Region: Central/Europe
Igor Akimov(1), Ihor Kozak(2)
(1)Shmalhausen
Institute of Zoology
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Kyiv-30, Khmelnitskogo, 15
Tel (044)224 2365, Fax (044)224 1569
E-mail akimov@iz.freenet.kiev.ua
(2)Institue
of Ecology of the Carpathians
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
and Interantional Centre of Ecology
Polish Academy of Sciences
Dziekaow Lesny 15-092 Lomianki
Tel/Fax (4822)751 4116
E-mail: mce-pan@mail.unicom.pl
Ukraine has been invited to join ILTER in 1999 on the basis of decision of ILTER Chairperson and Vice –President of Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. The National Academy of Sciences has appointed Prof. Igor Akimov as National Representative to ILTER and Doc. Igor Kozak as co-chair.
In 1998 Prof. I. Akimov and Doc. I. Kozak presented perspective sites for ILTER in Ukraine at the first Regional ILTER Workshop for Central Europe (Madralin,Poland 16-18 September 1998).
Long term ecological research motivated either by environmental problems or by scientific purposes has a long tradition in Ukraine. The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine initiated the development of a national ecological research network to increase the effectiveness of the research work. At the beginning five Biosphere Reserves (Askania Nova, Chornomorskij, Dunajskij, Carpathians and Beskidy as Ukrainian Part of East Carpathians Biosphere Reserve) representing various ecosystems, and with a solid scientific background from earlier research activity, will serve as ILTER sites and take part in regional and global networking activities.
The main goals of the programme include studying the long term dynamics in space and time on vegetation and animal communities, the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functions, the change on structure of biomass and productivity of ecosystems and so on.
The sites are also the subjects of scientific investigations by a number of scientific institutions of National Academy of Sciences and universities. For example, there are many data on monitoring of plants and animals in Chornomorskij, Dunajskij and Askania Nova sites stored at the Institute of Botany, Institute of Hydrobiology and the Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, or in Carpathian and Beskidy sites at the Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Partnerships include Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and Institutions of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and Universities.
“Askania-Nova” site is the oldest one in Ukraine, situated in Chaplinsky district of Kherson region. The reserve is recognized as a pioneer in nature conservation in Ukraine. The history of the creation of the reserve dates back to the late 19th century when F.E.Falz-Fein declared the protection of certain pasture areas of his economy.
The reserve covers an area of 33 397 ha and consists of the following sections: the virgin steppe and fallow land, the arboretum and the zoo. The Institute of Animal Husbandry, farms and settlements occupy the rest of the area. The area of reserve is flat (elevations in between 19 and 34 m above sea level). The climate here is temperate-continental, summer hot and dry, winter mild and unstable. The average annual air temperature consists 9.5 °C (absolute temperatures fluctuate from 320 below to 40.30 above zero). Average precipitation reaches almost 400 mm (minimum 164 mm in 1943 and maximum 703 mm in 1997). Short-lived streams appear only in early spring during the melting of the snow cover as well as during heavy rains. The groundwater table lays deep (the first hori-zon is at 18-30 m). Harsh climatic conditions, seasonal development of vegetation on loess, peculiar impact of the steppe fauna have all together brought into being the southern chernozems and dark chesnut soils.
The most significant part of the reserve is, of course, the plot of virgin steppe. This is the sole in Europe intact piece of a fescue-feathergrass steppe ecosystem. Here are preserved and studied the whole complex of living and non-living nature. Four types present the vegetation cover: genuine, meadow and bushy steppe vegetation, and marsh vegetation (in selected places of the Velyki Chapelski Pod).
Florists have recorded here 478 flowering plant species, many of them being of fodder, medicinal, meliferous, decorative importance. A fairly large portion is consisted of rare, endemic and declining species - 85, out of which 33 are listed in the Ukrainian Red Data Book, 12 - in similar international records. The native fauna numbers 28 mammal species, a third of them are rodents. Common species are the fox, brown hare, red deer, and marmot.
