The tropics in national and state parks refer to the regions of the Earth that are located near the equator, characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity and abundant rainfall. These regions are home to a diverse array of plants and animals and have unique ecological systems.
There are a few national and state parks that are located in the tropics, such as the Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the American Samoa National Park in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. These parks are known for their unique flora and fauna and are home to a wide variety of tropical plants and animals, many of which are found only in these regions.
Tropical national and state parks also provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, snorkeling, and swimming, as well as opportunities to explore the unique cultural and historical features of the region. Many of these parks have beaches and coral reefs that are popular with visitors, and they also have facilities and services to accommodate visitors such as campgrounds, visitor centers, and concessions.
The NPS and state park agencies have a responsibility to protect and preserve these resources, and to provide opportunities for visitors to learn about and experience the tropics. This can include ranger-led tours, educational programs, and interpretive exhibits. They also have regulations in place to protect these resources from overuse, pollution, and other forms of damage, while balancing the need for recreational opportunities.
Overall, the tropics in national and state parks are unique and fragile ecosystems, that are home to a wide variety of plants and animals and unique ecological systems. The NPS and state park agencies have a mission to preserve, protect, and interpret these resources and provide opportunities for visitors to learn about and experience the tropics, as well as protect these resources from overuse, pollution, and other forms of damage, while balancing the need for recreational opportunities.
