Drevliansky
The Drevliansky Nature Reserve is a land of crystal-clear rivers, emerald forests and green meadows. It is located within the Zhytomyr region, to the south and east of the village of Narodychi, along the Uzh River and its right tributaries -– Loznitsa, Oslov and Zvizdal.
The reserve’s landscape is shaped by flat, sandy and marshy terrain. The area’s rich soils support oak and pine forests, while the floodplain of the Uzh River is dotted with peaty and swampy wetlands and meadows.
The Drevliansky Nature Reserve is home to around 800 species of vascular plants, representing more than half of the total species of flora found in Ukrainian Polissia. Dominant plant families include daisies (Asteraceae), sedge, cabbage, rose, labiate, and cereal.
Rare and protected species found at the Drevliansky Reserve, for example those listed in the Bern Convention and the Red Data Book of Ukraine, include long-leaved helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia), floating water chestnut (Trapa natans), the bird’s nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis), clubmoss (Diphasiastrum tristachyum), Ruysch’s dragonhead (Dracocephalum ruyschiana), eastern pasque flower (Pulsatilla patens) and others.
One of Ukraine’s most eastern populations of yellow azalea (Rhododendron luteum) was recorded in the Klishchiv forestry.
Expansion and consolidation of nature conservation areas. In partnership with local conservation organisations, the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) has supported the expansion of the Drevlianskyi Landscape Reserve – adjacent to the above described Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve – by an additional 119 hectares. This expansion strengthens ecological connectivity between the Drevlianskyi and Chornobylskyi Biosphere Reserves, creating a continuous conservation zone. The work carried out here strengthens efforts to protect Polissia’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Biodiversity monitoring. To enhance the reserve’s biodiversity monitoring efforts, FZS supplies high-quality equipment, including binoculars, scopes, mobile phones, GPS devices, and more. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) monitoring system has also been introduced to further strengthen the reserve’s ability to track and protect its diverse wildlife.
To monitor the presence of large mammals, camera traps have been as part of a major study across all key protected areas in Polissia, including the Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve. This is providing valuable insights into species distribution and abundance. Furthermore, acoustic monitoring has been conducted across all Polissia protected areas, used to detect and study populations of birds, small mammals, and bush crickets.
Operating cost support. Since the onset of the war, funds have been raised to support protected areas in Polissia that have been directly impacted or are housing Internally Displaced People. The Drevlianskyi Strict Nature Reserve has received regular financial assistance to cover essential costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, building upkeep, services (such as rental costs and telecommunications), and office supplies.
To ensure the reserve operates smoothly, FZS provides ongoing financial support for essential operational costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and repair work – which is carried out using a mobile car workshop. FZS has also supplied the reserve with crucial emergency equipment, such as fire-fighting gear, to enable rapid response capabilities in times of crisis.