Grasslands are inhabited by a great number of invertebrates (above 2000 species), snakes (grass snake, viper etc.) Up to 20 bird species nest in the open steppe, together with those nesting in the park area and visiting the place during migrations the bird fauna totals 272 species. 19 species of insects, birds and mammals of the native fauna are listed in the national Red Data Book. From the surroundings birds come to the reserve and concentrate here during migrations in big numbers: cranes (9-15 thousand), grey lag (5-10 thousand) and white-fronted geese (20-500 thousand). Mallard is met in numbers reaching tens of thousands, other species are abundant as well.
The arboretum consists of two parts: the older one and the new one where trees have been planted 20-30 years ago. The collection embraces 984 species and varieties of trees and bushes from various continents. About 90 rare, relic and/or declining species are cultivated here. 68 of them are listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, 3 are under international protection. It is impossible for trees and bushes to grow here without irrigating the place as far as naturally only two species (Amygdalus nana and Caragana scythia), now rare and protected, can survive in the steppe.
The zoo is one of the biggest in the former Soviet Union and one of the leading zoos in the World. It has specialized in breeding and studying the biology of hoofed animals of the steppe, savannas, deserts and mountainous regions, waterfowl and rare bird species of the Steppe Zone. The zoo maintains 72 both exotic and native bird species. 15 of them listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine breed in the zoo (tawny eagle, crane, demoiselle crane, ruddy shelduck etc.) 36 mammal species have been introduced, totalling together 900 heads. Rare species are: Przewalski’s wild horse, onager, Grevy’s zebra, makhor, barbary sheep, saiga, Siberian ibex (together they number 370 heads).
Since 1985 “Askania-Nova” has been included to the UNESCO world network of Biosphere Reserves. Today this is a scientific institution of national and international importance. The Biosphere Reserve “Askania-Nova” is a recognized centre for ecological education in the south of Ukraine. The scientific work in the “Askania-Nova” is directed to the development of protection conditions for the natural steppe complex, study of patterns of the evolution of the stipa steppe, the dynamics of the change of ecosystems affected by the anthropogenic factor and problems of introduction of the plant life and acclimatization of animals.
Dry land is only 14 148 hectares. It is the biggest reserve of Ukraine and includes some parts which represent diversity of seaside south-Ukrainian landscapes: azonal forest-steppe, azonal sand-steppe, zonal desert-steppe and seaside saline lands.
Relief of the reserve is mainly plain with numerous depressions along sea. The elevations resemble small hills. The littoral bank formed by sand and shells is typical for the seaside. Sand lands are duty hollows and hills 3-5 meters height. Sands are spread beneath limestone. Land’s and coastal sands are relatively young and very dynamic structure.
Climate of the reserve is temperate continental. The summer is hot and dry but winter is mild with thaws and unstable snow covering. Strong winds blow in winter and especially in early spring. Average temperature is -2 oC for January and +24 °C for July, precipitation - about 320 mm for year.
The reserve is a inseparable system which combine not seen elsewhere different (marine, river, land and others) nature associations of forest, meadow, marsh, wetland, steppe and halophyte vegetation, diversity of animal associations in accordance with plant complexes. It seems a real paradise for wildlife in the South.
The main objective of the reserve is protecting birds which nest, hibernate or situated here while in flight and also protecting unique complexes of sand lands and desert-steppes of Nyzhniodniprovya.
The rare nature associations of Nyzhniodniprovs’ky sands are protected on the partially-wooden steppe. They are represented by mosaic of sand steppes, meadows, and little groves consist of oak, endemic species - Betula borysthenica, pear-tree, steppe shrubs and also marsh and salt-marsh plant around lakes and bays.
Relic groves is remains of the legendary Gileya - forest country in the lower reaches of the Dnipro River - glorified by Herodotus in V century Before Christ.
Tendrivs’ka Spit is a real pearl of the reserve. It is a narrow sand zone extending for 80 kilometres. Ancient Greeks called it Achilles’s Way. The temple was dedicated to Achilles tower above the Spit in ancient times. There are many endemic species with narrow range on the Spit. All of them are absolutely unique therefore they include into the Red Date Book of Ukraine and to the European Red List of species are disappearing in whole world. It is Medicago tendrivska, Medicago marina, Melica chrysolepis, etc.
Bays of the reserve with their islands are a real kingdom of birds. They are included into the list of wetlands of international importance.
