Significant progress has been made in establishing new protected areas in Ukraine.
In the Mykolaiv region (Mykolaiv Oblast, Southern Ukraine), three new Protection Zones (Okhoronni Zony) totaling over 15 hectares have been established on the lands managed by the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” (the state forestry management body). These zones are critical for the conservation of rare plant species.
Rare Flora Protected
The newly protected areas safeguard several species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (the national list of threatened species), including:
- Spring Adonis (Adonis vernalis, or Horytsvit vesnyanyy)
- Reticulated Crocus (Crocus reticulatus, or Shafran sitchastyy)
- Hairy Feather Grass (Stipa capillata, or Kovyla volosysta)
- Odessa Milk-vetch (Astragalus odessanus, or Astragal odesskyy)
- Scythian Broom (Genista scythica, or Drik skifskyy)
Additionally, the zones protect species included in the regional Red List, such as:
- Dwarf Iris (Iris pumila, or Pivnyky karlykovi)
- Salt-loving Iris (Iris halophila, or Pivnyky soleliubni)
These plots are recognized as natural habitats included under the Bern Convention (Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats), underscoring their international importance for biodiversity conservation.
Protecting a Rare Mollusk in Cherkasy Region
In the forests of the Cherkasy region (Central Ukraine), a separate Protection Zone of 1.4 hectares has been established for the conservation of a rare mollusk, the Fragile Amber Snail (Succinea elegans, or Rusyka tenditna).
This species primarily inhabits leaf litter and deadwood. Therefore, to ensure its survival, it is crucial to:
- Restrict forest logging (felling).
- Avoid clearing fallen trees and branches from the forest floor.
