- Roztocze National Park
Infobox_protected_area | name = Roztocze National Park
native_name=Roztoczański Park Narodowy
iucn_category = II
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location =Lublin Voivodeship ,Poland
nearest_city =
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area = 84.83 km²
established = 1974
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governing_body = Ministry of the Environment__NOTOC__Roztocze National Park ( _pl. Roztoczański Park Narodowy) is a National Park located in easternPoland , inLublin Voivodeship . It protects the most valuable natural areas of the middle part of theRoztocze range. The Park was created in 1974 and initially covered area of 48.01 km². Its current size is convert|84.83|km2|sqmi|abbr=on, of which forests occupy 81.02 km², and strictly protected areas 8.06 km². The Park has its headquarters inZwierzyniec .The beginnings of nature protection in the region date back to 1934, when the
Bukowa Góra Preserve was created (now it is a strictly protected area). In 1938, for the first time inPoland , a bill was issued which stated that prey birds on the area of theZamoyski family estate were protected. The Park itself was created from State Forests of Districts ofKosobudy andZwierzyniec , which had belonged to the Zamoyski family estate. The Park is located in a picturesqueRoztocze Środkowe Region, in the upperWieprz river valley. These parts separateLublin Upland (Polish: "Wyżyna Lubelska") from Sandomierz Dale (Polish: "Kotlina Sandomierska"). Water of the main river running through the Park - the Wieprz - is of the second class of purity. There are also two streams which originate in here: the Szum (2.5 km) and the Świerszcz (7.5 km). It must be mentioned that "Roztoczański National Park" boasts unique tree formations. There are more than 400 so-called "nature monument" trees and the Park’sfir s are among the largest in Poland (up to 50 meters in height).Wildlife
Among mammals living in the Park are:
red deer ,deer ,boar ,fox ,wolf andbadger . In 1979beaver was reintroduced and now colonies of the mammal thrive in the Wieprz valley. In 1982 Polish ponies were brought here. Also, there have been registered around 190 species of birds, includingeagle ,stork andwoodpecker . Reptiles are represented bylizard , adder andgrass snake as well as endangeredEuropean pond terrapin . Also insectfauna is interesting, with more than 2000 species.Brief History
The history of this area is closely connected with the Zamoyski family estate, which was founded in 1589. The Estate’s headquarters were placed at
Zwierzyniec , and the Park’s management today is located in the restored house of the former Estate’s administrator. Tourists have a choice of five walking trails as well as a bicycle trail. The area of the Park and adjacent lands witnessed numerous battles during thePolish January Uprising and both World Wars. Tragic reminiscences of these times are numerous cemeteries in Zwierzyniec and other locations.Gallery
External links
* [http://www.mos.gov.pl/kzpn/en/rozt_gb.htm The Board of Polish National Parks]
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