The store of algae, for example Phyllophora, and water-plants like eel-grass Zostera in the marine ecosystems and bays is relatively big. It is main source of oxygen, substance cycle in water here, in one of the most important region of spawning 49% species of fishes. Unfortunately this reservate of genetic and coenotic diversity of coastal water associations is going to poor in connection with worsening ecological situation. The main cause of it is pollution by raw sewage and irrigation water.
Territory of reserve presents whole diversity of living organisms of steppe south of Ukraine. The number of plants included into the European Red List gets fourth place in Ukraine. Black Sea Biosphere Reserve now is practically main centre with the richest nature associations of southern flora which before human beings were reaching from eastern to western border of Ukraine.
There are more then 700 species of vascular plants, 90 - lichens, 61 - mosses, 87 - fungi and 84 - fungi-parasitic. It is only beginning, because algae and myxomycetes take not into account. In all approximately 20 Red Book plant species are found in this territory, from them - 17 species include in European Red List that underlines its world importance.
The geographical position, high diversity of landscapes caused the formation rich animal world of reserve. It has connections with nature associations of sand-forest-steppe, marine, desert-steppe and coastal-island. There are more than 4000 species of insects, more 250 species macro-zoobenthos, 10 - sponges, 64 - crustacean in the reserve now. Fauna is presented: 452 - animals from them 68% - birds.
Reptiles have 9 species. The fauna is one of the most rich in the Ukrainian reserves. The 74 species of fishes are found in the sea water during time existents the reserve. It is 49% of all species of Black Sea.
Mammal fauna has 48 land’s and 3 marine species.
The reserve is real bird kingdom. There are 305 species. Among them, 110 species nesting, others are wintering or situated here while the flight.
All number of birds which hibernate on the bays is 120 000. The coastal-island complex is the most important for birds where registered 125 wetland species. Islands ornithocomplex is the most valuable. It is 60-70% of whole number sea birds of the south of Ukraine.
The reserve is base place nesting of black-headed gull in Europe. Ornithocomplex of steppe-forest areas has 100-120 species. Among them, 40 species are nesting, for 60 species these areas are fodder and resting places. The species of Caprimulgus europaeus, Strix strix, Streptopelia tur-tur live in pine forests. In seaside steppes 180 species are found. Among them Melanocoripha calandra, Galerida cristata, Alauda arvensis, on the lakes - Cygnus olor, Podiceps cristatus numerous duck’s and heron’s flocks, in summer season flocks of Calidris, Passeriformes and birds of prey fly in here.
The reserve plays special role in protection of rare bird species, forming about 18,7% of its species. It is centre of nesting such rare species us Haematopus ostralegus, Charadrius alexandrinus, Somateria mollissima, Himantopus himantopus, Mergus serratur, Larus ichthyaetus. Otis tarda, Haliaeetus albicilla, Pelecanus onocrotalus are few numerous. Phalacrocorax carbo, White little heron (Egretta garzetta), have began to nesting.
This very short number illustrate that territory of Black Sea Biosphere Reserve is unique nature complex of pan-European standards. And the main objective for people working in the reserve is saving this pearl of Black Sea for future generations.
Dunajskij site is situated in Kiliv district of Odessa region. Its location is in the low districts of the Kiliy river-bed of the Danube, including some islands and waters of the black sea. The natural complexes of the reserve are typical of the Danube delta and represent different in sizes alveolar islands separated with deep river-beds and shallow channels, flowing into the black sea or the shoal-water gulfs.
According to the Ramsar Convention all the area of the reserve is considered to be a wetland of international importance, particularly as a habitat for waterfowl and waterbirds, numerous fish species. Here in the reserve we find the youngest in continental Europe created by natural forces mainland. The delta, especially in its maritime portion, is a highly dynamic system and, particularly of importance to wildlife, highly mozaic in its spacial stucture. This is the reason why the reserve harbours tremendous biodiversity, greater than elsewhere in the surroundings. The landscape presents a diverse pattern of lakes, channels, backwaters, marshes, islands and is a paradise for birdlife, a unique natural formation located in the middle of Europe.
The Dunaiski Biosphere Reserve was declared by Presidential Decree in 1998 and was built upon the former nature reserve “Dunaiski Plavni”. Far before that the area was a branch of the Chornomorski (Black Sea) Reserve, occupying an area of 7 758 ha. Nowadays the reserve covers an area of 46 403 ha, 6 890 of which are open water.
