The area is of great importance for nesting of the globally threatened bird species: the Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola), the Great Snipe (Gallinago media), the Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga). In addition, the area is an important habitat for the Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia),the Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), the Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus),the European Roller (Coracias garrulous), the White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), the Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), the Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), the Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis), the Crane (Grus grus),the Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), the Woodlark (Lullula arborea), the Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), the Gray-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus), the Little crake (Porzana parva), the Spotted Crake (Porzana porzana), the Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus).

Habitat restoration

Building on the wetland restoration approach applied across the Polissia region, the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is supporting large-scale restoration planning in the Rivnenskyi Strict Nature Reserve. The work focuses on three priority wetland complexes of exceptional ecological value: Syra Pohonia Bog, Somyne Swamps, and Bile Lake, all of which are designated Ramsar sites.
Current efforts are concentrated on the preparatory phase of restoration. This includes the development of detailed engineering designs, hydrological assessments, and the completion of environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures required for implementation. These steps are essential to ensure that restoration measures are scientifically sound, legally compliant, and effective in improving water regimes, reducing fire risk, and enhancing habitat conditions. Subject to the successful completion of all planning and permitting processes, on-the-ground restoration works are foreseen to begin in 2026. The restoration programme will be accompanied by long-term ecological and hydrological monitoring to track outcomes and evaluate measures.

Biodiversity monitoring

FZS supports the Rivnenskyi Strict Nature Reserve in strengthening its biodiversity monitoring system to better document and protect its rich flora and fauna. A range of monitoring equipment has been provided, including optical devices, GPS units, smartphones, and other field tools that support both research and ranger activities.
Digital monitoring approaches are being enhanced through the introduction of the SMART system, enabling structured recording of patrol routes, observations, and biodiversity data. Camera traps have been deployed to collect information on large mammals and other wildlife, helping to assess species presence and movement patterns. In parallel, acoustic monitoring has been used to survey birds, bats, and invertebrates, adding an important non-invasive layer to the reserve’s biodiversity assessments.

Operational and emergency support

To support the effective management of the Rivnenskyi Strict Nature Reserve, FZS contributes to covering essential running costs that allow staff to operate reliably in the field. This support includes assistance with fuel, vehicle servicing, and technical repairs, which are critical for patrolling and monitoring activities across the reserve’s extensive and often remote territory.
In addition, FZS has supplied emergency equipment, including fire-fighting tools, to strengthen the reserve’s readiness in the face of increasing wildfire risks and other emergencies.

Responding to the impacts of war

Since the onset of the full-scale war, the Frankfurt Zoological Society has provided targeted financial assistance to protected areas in Polissia facing operational strain and heightened uncertainty. The Rivnenskyi Strict Nature Reserve has received support during particularly challenging periods to help cover indispensable costs such as fuel, vehicle maintenance and spare parts, infrastructure upkeep, communications, and office necessities. This assistance has been crucial in maintaining continuity of conservation work and ensuring that core reserve functions remain operational despite the ongoing pressures of the wartime context.