The New Seven Wonders of The World: 1. Jungle
The New Seven Wonders of The World: 1. Jungle
1. Jungle
The Amazon Rainforest or Amazon Jungle is a tropical forest that covers the majority of the Amazon Basin. The majority, 1.4 billion acres (500,000 sq km), of the 1.7 billion acres (7 million sq km) basin is covered by the Amazon forests. It is so large that it accounts for over half of the world's remaining rainforest. It is housed primarily in Brazil which accounts for approximately 60% of the forest. Peru has the second greatest representation with 13% with the following countries combining to make up the rest of the forest: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. The Amazon Rainforest is the greatest collection of plant and animal life; 1 in 10 species from around the world are found in the Amazon. The Amazon Jungle is home to approximately 427 mammals, 378 reptiles, 428 amphibians, 1,294 birds, 3,000 fish, 40,000 plants and 2.5 million insect species. One in five of all birds are found in the Amazon. It also provides the greatest collection of wildlife that poses risk of harm to mankind. The collection of wildlife includes the jaguar, Black Caiman, anaconda, electric
eels, piranha and various poisonous frogs and parasites. However, the rainforest also accounts for 438,000 difference species of plants that have economical, pharmaceutical, or social value. 2. Ha Long Bay
Name means Descending Dragon Bay Located in the Quang Ninh province of Vietnam Thousands of limestone karsts and isles 200 species of fish and 450 different mollusks Ha Long Bay is located in the Quang Ninh province of Vietnam traveling 120 km along the coastline and encompassing around 1,553 sq km). The bay features a dense collection of 1,969 limestone monolithic islands that are covered with jungle vegetation. Many of these monolithic islands feature caves, grotto, lakes and secluded beaches. Two of the larger islands are home to permanent residents and even tourism services. Many of the islands feature wildlife that includes birds, bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and lizards.
3. Iguazu Falls
Also called Iguassu Falls and Iguacu Falls Consists of 275 falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km) Highest part of the falls reaches 269 feet (82 m) into the air Greatest average annual flow of water in the world Iguazu Falls, also referred to as Iguassu Falls and Iguaca Falls, is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. There are some who claim that the Iguazu Falls system is comprised of 275 independent falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), however locals from the area state that there are approximately 75 separate falls. At one spot, visitors can be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls. Although the highest part of the falls measures 269 feet (82 m), the majority of the falls are around 210 feet (64 m).To some, the most impressive falls is the U-shaped Garganta del Diablo, "Devil's Throat,"which measures 269 feet (82 m) high, 492.1 feet (150 m) wide and
2,296 feet (700 m) long. Much of the falls does not have water flowing over it. Iguazu Falls is wider than Victoria Falls because it is split into numerous distinct individual falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km). Subsequently, Victoria Falls has the largest curtain of water.
4. Jeju Island
The Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes is a World Heritage Site in South Korea. Jejudo is a volcanic island, 130 kilometers from the southern coast of Korea. The largest island and smallest province in Korea, the island has a surface area of 1,846 square kilometers. A central feature of Jeju is Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea and a dormant volcano, which rises 1,950 meters above sea level. 360 satellite volcanoes are part of the main volcano. Volcanic activity on Jeju began approximately in the Cretaceous and lasted until the early Tertiary period. The last recorded volcanic activity was recorded approximately 800 years
ago. The island is covered in volcanic rock and volcanic soil produced by Hallasan. Baengnokdam, the crater and lake in it are located at the peak of Hallasan, was formed over 25,000 years ago while. Jeju is scientifically valuable for its extensive system of lava tubes (also known as lateral volcanoes or in Korean as Oreum). These natural conduits through which magma once flowed are now empty caves that are some of the largest in the world. The caves provide opportunities for scientific research and are also popular tourist destinations. Off the shores of the city of Seogwipo are a vast belt of pillar-shaped rocks that are examples of the natural beauty of Jeju. Shellfish and animal fossils discovered in this area are also very valuable as scientific resources. Beomseom Island and Moonseom Island, also off the city seacoast, are also well preserved and scenic areas. The variety of animal and plant species on Jeju is also an important reason for its value as a natural reserve. Half of all Korean vascular plants grow naturally on the island while another 200 species of plants indigenous to Korea have been transported here. However, half of these species face extinction. The polar plants which came from the south during a glacial period and inhabit the peak of Jeju is one example. Other plants in the subtropical forest and lower regions of the island are also endangered. 5. Komodo Island
Komodo Island is one of the 17,508 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia. The island has a surface area of 390 km and over 2000 inhabitants. The inhabitants of the island are descendants of former convicts who were exiled to the island and who have mixed themselves with the Bugis from Sulawesi. The populations are primarily adherents of Islam but there are also Christian and Hindu minorities. On the island of Komodo, dragon animals live and breed well. Until August 2009, on this island there are a bout 1,300 dragons tail. Coupled with other islands, such as the island of Rinca and Gili Motang, their numbers totaled about 2500 tails. There are also approximately 100 individuals dragons in Wae Wuul Nature Reserve on the mainland island of Flores, but not including the Komodo National Park. 6. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is one of the most important protected areas of the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape with one of the most complex cave systems. It contains an 8.2 km long underground river that flow directly to the sea. The lower half of the river is brackish and is affected by the oceans tide. An underground river directly flowing into the sea, and the associated tidal influence, makes it a significant natural phenomenon. The discovery of at least 11 minerals, crystal and egg shape rock formations, and a 20 million
year old Miocene age serenia fossil in the cave further add to its scientific value. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The PPSRNP contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protect forests, which are among the most significant in Asia. It represents significant habitat that are important for biodiversity conservation.In recognition of the PPSRNPs globally significant natural value, it was inscribed to the List of World Heritage Sites on December 4, 1999. Inscription on the list confirms the outstanding universal value of the Park and its well integrated state of conservation. The PPSRNP is managed by the City Government of Puerto Princesa based on a program centered on environmental conservation and sustainable development. It has the distinction of being the first national park devolved and successfully managed by a Local Government Unit. It is managed by the City thru a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), multi-sector body that provides policy direction and other oversight functions. It is a model for effective protected area management and sustainable tourism in the Philippines. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a source of pride, and a key element in the identity of the people of Puerto Princesa in particular, and of the Philippines as a whole. The conservation of the Park is a symbol of commitment by the Filipino people in the global efforts to conserve our natural heritage. 7. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a South African icon and the only natural site on the planet to have a constellation of stars named after it - Mensa, meaning the table. The flat-topped mountain has withstood six million years of erosion and hosts the richest, yet smallest floral kingdom on earth with over 1,470 floral species. Table Mountain boasts numerous rare and endangered species. It is the most recognized site in Cape Town, the gateway to Africa, owing to its unique flat-topped peaks which reach 1,086 m above sea level. De Lille described Table Mountain as "a symbol of permanence in a world that is full of change. It is a symbol of the heritage that we are privileged to have. And it is a symbol that reminds us that we are privileged enough to live in an incredible country with incredible assets, giving us hope for the future."