page_title: Wildlife of Libya
section_title: National parks
hierarchical_section_title: Wildlife of Libya / National parks
context_page_description: The wildlife of Libya is spread over the Mediterranean coastline and encompasses large areas of the Saharan desert. The protection of wildlife is provided through appropriate legislation in seven national parks, five reserves, 24 protected areas, two wetlands under Ramsar Convention, and also in other areas. Apart from these, there are also five UNESCO World Heritage Sites related to culture. The most important national parks are the El-Kouf National Park and Karabolli National Park. The well known nature reserves are the Benghazi Reserve and the Zellaf Reserve. The wildlife species recorded in the country are 87 mammals and 338 species of birds.
  Libya's natural national assets are its nearly 2,000 kilometres of coastline and the vast Sahara desert which is the semiarid and arid region to the south. Its hills, ponds and coastal habitats which comprise coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds, salt marshes, and mud flats add to its biodiversity. Some of the sites are important for migratory birds.
context_section_description: The Algharabolli National Park, established in 1992, covers an area of 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres). The Abughilan National Park, which encompasses an area of 4,000 hectares (9,900 acres), was established in 1992. The El-Kouf National Park, established in 1975, covers a land area of 35,000 hectares (86,000 acres) with coastal line of 20 kilometres (12 mi); the total conservation area, however, is 100,000 hectares (250,000 acres) including the large basin area of Wade El Kouf. The area is bounded by Jabel Al-Akhdar Mountain (elevation 860 metres (2,820 ft) and of limestone formation) forming a rectangular area bordered by the coast line of the Mediterranean Sea. It is 150 kilometres (93 mi) north-east of Benghazi, near Al Bayda (Beida) town. The El Naggaza National Park was established in 1993 covering an area of 4,000 hectares (9,900 acres). The Karabolli National Park, located in the north-west part of Libya, was established in 1992. It covers an area of 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres). The nearest town to the park is Al Garabulli. Tripoli is to its west, about 50 kilometres (31 mi) away. Many streams with spring as their source drain the park area. The park habitat is made up of sand dunes, beaches, cliffs and salt lagoons. It was identified as Bird Life Sanctuary in 1992, and hosts 100 species of birds. The Sabrata National Park was established in 1995 covering an area of 500 hectares (1,200 acres) The Surman National Park covers an area of 400 hectares (990 acres), and was established in 1992.
caption: Coastline environment of Benghazi
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