Following our proposal, the first protected zone in the Poltava Region has been established to conserve species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.
The protected zone has been established within the Orzhytsia Rural Community to preserve populations of feather grass (Stipa capillata) and woolly-flowered milkvetch (Astragalus dasyanthus). Our scientists have also recorded the rare steppe viper (Vipera ursinii) there.
The protected area covers the part of a steppe ravine that escaped ploughing. From now on, the protection regime completely prohibits the ploughing of land, helping to preserve the habitats of these rare plant species. At the same time, livestock grazing is not only permitted but also encouraged, as moderate grazing is essential for maintaining steppe ecosystems and conserving these species.
It is particularly important that this is the first protected zone of its kind in the Poltava Region. In this way, we continue to expand the network of protected zones for Red Data Book species across Ukraine.
We sincerely thank the Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Poltava Regional Military Administration and the Orzhytsia Rural Community for their cooperation and support in making this decision possible.
Each such protected area is another opportunity to preserve the Ukrainian steppe and its unique biodiversity for future generations.
