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New Natural Wonders added to the World Heritage List

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July 10th 2008

Eight natural wonders have been added to the World Heritage List; areas which are considered to be irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration, and thus are of outstanding universal value to humanity. The preservation of sites on the World Heritage List is vital, not only as a legacy of the past and for our lives today, but to ensure these unique and diverse sites are here for the benefit of future generations.

These new sites highlight the incredible diversity and beauty nature has to offer, from the dramatic mountain landscape of the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, to the undisturbed steppe and lakes of Saryarka in Central Asia. Joining these two are the tropical lagoons and reefs of New Caledonia, the newly formed volcanic island of Surtsey in Iceland, and the Socotra Archipelago in Yemen, where the rich biodiversity has earned Socotra the nickname of the Gal௡gos of the Indian Ocean. Finally, Canadas Joggins Fossil Cliffs, displaying an incredibly complete fossil record of the Coal Age, the remarkable granite peaks of Mount Sanqingshan National Park in China and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, also join this impressive list.

By being on the list, these sites will benefit from greater awareness of their uniqueness and importance, leading to a rise in the level of protection and conservation. Countries which contain World Heritage Sites also benefit from financial assistance and expert advice to support activities for their preservation. Such support will undoubtedly help conserve the animals that inhabit these areas. Here are just some of the species which may benefit from their habitats place on the prestigious World Heritage List.

Found in coral reefs in the tropical western Pacific, including those around New Caledonia, the pygmy seahorse is undoubtedly one of the most well camouflaged species in the oceans, being almost impossible to spot amongst the vibrant coral it inhabits.

image: Side view of a humphead wrasse swimming over reef

The humphead wrasse, one of the largest reef fishes in the world, is also found in the coral reefs surrounding New Caledonia. A worrying decline in numbers of this Endangered fish has recently been reported.

Known from just a few sites on the island of Socotra, the tiny range of the Socotra bunting makes it very vulnerable to any threats that may arise. Hopefully the islands new designation as a World Heritage Site will prevent any activities that may threaten this unmistakable bird.

image: Socotra cormorant on beach with wings outstretched

The enormous colonies of Socotra cormorants form a spectacular sight on Socotra. With their primarily black plumage and black bill, the mass of jostling black shapes almost appear like a single moving organism, blanketing and enveloping the sandy bays on which they live.

image: Male saiga antelope in winter coat

The peculiar-looking saiga is considered to be Critically Endangered, a result of habitat degradation, poaching and disturbance. Increased protection of Saryarka in northern Kazakhstan, one of the areas where this nomadic animal roams, would greatly benefit the saiga.

For further information on the World Heritage List see: