Last year, the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG) prepared a petition for the establishment of the “Borovychok” landscape reserve in the Cherkasy region. We are pleased to announce that the Moshnivska rural community has now approved this crucial step for nature preservation.
The territory proposed for the reserve is a valuable 85-hectare site of pine-oak open woodland (ridkolissia) on sandy soils, maintained in a near-natural state. This specific fragment of the forest massif is particularly valuable due to the high mosaic nature of its plant cover. Shaded and well-lit areas, forest and meadow-steppe fragments, and clearings alternate, which is essential for maintaining the site’s rich biodiversity.
Biodiversity Value
The area within the future reserve is home to several rare and protected species:
- Species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine: The open pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens), the meadow pasqueflower (Pulsatilla pratensis), the fragrant daphne (Daphne cneorum), and Dnipro feather grass (Stipa borysthenica).
- Species listed in Resolution 6 of the Bern Convention (which requires signatory states to protect specific species outside of designated areas): The Hungarian iris (Iris hungarica) and toadflax (Linaria genistifolia).
- Regionally rare species of the Cherkasy region: Including the forest anemone (Anemone sylvestris), purple viper’s-grass (Scorzonera purpurea), and Pallas’ thyme (Thymus pallasianus).
The site also preserves the habitat G1.7 Thermophilous deciduous forests (listed in Resolution 4 of the Bern Convention, designating habitats requiring special conservation measures).
A survey of the area documented 53 animal species with various protection statuses:
- Red Data Book of Ukraine: The European green lizard (Lacerta viridis), the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), the grooved beetle (Rhysodes sulcatus), the cream-spot tiger moth (Arctia villica), the clay bumblebee (Bombus argillaceus), the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), and the violet carpenter bee (Xylocopa violacea).
- Relict and Indicator Species: The discovery of the grooved beetle (Rhysodes sulcatus) is particularly valuable. It is a relict beetle and a key indicator species of primeval forests.
- Mammals and Birds: Tracks of the European moose (Alces alces) have been recorded for two consecutive years, and the Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus) is observed during migrations.
- Insects from the European Red List: Including Eumerus ovatus (Endangered – EN) and the glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca) (Near Threatened – NT).
In 2023–2024, a number of rare, little-studied, and new species for the Cherkasy region were also discovered here.
The next step is to prepare the final documentation for the reserve’s establishment and its official declaration by the Cherkasy Regional Council.
We thank the Moshnivska village community for taking this important step towards nature conservation!
