sq mi) |
| Established | 1997 |
| Governing body | Ministry of Forestry |
| World Heritage site | 1999 |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Criteria | Natural: viii, ix, x |
| Inscription | 1999 (23rd Session) |
Lorentz National Park is a huge protected area in Papua, Indonesia. It covers about 25,056 square kilometers, which is a very large area! This makes it one of the biggest national parks in Southeast Asia. Since 1999, it has been a special place recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The park is named after a Dutch explorer, Hendrikus Albertus Lorentz. It is famous for its amazing variety of natural environments and the many different kinds of animals and plants that live there.
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About Lorentz National Park
Lorentz National Park is located on the island of New Guinea, in the Indonesian part called Papua. It stretches from the high, snowy peaks of the Jayawijaya Mountains all the way down to the Arafura Sea. This means the park includes many different types of landscapes.
Why is Lorentz National Park Special?
Lorentz National Park is incredibly special because it has almost every kind of natural environment found in New Guinea. You can find snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine forests at the highest points. As you go lower, there are thick rainforests, freshwater swamps, and even coastal areas with mangrove forests and coral reefs.
This wide range of environments means that many different types of plants and animals can live here. Scientists believe that many species in Lorentz National Park have not even been discovered yet! It is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Who was Hendrikus Albertus Lorentz?
The park is named after Hendrikus Albertus Lorentz, a Dutch explorer. He led an expedition to New Guinea in the early 1900s. His journeys helped people learn more about the geography and nature of this remote area. Naming the park after him honors his contributions to exploring the region.
Protecting the Park
Lorentz National Park was established in 1997 to protect its unique ecosystems and wildlife. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 means it is recognized globally for its outstanding natural value. This helps ensure that the park and its amazing biodiversity are preserved for future generations. The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry is responsible for managing and protecting this important area.
Animals and Plants of Lorentz National Park
The park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Many of these animals and plants are found only in New Guinea.
Amazing Animals
Lorentz National Park is a paradise for animal lovers. It has over 630 species of birds, which is more than half of all bird species found in New Guinea. Some famous birds include the beautiful bird-of-paradise, cassowaries, and parrots. There are also many different kinds of mammals, including tree kangaroos, wallabies, and several species of possums. Reptiles, amphibians, and countless insects also thrive in the park's diverse habitats.
Unique Plants
The plant life in Lorentz National Park is just as varied as its animal life. The park features many types of forests, from the dense lowland rainforests to the unique alpine vegetation found at high altitudes. You can find giant trees, colorful orchids, and many plants that are important to the local communities. The different environments, from the mountains to the coast, allow for a huge range of plant species to grow.
Images for kids
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The southern crowned pigeon found in Singapore is confined to the southern lowland houses of New Guinea.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional de Lorentz para niños