The protected delta is a flat area, the sole elevated areas being coastal sand ridges, river levees and the nowadays inland sandy ridge Zhebrianske Pasmo. The area of the delta is considerably partitioned by river arms, channels, canals, numerous big and small lakes. The reserve includes as well a number of islands, the largest ones being Ermakiv, Kubanu, Kubanski, Ankudyniv, Poludenni, Stambulski. Much of the delta consists of alluvial deposits of sand alternated by layers of silt. Most of the area is inundated at least by 30-50 cm of water.
Habitat diversity is most significant in the Zhebrianske Pasmo, littoral portions of reedbeds (locally “plavni”) and reservoirs. Soils in the plavnis are of boggy type, less common are meadow boggy soils or saline soils. Coastal ridges are characterised by sandy soils with poorly developed turf. The climate is temperate continental, winters mild and summer hot. Average temperature of January consists - 1 °C and of July + 24 °C. Thaws in the winter are common and the snow cover is unstable, staying for about 30 days. Annual precipitation averages 370 mm.
Widlife in the area is extremely rich and impressive, so is the peculiar nature, local culture and traditional landuse.
The flora of the reserve totals 950 vascular plant species, many of which are sand-loving are met only in few places, certain species are met only in the surroundings of the Black Sea. A larger group consists rare and rare in the region species. Together they total 66 species, 14 of them are in the Ukrainian Red Data Book, 3 in the European Red List. Most of them are psammophilous, aquatic or marsh plants.
Animal wildlife in the reserve is presented by above 5 thousand species. Most numerous are insects, about 4.5 thousand species, of which 36 are in the Ukrainian Red Data Book and European Red List. These are Osmoderma eritima, Proserpinus proserpina, Liomepotum microcephalum, Satanas gigas, Catocala fraxin etc. Specific insect compostions feature communities of reed, halophyte, scrub, forest and other types of vegetation. Studies of these communities have helped to elaborate measures aimed to protect the insect fauna. In total studies have recently revealed within the reserve 7 new to science species and 19 have been recorded in Ukraine for the first time.
One of the most important constituents of the biota in the delta is bird. Here are found above 250 species, more than a half of the Ukrainian ornithological fauna. Impressive is the diversity of species and numbers of birds. Most of the diversity is found in the coastal area. Here it is possible to see flocks of white pelican numbering up to 1 000 individuals, while in total in the summertime the area is populated by 5 000 of these birds. In the wintertime concentrations of white-fronted geese reach the number of 115 000, or 10% of the number of the population in the Black Sea-Mediterranean area. In certain years here may winter up to 7 000 red-breasted geese (7% of the World population). This is a real paradise for birdlife.
Significant as well is the role of the delta in preserving rare species. Ukrainian Red Data Book and European Red List species alone number here 43. For many of them the Danube Delta is the sole refuge. Such are the ferriginous duck, pygmy cormorant, Dalmatian pelican, spoonbill etc. The white-tailed eagle is one of the largest raptors in the area. Seven pairs of this species nest in the reserve. Such a concentration of wildlife in the delta requires its strict protection.
10 amphibian species have been recorded in the Danube Delta. Of high abundance are frogs (Rana), reaching in certain places up to 10 - 20 thousand individuals per hectare. Less abundant are the fire-bellied toad, common spadefoot, common newt etc. Only 5 reptile species have been found in the reserve: the grass snake, European pond turtle, the lizard species.
The waters of the reserve are of special importance to fish which total here 91 species. All fishes listed in the European Red List are met here. Among them; Acipenser nudiventris, A.sturio, Saimo trutta labrax, Hucho hucho, Umbra krameri. Out of 32 species listed in the national Red Data Book 15 are met in the reserve: Gymnocephalus schraetser, Zinger streber streber, Saimo trutta labrax etc.
Mammals are presented by 40 species. Offshore are permanently visited by the 3 species of Black Sea dolphins. Of special interest is the monk seal, listed in the European Red List. Records have been made recently of the species within the reserve. Among other rare mammal species the reserve gives shelter to the otter, ermine, European mink. Fairly rare is the wild cat.
