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Location:
27o55´- 28o55´N, 33o20´- 34o30´E
Area:
5,750 km2
Type:
National Park
Year of establishment:
Objective:
Management:
Geographical aspects:
St. Katherine National Park occupies much of the central
part of South Sinai, a mountainous region of Precambrian
igneous and metamorphic rock, which includes Egypt's
highest peaks (St. Katherine mountain, Musa mountain,
Serbal mountain, Umm Shomer mountain and Tarbush mountain).
St. Katherine mountain is the highest peak in Egypt
2,624 m above sea-level. The Sinai massif contains some
of the world's oldest rocks. Around 80% of the rocks
are 600 million years old.
Flora:
Around 1000 plant species, representing almost 40% of
Egypt's total flora are found in this region. These
include many relicts and endemic species. Half of the
33 known Sinai endemics are found in St. Katherine area.
Many of these are rare and endangered. Small orchards
are scattered in wadis particularly at higher elevations.
Fauna:
The White-crowned Black wheatear is very characteristic
of the area. There are 46 reptile species, where 15
of which are found nowhere else in Egypt. e.g. Endemic
Sinai Banded Snake and the Innes Cobra which is considered
to be very vulnerable to extinction. Other fauna include
Geckos, Agamids, Skinks, Rodents, Hedgehogs, Hares,
Red fox, Wild cat, Sinai Leopard, Rock hyrax, the Nubian
ibex, Dorcas gazelle. The Panther pardus jarvisi is
endangered and endemic sub-species. A rich diversity
of insects also exists.
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