Yelanetsky steppe

Yelanetsky steppe

As the first and, so far, only steppe reserve in Right-Bank Ukraine, the Yelanetskiy Steppe Reserve is intended to preserve and restore natural steppe systems in this part of Ukraine. It is also meant to protect the largest virgin steppe in the Northwest Black Sea region. Efforts are being made to preserve and restore fescue-grass steppe, which is not available in other protected areas of Ukraine.

One important feature of the Yelanetsky steppeland is a small watershed area that was been cultivated in the early 20th century.

Despite its relatively small size, the Reserve’s landscape is quite diverse due to the richness of its flora and fauna.

The Reserve’s flora of the reserve includes 423 species of vascular plants, dominated by prairie and meadow-steppe species. Non-vascular plants include 5 species of moss, 29 of algae, 14 of lichen, and 17 species of fungi. Fauna

Some 1,500 species of invertebrates live within the reserve, 158 of them rare or rare to the region and in the need of protection. A total of 181 species of vertebrates species have been recorded in the Reserve, including 13 species of amphibians, 4 of reptiles, 142 of birds, and 22 of mammals. Of these, 20 species are now in red lists at various levels.

Small rodents dominate among mammals. Fox, weasel, steppe polecat and wolf dominate among carnivores. Among wild ungulates, the reserve is populated with deer and even the occasional wild boar.

Altogether, the Reserve is inhabited by 11 species listed in the European Red List and 71 species listed in Ukraine’s Red Book. The Reserve has a 1.2 km eco-trail that goes past the zoo enclosure.

Visitors can learn about the history of the Reserve, its flora and fauna, and to see firsthand how animals in its enclosure live. The eco-trail operates from early April to mid-October.