The Prybuzhanivka Village Council has approved the establishment of the “Stepovyi Klyn” botanical nature reserve, following our request earlier this year.
The reserve’s territory, spanning approximately 130 hectares, is a pristine, untouched area of steppe. It has preserved significant plant communities, including sheep’s fescue (Festuca valesiaca), hairy feather grass (Stipa capillata), Lessing’s feather grass (Stipa lessingiana), and bristle needlegrass (Stipa setacea).
Biodiversity and Next Steps
The ravine within the reserve is home to several rare species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, which is the national list of endangered species. These include the reticulated saffron (Crocus reticulatus), spring adonis (Adonis vernalis), Volga adonis (Adonis wolgensis), and woolly-flowered milkvetch (Astragalus dasyanthus).
The area also features species included in the regional Red List of the Mykolaiv region, such as salt-tolerant iris (Iris halophila), entire-leaved clematis (Clematis integrifolia), and common club-rush (Ephedra distachya).
The site is significant for its plant communities listed in the Green Book of Ukraine, a registry of rare and endangered plant communities. Furthermore, it contains habitats included in Resolutions 4 and 6 of the Bern Convention, highlighting its international importance.
The next step is to prepare the project for the reserve’s creation. Once complete, it must be officially designated by the Mykolaiv Regional Council.
We thank the Prybuzhanivka community for their cooperation and their conscious decision to preserve the valuable steppe territories of their community!
