Stary Zhadzien Nature Reserve
Country: Belarus
Area: 17,048.4 ha
National protection status: Nature Reserve
International protection status: Ramsar site (2140) – Stary Zhaden (17,048.4 ha); Emerald Network* (BY0000051) – Stary Zhadzien (23,560.6 ha); IBA (BY039) – Stary Žadzien (16,285.0 ha).
* After denunciation of accession to the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, de jure there are no Emerald Network sites in Belarus.
The site is a large forest and wetland complex. Its core is formed by the Stary Zhadzien and Vialikaje mires separated by dunes. It is situated between the Almany Mires and the Pripyat National Park, and together they form the largest mire and forest complex in Europe. The most typical ecosystems are oligotrophic and mesotrophic bogs, as well as pine and deciduous forests. The hydrological system is represented by old canals (built in the late 19th century), most of which have been overgrown and dammed by beavers. The water is discharged into the Scviga River. The lack of roads and the heavy waterlogging make the area virtually inaccessible.
Biodiversity and natural values
Biotopes
The site is a large complex of forest and wetland habitats. About 10 habitats mentioned in the Resolution No. 4 of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention have been identified here, and this area is of particular importance for their conservation in Belarus. This applies, in particular, to Inland sand dunes (2330), Transitional mires and quaking bogs (7140), Beds of large sedges, usually without free-standing water, Riverine ash-alder woods, wet at high water but not at low water (91Е0), Sphagnum birch woods (91D0), Boreal coniferous bog woods and Nemoral coniferous bog woods (91D0), Raised bog complexes (7110), etc.
Biodiversity
The site is a critical breeding area for globally threatened species, such as the Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) (more than 3% of the national population). It is the breeding area for 2% of the national population of the Crane (Grus grus), the Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa), the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), the Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) and the Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) have also been recorded breeding here.
The site is an important habitat for rare plant species, such as the Yellow Azalea (Rhododendron luteum) and the Sand Jurinea (Jurinea cyanoides). More than 30 species listed in the Resolution No. 6 of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention have their habitat here.
The most important impacts and threats
Forest felling, dead wood removal
Illegal hunting
Old drainage systems
Conservation measures
About 72% of the area is protected within the National Wetlant Reserve, where drainage, construction, logging and some other land uses are restricted. Special protected areas have been established for some natural habitats and species. Existing conservation measures cover approx. 75% of the area.
