Biosphere Reserve "Askania Nova" Reports

MATERIALS FOR THE STUDY OF HETERONEURAN MOTHS (LEPIDOPTERA: HETERONEURA) OF THE FAMILIES COSSIDAE, LIMACODIDAE, DREPANIDAE, LASIOCAMPIDAE, ENDROMIDAE, AND SATURNIIDAE IN THE DESNIANSKO-STAROHUTSKYI NATIONAL NATURE PARK AND ITS SURROUNDINGS (SUMY REGION, UKRAINE)

V.V. Parkhomenko — 2025-11-13

This article presents the results of research on heteroneuran moths (Lepidoptera: Heteroneura) of six families – Cossidae, Limacodidae, Drepanidae, Lasiocampidae, Endromidae, and Saturniidae – conducted within and around the Desniansko-Starohutskyi National Nature Park (NNPDS). The study was carried out by the author over 87 field days during 2004–2009. The following methods were employed: night attraction of moths to artificial light sources, route transect surveys (totaling 1,410 km), and material collection in sample plots. A total of 29 species from these families were identified. Among them, 62.1% are common in Sumy Region, 24.1% are locally distributed, and 13.8% occur only in the Polissia zone or exclusively within NNPDS. Notable discoveries include Acossus terebra and Gastropacha populifolia, which have been recorded in Sumy Region only within the park. Additionally, the article provides data on other species that may potentially be found in the area, as they are known from adjacent regions or are widely distributed in the broader landscape. The article also reviews early research conducted in NNPDS, particularly a mid-20th-century study by S.I. Medvedev, who recorded three species from the studied families. However, one of these species, Phyllodesma tremulifolia, has not been confirmed in modern surveys. The obtained results are analyzed in the context of habitat changes due to anthropogenic impacts and climate change. The study highlights the negative effects of recent large-scale land plowing, illegal logging, and wetland drainage. Additionally, it briefly examines the consequences of the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022, which has significantly degraded the ecological state of NNPDS due to fires, shelling, and landmines, making future research in the area impossible for decades. The collected data are crucial for future conservation efforts and for monitoring changes in moth fauna under the influence of global and local environmental factors.

MONITORING OF DIVERSITY OF SAPROXYLIC COLEOPTERA IN CONIFEROUS FORESTS OF THE CARPATHIAN NATIONAL NATURE PARK IN 2023

Yu.B. Motruk — 2025-11-13

Coleoptera is one of the largest groups not only among insects, but also among animals in general. Today, the world fauna of beetles includes about 300,000 species. At least 5,000 species of the order live in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Many of them are known only from a few historical records. Coleoptera are widespread in all natural zones of the planet, inhabit virtually all terrestrial natural and anthropogenic habitat types, and actively participate in the activities of natural and artificial ecosystems. Larvae and adults actively inhabit litter, plant and animal remnants, excrements, fungal fruit bodies. The history of studying Coleoptera in the Ukrainian Carpathians goes back for almost 200 years. Comprehensive and stationary ecological and faunistic studies of Coleoptera in the coniferous forests of the Carpathian National Nature Park had not been conducted at all before the start of our research, and the study of the coleopterofauna in this region was mostly sporadic and fragmentary. We began comprehensive studies of the coleopterofauna of the coniferous forests of the Carpathian in 2023. The highest species diversity of Coleoptera during the study period was found in the area of old-growth spruce forest (202 species). Significantly fewer species were found in old-growth fir forest (193 species) as well as in the dieback old-growth spruce forest, where 185 species were recorded. The lowest richness, 141 species, was recorded in the middle-aged spruce forest. As a result of the research, an attempt was made for the first time to inventory the taxonomic composition of beetles in the coniferous forests of the Carpathian National Nature Park. Obtained results can be used in compiling a cadastre of the animal world of Ukraine, for analyzing species distribution, in biogeographical modeling, ecological monitoring, and predicting the impact of anthropogenic factors on natural ecosystems.

