Drevlianskyi                        Strict Nature Reserve

The nature reserve protects a forest and mire complex located on the southern edge of the Polesia lowland, between the Uzh-Zherev and the Uzh-Zvizdal rivers.

This landscape is a patchwork of plains, sandy stretches, and swamps. Here we find a unique mosaic of northern mires and southern oak forests, shaped by postglacial landscapes. The floodplain of the Uzh river, mostly marshy and peaty, is dominated by grasslands.

Between the forests lie patches of farmlands abandoned after the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. They have slowly returned to wasteland. The area remains heavily contaminated with radionuclides. Meanwhile, the nature thrives here taking the advantage of the absence of human activity.

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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.

800 species

of vascular plant recorded in the area

8 key habitats

Listed in Resolution #4 of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention

 

>220 species

of fauna occur in the area

Land cover

Forests

Mires

Others

Biodiversity and natural values

Habitats

The area hosts a diversity of wetland and woodland habitats. At least 8 of them require specific protection under the Bern Convention (Resolution No 4 of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention):

Aquatic and Wetland Habitats

  • Floating mats of Salvinia natans (3150),
  • Transitional mires and quaking bogs (7140),
  • Beds of large sedges (usually without free-standing water),
  • Moist or wet eutrophic and mesotrophic grasslands (6440),
  • Moist or wet tall herb and fern fringes and meadows (6430);

Woodland Habitats

  • Riverine scrub,
  • Thermophilous deciduous woods (91I0) ,
  • Acidophilous oak-dominated woods (9190).

Biodiversity

The fauna of the protected area is understudied. Nevertheless, according to the preliminary research, 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 here.

The reserve provides vital habitats for many rare and protected 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 Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa), the Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix tetrix), the Eastern Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens), the Yellow Azalea (Rhododéndron lúteum).

The following species have also been recorded here: 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).

The most important impacts and threats

Forest felling and dead wood removal

Poaching

Artificial reforestation

Wildfires

Protection and conservation needs

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, the following measures are necessary:

  • Compilation of a detailed inventory of species’ habitat and natural habitat;
  • Consistent monitoring of the conservation values;
  • Development of a management or conservation plan.

Our activities in the area

Expansion and consolidation of nature conservation areas

In collaboration with local conservation partners, FZS has supported the expansion of the Drevlianskyi Landscape Reserve – adjacent to the above described Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve – increasing its size by 119 hectares. This expansion enhances the connectivity between protected areas, forming a continuous conservation zone that also includes the adjacent Chornobyl Ecological and Radiation Biosphere Reserve.

Biodiversity monitoring

We are supplying high-quality equipment, including binoculars, scopes, mobile phones, GPSs, and others to enhance the reserve’s biodiversity monitoring efforts. Moreover, we are introducing the SMART monitoring system, further strengthening the reserve’s ability to track and protect its diverse wildlife.

To monitor the presence of large mammals in the region, camera traps have been installed as part of a big camera trap study throughout all key protected areas in Polissia, providing valuable insights into species distribution and abundance. Furthermore, acoustic monitoring has been conducted across all Polissian protected areas, including Drevlianskyi SNR, targeting birds, small mammals, and bush crickets.

Operating cost support

Since the onset of the war, funds have been raised to support Polissian 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.

To ensure the reserve operates smoothly, FZS provides ongoing financial support for essential operational costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and repairs through a mobile car workshop. In addition to this, we have supplied the reserve with crucial emergency equipment, such as fire-fighting gear, to enable quick responses in case of crises.

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).