This, of course, is only a short account of the value and beauty of the Danube Delta. One should see it in reality and get the unforgettable impression of the largest reedbed area in Europe, its wildlife and originality of cultural life in the delta.
Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (Prof. Hamor F. D. )
Carpathian site is situated in Tyachiv, Rakhiv and Khust districts of the Transcarpathian region. Protection in the area started in the early XXth century. More vigorously protection activities developed after World War II which resulted in creating the basis for establishing a representative biosphere reserve in the Ukrainian Carpathians.
The Government of Ukraine in 1968, occupying at that time declared such a reserve (the Carpathian Reserve) an area of 12.6 thousand ha. Since then the area of the reserve has been extended and almost 2.5% of the region is by the reserve. In 1992 it was included to the UNESCO world network of biosphere reserves.
The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve now occupies an area of 57 880 ha and consists of 6 separate massifs, including as well botanical sanctuaries (zakaznyks) “Chorna Hora” and “Yulivska Hora”. The protected massifs are located at 180 to 2061 m above sea level in the western, central and eastern sectors of the Ukrainian Carpathians. Such territorial structure of the reserve provides the presentation of most of the landscape and biological diversity of the region. Well presented are mostly intact oak forests at the foothills of the mountains, mountain beech forest, mixed and coniferous forests, subalpine meadows with elfin woodland, rocky landscape and lichen cover of the mountain tops.
Within the reserve are protected more than a thousand plant species, 65 mammal species, 179 bird species, 9 reptile species, 13 amphibian species, 23 fish species, more than 15 000 invertebrate species. The flora houses 40 endemic and 74 rare species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. The fauna numbers above 100 endemic species, 2 of which are found solely in the reserve. In general 73 animal species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine are protected here.
The status of a biosphere reserve has set new objectives, such as sustainable development of the region and preservation of its cultural and historical heritage. Of special interest is the preservation of the natural environment of Ukrainian highlanders - hutsuls, boikya, and lemky. Landuse practices, for instance, sheep-breeding, handicrafts and traditions are of unique character in present-day Europe.
The Ukrainian Carpathians are mountains of moderate hight and do not reach the snow line. The most elevated parts are Chornohora (2061 m), Marmaroshski Massif (1946 m), Svydovets (1883 m), Horhan (1836 m).
The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve occupies the southern macroslope of the Ukrainian segment of the Eastern Carpathians. Only the massif “Dolyna Nartsysiv” (or, otherwise, “Daffodil Valley”) and the two botanical sanctuaries are located in the lowlands.
The climate varies from temperate warm in the “Daffodil Valley” (January - 1,7 °C,June + 19 “C, precipitation totalling 650 mm annually) to cold on mountain tops (January -7-8,5 °C, June + 11-15 °C, precipitation totalling 980-1500 mm annually).
The area of the reserve is covered mainly (up to 90%) by forest vegetation. Meadow habitats occupy only about 5% of the area and are located down in “Daffodil Valley”, on the mountain tops and in forest clearings.
The virgin forest consisting of 25 tree species of which 8 form forests composes an important portion of forest vegetation. Mostly developed in the lowlands are oak, hornbeam-oak, oak-beech, beech-oak forests. They are well presented in the botanical sanctuaries “Chorna Hora” and “Yulivska Hora”. Besides these sites, they occupy sporadically the warmest places in the massifs located in the mountains.
Moving uphill numbers of beech increase. Under optimal conditions these species forms monodominant communities. Pure beech stands are presented in all of the protected massifs. Only in the coldest and most elevated massif “Chornohirski” they are found in selected places.
In the reserve these are presented by spruce-fir-beech, fir-spruce-beech, beech-fir-spruce forests. Natural spruce forests occupy the highest elevations. Climax forests of such kind are met in Chornohora, Svydovets and Marmarosh range.
Above the treeline are located subalpine and alpine meadows with fragments of elfin woodland. Chornohora and Marmaroshy harbour climax communities of pine (Pinus mugo), alder, juniper. Rare plant communities are met here such as ones formed by rosebay (Rhododendron kotschyi), willow (Salix herbacea and S. retusa) and tall grasses (Adenostyles alliari-ae, Cirsium waldsteinii). Grass communities consisting of tussock-grass (Deschampia caespitosa), wood-reed (Calamagrostis villosa), less by wire-bent (Nardus stricta) occupy large spaces. Most abundant are sweet vernal-grass (Anthoxathum odoratum), bent-grass (Agrostis tenuis), fescue (Festuca rubra), and species of meadow-grass, in particular, Poa alpina and P.pratensis. In the Svydovets above the treeline is developed elfin woodland consisting of Duschekia viridis and juniper.
