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Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

Source: https://bit.ly/1P4DDER Photographer: William Wharby CC License: https://bit.ly/1ryPA8o

Ngorongoro Crater Source: https://bit.ly/1P4DDER Photo: William Wharby CCL: https://bit.ly/1ryPA8o

Ngorongoro Crater Facts

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Source: https://bit.ly/2kRMBuI Photo: B.C. Tørrissen CCL: https://bit.ly/1p2b8Ke

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife

The lush setting of Ngorongoro Crater literally teems with life. This includes both plants and animals, to be certain. Yet it’s the fauna that make their home here that garner the most attention. These comprise an incredible variety of animals, both large and small.

Roughly 25,000 large animals live within its confines. Ungulates comprise the majority of these, though. This population includes such animals as the black rhino, hippo, and the cape buffalo. Wildebeests, zebras, elands, gazelles, and other herbivores also appear.

A relatively large lake also exists in the southwestern portion of the beautiful formation. Named Lake Madagi, it’s frequently filled with large numbers of lesser flamingoes. Other avians also appear in small numbers. One endangered species of shrew also lives there.

Intriguingly, many other creatures common to this part of the world remain absent. Whether that’s coincidental or due to some unknown factor remains undetermined. Impala, giraffe, oribi, and topi do not live here. Among predators, crocodiles are curiously absent.

Given the presence of so many potential prey species, many predators call the location home, too. It holds one of the densest known population of lions. They’re not the only large feline present, though. Servals additionally dwell in comparatively large numbers here.

Some additional creatures do appear in Ngorongoro Crater sporadically, however. These include such creatures as the African leopard, East African wild dog, and the cheetah. Some of the many animals here seem to migrate in and out of the amazing site, as well.

Source: https://bit.ly/2sByLRo Photo: B.C. Tørrissen CCL: https://bit.ly/1p2b8Ke

Ngorongoro Crater Location, History, and Preservation

The location of the magical Ngorongoro Crater suits it perfectly as a backdrop for its wonders. That’s due to the fact that it formed in a region of the globe renowned for its many natural marvels. More specifically, it sits on the already impressive continent of Africa.

There, it formed on the approximate southeastern section of the landmass. That location places it inside the boundaries of the country of Tanzania. It further sits roughly 110 mi (177 km) west of Arusha City. This places it in the aptly-named Crater Highlands of the country.

Archaeological evidence indicates that prehistoric man knew of this wonder in the far-distant past. Fossil discoveries show that various hominid species have occupied the region for more than 3 million years! Pastoralists replaces hunter-gathers a few thousand years ago.

In more modern times, the Mbulu arrived in the region around 2,000 years ago. The Datooga joined them around 1700 years later. Yet another Indigenous People displaced both in the 1800’s. That group, the Maasai, still inhabit the immediate area of the site.

Efforts to preserve and maintain the vital Ngorongoro Crater remain ongoing. For one, it now forms part of the namesake Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In fact, this entire marvel of geology presently officially qualifies and lists as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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