THE LOCUST OUTBREAK IN THE REGION OF THE "ASKANIA NOVA" BIOSPHERE RESERVE AND FACTORS OF ITS STRENGTHENING

V.S. Havrylenko — 2025-11-13

An analysis for the area of the Biosphere Reserve "Askania Nova" and its surrounding region of the locust outbreaks, capable of mass reproduction and the formation of a migratory form, are carried out. The most common species in the territory of the reserve is the Italian locust (Calliptamus italicus L.,1758), and in the region closer to the Dnieper River, the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria L.,1758). On the background of climatic conditions, favorable for the survival of eggs, the development of nymphs and adults of locusts during 2023–2025, the current outbreak of the Italian locust and other species of locusts differs from previous ones by the complicated situation arose as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war: the drainage of the region due to the destruction of the Kakhovka reservoir dam by Russian troops, the disappearance of bird colonies, steppe fires affected the soil-litter zoophagous complex, as well as the violation of the established system of soil cultivation in the buffer and anthropogenic landscape zones, contributed to the locust population getting out of the control by natural factors. In the protected steppe zone, the main regulators of the locusts number are parasitic Hymenoptera – Sphex sp., predatory beetles (Carabus sp.), Staphylinidae (Staphylinidae), beetles of the genus Mylabris sp. (family Meloidae), as well as large orb-weaver spiders (Argiope sp.), ants Lasius sp., amphibians Bufo sp., reptiles Vipera sp., Lacerta sp., and a complex of insectivorous birds. In the pasture variant, the main factor was huge flocks of the common crane (Grus grus L., 1758), the Mediterranean gull (Larus melanocephalus Temminck, 1820), the slender-billed gull (L. genei Breme, 1840), and the ruff (Philomachus pugnax L., 1758). Within the Biosphere Reserve and its surrounding region, in the coming years, outbreaks of Italian and migratory locusts are possible due to the presence of natural and anthropogenic factors, which have the inertia of the succession process and could not disappear within one or two seasons.

PROSPECTS FOR EXPANDING THE PROTECTED AREA NETWORK OF UKRAINE IN THE STEPPE REGION OF KHARKIV OBLAST: LOCAL LANDSCAPE RESERVE "HAVRYLIVSʹKI STEPY"

S.H. Viter — 2025-11-13

In 2019 and 2025 we explored a territory in Barvinkove community near Havrylivka, Bohdanove and Novobohdanove villages. Rare species, included to the National Red List, were found, among them 6 plant species and 16 animal species. Three species have a high international protected status (IUCN Red List): eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), category "vulnerable" (3 pairs registered), steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis), category "endangered" (1 bird registered), pallid harrier (Circus macrourus) category "near threatened" (1 bird registered). We found 5 types of habitats under the Resolution No. 4 of the Berne Convention. It is proposed to establish a local landscape reserve "Havrylivsʹki Stepy" covering an area of 1,619.8847 hectares, which will help address the issues of loss of valuable natural areas and its biodiversity.

ZOOCULTURE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ZOO OF THE BIOSPHERE RESERVE "ASKANIA NOVA" AND ITS IMPACT ON THE INSTITUTIONʹS FUNCTIONING

V.S. Havrylenko — 2025-11-13

Founded in the second half of the 19th century by Fridrich Falz-Fein, the zoo was the first center of zooculture in the Northern Black Sea region. Between 1918 and 2022, 5339 individuals of ungulates from Askania Nova have been introduced into zoos, zoocenters, hunting farms, and private collections across Eurasia, of which 2533 were introduced since Ukraine gains independence. On his basis, the collection of wild animals and their wild forms was developed, long-term experiments on domestication, acclimatization, and hybridization were conducted, as well as the breeding of rare and endangered mammal and bird species of national and World fauna. The zoo played an important role in establishment of the first industrial breeding farms for ratites birds (Paleognathae) in Ukraine. For a long time in Askania Nova, work was carried out on milking the common eland Taurotragus orix (Pallas, 1766), the milk of which was used in the local hospital for the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Long-term experiments with hybrid animals of various ages and combinations of crosses revealed physiological and anatomical features of their development, reproductive capacity and patterns of gametogenesis among the Cervidae, Caprinae, and Bovidae families. Several projects have been implemented to preserve rare species, in particular, the return of Przhevalskyʹs horse to the wild in Mongolia (1992, 1993), the creation of semi-wild habitats for the saiga Saiga tatarica (Linnaeus 1766) and the Turkmenian kulan Equus hemionus kulan (Groves & Mazák, 1967) in the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Odesa regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea; the breeding and expansion of the ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas, 1764) in Ukraine, the autumn-winter population of which in Askania Nova reached 10.9 thousand individuals. The sale of zoo animals and their derivatives, along with environmental educational activities, became a significant addition (12 million hryvnias in 2021) to the institutionʹs budget. Military operations launched by the Russian Federation in 2014 prevented the implementation of the zooʹs project on the expansion, study and preservation of ungulate mammals and birds, as well as undermined international cooperation.

SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF GULLS AGGREGATIONS NEAR KHARKIV, UKRAINE

S.H. Viter — 2025-11-13

In 2020–2025, we took some information about the seasonal dynamics of gull aggregation in the city of Kharkiv (Ukraine). There were totally 15,085 individuals observed, including 10,470 Caspian Gulls (Larus cachinnans), or 69.4% from all observations in 2020–2025, breeding from 2015 in the number of 50 pairs (2015) to 385 pairs (2025); 2,687 Black-headed Gulls (L. ridibundus), or 17.8%, it is a common breeding species in numbers of 100–110 pairs; 288 Common Gulls (L. canus), 10.74%, mainly in the spring season, migrants; Little Gulls (L. minutus) – one aggregation of 1,620 birds in March 2025; Herring Gulls (L. argentatus), 20 birds, wintering, January 2023 and December 2024. The largest aggregation was formed by Caspian Gulls, with a maximum observed count of 2,485 birds in mid-January to February 2025. The largest group of Little Gulls contained 1,620 birds, and Black-headed Gulls – 1,000 individuals (both in March 2025). In general, positive population trends occur in both nesting and migrant/wintering populations of gulls. Such trends are relevant for all main species in gullsʹ aggregations: Caspian Gull, Black-headed Gull and Little Gull. Two others (Herring Gull and Common Gull) are rare wintering species, and the Common Gull was relatively numerous during the spring migration of 2025 (200 birds in one flock).

A NEW RECORD OF UROCYSTIS LEUCOJI BUBÁK (UROCYSTIDALES) ON GALANTHUS IKARIAE SUBSP. SNOGERUPII KAMARI (AMARYLLIDACEAE) IN GREECE

R.І. Mishustin — 2025-11-13

A finding of the smut fungus Urocystis leucoji Bubák (Urocystidales, Ustilaginomycotina) in Greece is reported. The fungus was discovered on Skyros Island, on the leaves of Galanthus ikariae subsp. snogerupii Kamari. This represents the first documentation of the association between this host plant and the pathogen, and the first confirmed record of U. leucoji in Greece. The preliminary diagnosis was confirmed by morphological analysis of the teliospores. This finding substantially expands the knowledge regarding the distribution range and trophic relationships of U. leucoji.

MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE NEMISHAIEVE HROMADA (BUCHA DISTRICT, KYIV OBLAST, UKRAINE)

L.V. Lisovskyi — 2025-11-13

Aim: to compile a list of medicinal plants of Nemishaieve hromada (territorial community). The Nemishaieve hromada is located in Bucha district of Kyiv region (Ukraine). Its area is 80.1 km2. The population is over 15 thousand people. We compiled the list of medicinal plants based on the results of our own field research in 2022–2025 and the analysis of literature data. We found that 643 species of medicinal plants grow (and/or previously grew) on the territory of the Nemishaieve hromada. The largest number of medicinal plant species is in the families Asteraceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae. The following medicinal plants grow in the Nemishaieve hromada: Aegopodium podagraria, Convallaria majalis, Achillea millefolium s.l., Cichorium intybus, Helichrysum arenarium, Tussilago farfara, Pulmonaria obscura, Symphytum officinale, Humulus lupulus, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea, Robinia pseudoacacia, Hypericum perforatum, Origanum vulgare, Tilia cordata, Chelidonium majus, Crataegus monogyna, C. rhipidophylla, Potentilla erecta, Sambucus nigra, Viburnum opulus etc. In the list of medicinal plants compiled by us, 28 species are rare. 16 species require protection in the Kyiv region. 12 plant species are included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (2009): Allium ursinum, Muscari botryoides, Iris sibirica, Lilium martagon, Cephalanthera longifolia, Dactylorhiza maculata, D. sambucina, Epipactis helleborine, Neottia nidus-avis, N. ovata, Platanthera bifolia and P. chlorantha, of which Muscari botryoides is grown as an ornamental plant, in some places it occurs wild. Despite existing prohibitions, Allium ursinum is collected by the local people (as an edible plant).