Amongst habitats noteworthy is to mention caves (both natural and man-made). There are about 50 of them in the reserve. They house a unique cave community and as well accommodate bats in the wintertime.
The flora of vascular plant totals 1962 species (50% of the flora of the Ukrainian Carpathians) 64 of which are listed in the national Red Data Book.
Within the massif “Daffodil Valley” 400 vascular plant species have been recorded, among them such rare ones as orchids (Dactylorhiza fuch-sii and D.majalis, Orchis coriophora), adder’s tongue (Erythronium dens-canis), Gentiana pneumonanthe, sword-flag (Iris sibirica), cinquefoil (Potentilla alba) etc. The uniqueness of this site is explained by the presence of one of the biggest lowland populations of the highland daffodil species, Narcissus angustifolius.
The core of the flora of the forest belt is composed of nemoral, boreal and montane species, such as scopolia, snowdrops, hellebore, turk’s-cap lily, stonecrop (Sedum hispanicum), helleborine (Cephalantera rubra), twayblade (Listera cordata) etc. Richest flora is found in calcareous habitats, particularly in the Uholsko-Shyrokoluzhanski Massif are found Cotoneaster integerrimus, Juniperus sabina, purging buckthorn, linden (Tilia platyphyllos), yew (about 1.5 thousand trees), petrophilous and alpine herb species of notice are the helleborine (Cephalanthera longifo-lia), crown vetch (Coronilla elegans), bear’s-ear sanicle (Cortus matthi-oli), sword-flag (Iris pseudocyperus), Jovibarba preissiana, Saxifraga pan-iculata. Nemoral and arid species are presneted by arum, Corallorhiza trifi-da, Epigonium aphyllum, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Viola dacica etc.
The alpine and subalpine belts house such rare species as Anemone nar-cissiflora, Aconitum firmum, Anthemis carpatica, Chrysosplenium alpinum, Gentiana acualis, G.lutea, G.punctata, G.verna, Melampyrum saxosum, Narcissus angustifolius, Pedicularis verticillata, Pulsatilla alba, Rhodiola rosea.
Of special interest is the area of the summits of Mala Biyznytsia (1778 m) and Velyka Biyznytsia (1883 m) which have been added to the reserve in 1997. Here are found such rare plants as Aster alpinus, Bartsia alpina, Dryas octopetala, Lloydia serotina, Salix hastata. Only in the Ukrainian Carpathians are found Draba aizoides, Euphrasia salisburgensis, Saxifraga androsacea, etc. Extremely rare are the edelweiss, Aquilegia nigricans, Swertia alpestris.
The number of animal species recorded in the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve totals 2423. Of this number 2135 are invertebrates. The number of endemic Carpathian species protected in the reserve reaches 100.
The core of the highland fauna is composed of alpine and northern coniferous forest (taiga) elements. In the highest places (above 1700 m above sea level) are found the snow vole and alpine accentor, both listed in the Ukrainian Red Data Book. The elf woodland is populated by a particular race of blackcock which has become rare. Common reptiles are the viper and viviparous lizard. Small stagnant waterbodies are used by newts (Triturus montandoni and T.alpestris) for spawning. Fairly common as well are Bombina variegata and the toad (Bufo bufo).
Highlands of Marmaroshski and Chornohirski massifs have preserved the conditions for the dwelling here of the alpine marmot and chamois which disappeared from the place in the early XXth century. The reintroduction of these species should stabilize the fragile highland ecosystems.
Usual inhabitants of the coniferous and mixed forests are the three-toed woodpecker, Regulus regulus, Turdus torquatus, Loxia curvirostra, the Carpathian subspecies of the capercally, lynx, brown bear etc. The Tatra pine vole has been found here as well. It is natural to meet here the red-deer, wild boar, roe-deer, the wolf, Cinclus cinclus etc.
