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 “Polesia – Wilderness Without Borders” project, the Drevlianskyi Landscape Reserve – adjacent to the Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve – was expanded by 119 hectares. This expansion enhances ecological connectivity, forming a unified protected area alongside the Chornobyl Biosphere Reserve.
To monitor the distribution and abundance of large mammals in the region, camera traps have been installed across the project area.
Additionally, various equipment, including GPS devices, office supplies, and weather stations, has been procured to support the reserve’s ongoing activities.
Since the onset of the war, funds have been raised to support Polesian protected areas that have been directly impacted or are housing Internally Displaced People. The Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve has received regular financial assistance to cover essential costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, building upkeep, services (such as rent and telecommunications), and office supplies.
Currently, we provide ongoing support to the Drevlianskyi Nature Reserve, primarily covering operational costs such as fuel. In addition, we offer free vehicle maintenance and repairs through a mobile car workshop, ensuring the reserve’s operations run smoothly.
To enhance the reserve’s biodiversity monitoring efforts, we have supplied high-quality equipment, including binoculars, scopes, mobile phones and others. Moreover, we are introducing the SMART monitoring system, further strengthening the reserve’s ability to track and protect its diverse wildlife.
We also provide the reserve with crucial emergency equipment, such as fire-fighting gear, to help them respond quickly in case of any crises.
