Two new Protection Zones (Okhoronni Zony) have been successfully established to safeguard plant species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (the national list of threatened species). This achievement relies on cooperation between conservation groups and local governmental bodies (rada).
Ivankiv Village Council, Cherkasy Region
A small steppe gully (balka – a ravine or dry valley, a characteristic steppe landform) covering 1.67 hectares has been preserved. Despite its size, this gully is rich in Red Data Book species, including:
- Reticulated Crocus (Crocus reticulatus): approximately 200 individuals.
- Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla pratensis, or Son luchnyy).
- Feather Grass species, specifically Hairy Feather Grass (Stipa capillata) and European Feather Grass (Stipa pennata, or Kovyla pirchasta), which cover more than half of the protection zone.
This vital piece of steppe habitat is now legally protected from plowing (rozoriuvannia).
Chervone Settlement Council, Zhytomyr Region
Here, a population of over 90 individuals of the endangered orchid species Early Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata, or Zozulka m’yaso-chervona) is protected.
From this moment, 4.3 hectares of floodplain meadows (zaplavni luky) in the area are safe from agricultural plowing (oranka).
These newly established territories will now serve as secure environments for the long-term conservation of these rare plant species.
