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Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Tanzania, United Republic of
Date of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (vii)(viii)(ix)(x)
Property : 809440.0000 ha
Arusha region
S3 11 13.992 E35 32 26.988
Ref: 39

Brief Description

A large permanent concentration of wild animals can be found in the huge and perfect crater of Ngorongoro. Nearby, the crater of Empakaai, filled by a deep lake, and the active volcano of Oldonyo Lenga can be seen. Excavations carried out in the Olduvai Gorge, not far from there, have resulted in the discovery of one of our more distant ancestors, Homo habilis. Laitoli Site, which also lies within the area, is one of the main localities of early hominid footprints, dating back 3.6 million years.

Lions (Panthera leo) on the floor of Ngorongoro Crater, May 2007. The 22.5 km (14 mile) wide Crater is home to the world’s highest density of lions—62 were recorded here in 2001. | Kishore Rao © UNESCO World Heritage Centre More pictures ...

Notes

  • Property inscribed for both geological and ecological values under natural criterion N (ii) before 1994. Criterion N (i) [Operational Guidelines 2002] was added. For more details see Decision 30.COM 8D.1.
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