Ngorongoo Crater supports many animals. The ancient, thousand-foot deep remains of a long extinct volcano supports thousands of grazing animals, along with the lions, cheetahs, and jackals who feed on them.
Careful observers can even find rare rhinos in the preserve's bushy backcountry.
Ngorongoro's rich animal life has long made it a magnet for researchers and wildlife filmmakers. Indeed, some say it is one of the most studied and photographed places on earth. But there is still much to learn and see, say researchers. Many of the crater's hundreds of species of birds, for instance, have never been studied. And, the scientists add, the growing number of tourists attracted to the crater makes studies of how the animals are responding to the visitors essential.