MONITORING PLOTS OF VEGETATION OF THE TARUTYNE STEPPE AND ADJACENT AREAS

A.A. Kuzemko — 2025-11-13

The Tarutynskyi Steppe Landscape Reserve of local importance, located within the Bolhrad District of the Odesa Region, is one of the largest intact areas of virgin and restored steppes in Ukraine and holds exceptional importance for the preservation of steppe biodiversity. In addition to the reserve itself, adjacent natural lands, particularly the ravines with unploughed steppe slopes near the village of Vesela Dolyna, which are currently managed by the Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve, are also of considerable conservation interest. This paper presents the results of a vegetation survey conducted on model plots established in these areas. A total of 14 monitoring plots were established using the standardized EDGG sampling methodology. These plots consist of 28 series, each including seven nested subplots ranging in size from 0.0001 m2 to 100 m2. The plots were combined into seven groups: Group 1 – young fallow land / hayfields with low grazing load; Group 2 – post-military territory of a former training ground with preserved mesorelief guidelines, used for grazing and haymaking; Group 3 – unploughed steppe under moderate grazing load by wild ungulate species; Group 4 – unploughed steppe under moderate grazing load, located near a marmot colony; Group 5 – conventionally benchmark sites with the lowest degree of landuse (grazing, occasional haymaking, and sporadic burning); Group 6 – unploughed steppe currently undergoing post-pyrogenic restoration; and Group 7 – unploughed ravine and gully areas (in the Saka River catchment basin on the western outskirts of Vesela Dolyna), primarily overgrown pastures. We determined the syntaxonomic and habitat affiliation of all plots. Based on the original data, their phytoindicative assessment, and soil sample analysis, we recorded the baseline condition, revealed the key structural characteristics of the study areas, and identified preliminary patterns of ecological and coenotic differentiation. These patterns are associated with the history and current regime of land use, as well as the edaphic and climatic characteristics of the territory. The study results confirm the significant role of the Tarutynskyi Steppe Landscape Reserve and adjacent virgin lands in preserving steppe biodiversity and can be used to justify the optimal management regime for preserving steppe habitats and applying active management to enhance the condition and restoration of native steppe vegetation.

FLORISTIC DIVERSITY OF THE "AKADEMIIA" COMPLEX NATURAL MONUMENT OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE (LYPIANKA, POLTAVA OBLAST)

V.P. Kolomiichuk — 2025-11-13

The article presents the results of a study of the current floristic diversity of the "Akademiia" complex natural monument of local importance (Lypianka village, Poltava oblast). In the first half of the 20th century the territory was known as the "Academic (Karlivka) Steppe" Nature Reserve. A brief historical overview of this protected area is provided, covering the period from the establishment of its protected status to the present day. The species composition of the spontaneous flora of the natural monument has been determined and comprises 309 species and subspecies of vascular plants belonging to 52 families. Structural and fractional analyses of the flora were carried out; their results indicate typical steppe features of the flora of the studied area. Century-scale changes in phytodiversity were quantified using diversity indices, which indicate that the flora remains relatively stable. The species composition and structure of the alien fraction of the flora were analyzed; archaeophytes (33 species) predominate over kenophytes (21), which indicates a relatively stabilized stage of anthropogenic transformation of the flora.

NOTES ON THERMOPHILOUS MARGINAL HERBACEOUS COMMUNITIES OF THE NATIONAL NATURE PARK "KHOLODNY YAR"

D. M. Iakushenko — 2025-11-13

This article is dealing with the syntaxonomy of herbaceous plant communities formed on the edges and glades of broad-leaved forests in the National Nature Park "Kholodny Yar" (Cherkasy region, Ukraine). Data on vegetation of the internal forest fringes of the Right-bank Dnieper area are presented for the first time. In the marginal localizations on the edges of mesophilous oak-hornbeam forests and of thermophilous oak forests, linear fringe communities with a significant cover of Poa nemoralis, a noticeable cenotic role of the Fabaceae-plants (Astragalus glycyphyllos, Lathyrus niger, Securigera varia, Vicia pisiformis), with the presence of typical forest-edge species (Ajuga genevensis, Clinopodium vulgare, Melampyrum nemorosum, etc.) as well as with herbal species of mesic deciduous forests (Brachypodium sylvaticum, Carex pilosa, Glechoma hirsuta, Stellaria holostea), are formed. It is proposed to consider these communities within the Knaution dipsacifoliae alliance.