What is a National Park?

A National Park is an area where natural scenery and wildlife is protected by law to preserve them for future generations. It is only recently that man has realized that he must make a positive effort if many species of wildlife and areas of great beauty are not to dis-appear for ever.

There are many kinds of areas of conservation and their central properties may differ slightly. In the U.S.A., a national park such as Yellowstone safeguards natural features and wildlife in a way that will contribute to public enjoyment. In Africa generally, as in the Amboseli Game Reserve, the chief purpose is the preservation of the remnants of the great herds of animals which once roamed the country.

National Parks depend on tourists for revenue but the animals must remain unmolested. To solve the problem many parks restrict visitors' movements by setting aside areas for hotels, restaurants and parking places and providing a limited number of roads through the park. National Parks may be small or large, privately or government owned.