Poliskyi
Polissia Nature Reserve is a unique nature conservation area located in Olevsk and Ovruch districts of Zhytomyr region of Ukraine. The reserve covers an area of 20,104 hectares and aims to preserve natural complexes typical of Polissia, relict and endemic species of plants and animals.
Park area 201,04 Sq km.
The reserve is characterised by post-glacial landscapes with impenetrable forests, bogs and sand ridges rising above marshes and river floodplains. These areas are important for maintaining biodiversity and preserving unique natural complexes.
The Reserve’s flora includes more than 600 species of vascular plants. Among them, there are rare and endangered species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, such as the two-leaved lupine, true cuckoo’s slippers and prickly plum. The Reserve’s forests are represented by pine, oak and birch plantations, as well as marsh communities with characteristic vegetation.
The reserve’s fauna includes more than 300 species of vertebrates. Among them are elk, wild boar, wolf, lynx, badger and otter. The avifauna is represented by such species as the grey crane, black stork, white-tailed eagle, Great grey owl and grouse. The richness of insect species, in particular butterflies and beetles, is also an important component of the rReserve’s biodiversity.
The Poliskyi Strict Nature Reserve is an important centre for scientific research aimed at studying natural processes, monitoring the state of ecosystems and developing nature conservation measures. It also performs an educational function, promoting environmental education and upbringing of the younger generation.
Since the beginning of the russian invasion, the Frankfurt Zoological Society has been trying to help the reserve with partial coverage of operational costs. The FZS also systematically supports biomonitoring, in particular by providing equipment for photo traps and bird watching.