The rocky landscape of Marmaroshski Massif house the peregine falcon. More numerous are smaller falcons (Hypotriorchis subbuteo and Cerchneis tinnunculus).
The fauna of virgin forests has its peculiarities. Here are met species common to the taiga - lynx, black woodpecker, bullfinch, and species met usually in broad-leaved forests - blackbird, several woodpecker species, flycatcher, the hazel dormouse, wild cat, wild boar, salamander. Common inhabitants here are red-deer, common marten, bank vole, buzzard, tree creeper, the brown frog (Rana terrestris). Rare species are the lesser water shrew, ermine, otter, eagle owl, black stork etc. Rare insect species are presented by Lucanus cervus, Osmoderma eritima, Rosalia alpina, Parnassius mnemosyne etc. Very diverse is the fauna of bats which numbers 21 species.
Cold waters of the mountain streams are inhabited by a variety of fish species, Hucho hucho and Thymallus thymallus migrate to area coming upstream from the Tisza River.
The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve is one of the biggest scientific and educational centres in the region. The reserve has become a laboratory for scientists in Ukraine and from abroad. The reserve staff has established several nature trails for visitors, built a visitors centre with a museum devoted to the ecology of mountains and landuse. The reserve issues a scientific and popular magazine “Zeleni Karpaty” (i.e. “The Green Carpathians”).
Recently the reserve has been awarded the European Diploma of the CoE, recognizing in this way the achievements of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve and its staff.
Beskidy (Doc. Kozak I., Kopach V.)
The history of nature protection in Uzhanski region began since 1908 year when was created the Stuzica Reserve (331 ha) to protect virgin beech and fir forests. The area of Reserve increased to 560 ha in 1932 year, 2542 ha in 1974, 14665n ha in 1995 and to 39159 ha as a total area of the Uzhanski National Park in 1997 year. Nadsanski Regional Landscape Park was created in 1998 on the area 19428 ha. His organization has ecological and socio-economic motives.
The geological base was formed by flysch deposits. The highest mountains in Uzhanski National Park are Stinka (1066 m), Kremenets (1221 m), Kinczyk Dukovski (1251m), Rozsypanets (1273 m) and in the Nadsanski Regional Landscape Park are Kicherka (769 m), Sankovska Kichera (870 m), Vershok (815 m), Sanski (884 m) and Buchok (950 m). According to the data from Stavne Meterological Station (379 m a.s.l.) the average temperature in the Uzhanski National Park was –5.20C in the January and 17.40C in the July. The average temperature for the year was 8.60C and the yearly precipitation was 770 mm. Within Nadsanski Regional Landscape Park at the meteorological station in Turka (594 m) the average January temperature was –6.1 0 C, July 16 0C, average annual temperature was 5.6 0C. The average sum of precipitation was 841 mm. The brown soils dominated on those two areas. The flora of Uzhanski National Park includes about 900 vascular plants. More than 30 of them was included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. Within Nadsanski Regional Landscape Park the flora numbers around 700 vascular plant species. There are 119 vertebrate species, 7 reptilian, 8 amphibian, 82 of bird and 22 of mammal.
Within the vertical profile of the National Park was possible to define four vegetation belts: the beech forest belt (Fagetum sylvaticae), fir-beech forest (Abieto-Fagetum), dwarf forest of green alder (Alnetum viridis) and the subalpine meadow belt (Prata subalpina). On the territory of Nadsanski Regional Landscape Park two vegetation belts occur: beech forest and beech-fir forest belts. Natural spruce forests have had limited distribution and grew only in cold glens and on stony northern slopes. Man-made spruce tree stands now dominate in the Nadsanski Regional Landscape Park. They have turned out to be biologically unstable and require reconstruction. As a results of the agricultural impact, a significant forest area has been transformed into post-forest meadows and pastures. The density of local human population ranges between 40-50 people res km2. The changes in the natural landscape caused that the faunal species composition is poor.
The main goals of the programme include studying the long term dynamics in space and time on vegetation and animal communities, the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functions, the change on structure of biomass and productivity of ecosystems. The comparative studies in Nadsanski Regional Landscape Park and in the Polish part of Eastern Carpathians Trilateral Biosphere Reserve are perspective.