685
Number of national parks spread across Australia. Among these is the Daintree National Park northwest of Cairns, home to the spotted cuscus and the azure kingfisher, as well as the oldest tropical rainforest in the world.
>37%
Amount of land designated as protected natural areas in Germany. This includes the Bavarian Forest National Park, where you might spot wolves and wildcats along 350km of hiking trails.
1872
The year in which the United States established its first national park – Yellowstone National Park – making it only the second country in the world to do so (after Mongolia). At the historic park, visitors will find creatures ranging from grizzly bears to bighorn sheep.
933
The total number of mammal, bird, fish, reptile and amphibian species in Spain, which has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the European Union. Creatures such as wild boars and genets can be found roaming the Serra de Collserola Natural Park outside Barcelona.
81.3%
Total forest coverage in Laos. Green lungs such as the Luang Prabang Montane Rain Forests are sanctuaries for endangered species, including the silvered leaf monkey.
SEE ALSO: 3 Indigenous cultural experiences to try in Australia
This article was originally published in the November 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine
