Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve
Country: Ukraine
Area: 30,872 ha
National protection status: Strict Nature Reserve
International protected status: Emerald Network (UA0000172) - Drevlianskyi Nature Reserve (32,178 ha); Partly within the IBA (UA111) - Uzh river valley.
The strict nature reserve is a complex of forests and mires on the southern edge of the Polesia lowland between the Uzh-Zherev and the Uzh-Zvizdal rivers. Oak and pine forests dominate in the area due to the richness of the soils formed on moraine deposits. On the loess islands they are limited to the upper parts of the relief and are represented by pine and oak forests. Grasslands are widespread along the floodplain of the river Uzh. They are mostly marshy and peaty. The reserve consists of plains, sandy and swampy areas. High levels of radiation are recorded in the area. The forests are heavily contaminated with radionuclides. Between the forests there are former agricultural lands turned into wasteland.
800
vascular plant species
>40
habitats included
in Resolution #4
of the Standing Commission
to the Bern Convention
>220
fauna species
Land cover
Forests
Mires
Others
Biodiversity and natural values
Fauna
The fauna of the protected area is understudied. Nevertheless, as a result of the preliminary inventory, 42 species of mammals, 188 species of birds, 7 species of reptiles, 11 species of amphibians, 17 species of fish and one species of cyclostomes were registered.
The area is of great importance for a number of species of flora and fauna. More than 40 species are included in the Resolution No 6 of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention. The area is particularly important for the conservation of such fauna and flora species as the Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia), the Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), the Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), the Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus), the European Roller (Coracias garrulous), the White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), the Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), the Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum), the Crane (Grus grus), the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), the Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus), the Woodlark (Lullula arborea), the Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), the Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa), the Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix tetrix).
The following species have also been recorded here: the Pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum), the Little crake (Porzana parva), the Barred warbler (Sylvia nisoria), the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), the European otter (Lutra lutra), the European beaver (Castor fiber), the Wolf (Canis lupus), the Lynx (Lynx lynx), the Barbastela (Barbastella barbastel).
Flora
The natural flora of vascular plants of the reserve comprises 760 species. 100 species of mosses, 53 species of lichens, and 133 species of fungi have been registered here. It is important habitat for such rare plants as the Waterwheel (Aldrovanda vesiculosa), the Eastern pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens), the Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii), the Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), the Dicranum Moss (Dicranum viride), the Garland-flower (Daphne cneorum), the Lake quillwort (Isoetes lacustris), etc.
The most important impacts and threats
Forest felling and dead wood removal
Poaching
Artificial reforestation
Wildfires
Conservation measures
In the Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve, economic activities are banned almost on the entire area. To enhance the conservation of the natural values of the strict nature reserve, detailed inventory of species’ habitat and natural habitat is necessary. Consistent monitoring of the conservation values, development of a management or conservation plan are desirable as well.
Our activities in the area
As part of the project “Polesia – Wilderness Without Borders” coordinate by FZS, Drevlyanskiy SNR was expanded by 119 ha.
Сameratraps were installed to study current distribution and abundance of big mammals in the project region.
Equipment, like GPS, office equipment, weather stations, etc. was purchased for the reserve.
Since the beginning of the war, funds were raised for the support of Polesian PAs that have been directly affected by the war or need support in accommodation of Internally Displaced People. Drevlyanskyi Nature Reserve was receiving regular financial support for covering expenditures like fuel, vehicle spares and maintenance, building maintenance, services (rent, telecommunications, etc.) and office supplies.
The project “Polesia – Wilderness Without Borders” is part of the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme and is funded by Arcadia. The project is coordinated by Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS).