The unique Askania-Nova Steppe Nature Reserve was established as far back as 1898, making it the second oldest in the world after Yellowstone in the United States. The pristine steppes, the arboretum, and the vast collection of flora and fauna — all of this is now under Russian occupation. The impact of the war and incompetent management is dire — animal populations are declining, the pristine steppes are ablaze, and migratory birds may be left without a key migration hub.
Espreso has reported on the main threats and consequences of the war for the reserve.
A transit zone for transport
Although all economic activity is prohibited within the reserve’s territory, the Russians are using it for purposes other than those intended. For example, due to the difficult situation with transport routes, the occupiers have come up with nothing better than to allow vehicles to pass through the territory of the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve.
"In fact, this transport represents legitimate targets, as it serves, directly or indirectly, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation stationed in southern Ukraine, on the left bank of Kherson Region. That is why a large number of fires are currently occurring in Askania-Nova," director of the Askania-Nova Reserve Viktor Shapoval commented to Espreso.
The flights of military helicopters and UAVs, and the sounds of explosions – all frighten the animals. Among the most skittish are the saiga antelopes, of which several hundred lived here before the occupation. Now, according to local residents, their population has almost halved.
Devastating fire
For some time after the occupation in 2022, the reserve team remained in Askania-Nova and cared for the animals. Later, however, the staff was forced to leave. In March 2023, the Russians appointed collaborator Dmytro Meshcheryakov as the reserve’s director.
The Ukrainian team – both administration and scientists – continue their activities in the territory controlled by Ukraine. However, they can only monitor the condition of Askania-Nova remotely.
One method of “monitoring” the reserve is analyzing satellite images. Thanks to this, scientists managed to discover that Askania-Nova is suffering from numerous and large-scale fires.
"During the summer months, the number of burned sites has already exceeded two dozen. The total area of burned territory within the protected steppe alone already covers more than 3,000 ha. This is quite a serious challenge and, of course, poses a threat to the collection's preservation," said Viktor Shapoval.
Source: Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve / Facebook
Fires in the protected steppe occurred before as well, but back then, nature had time to recover. According to the institution’s director, a catastrophe may occur if most of the territory is burned out.
The situation is also complicated by water supply problems. The dendrological park is critically dependent on irrigation, as without additional watering, plants atypical for the arid steppe could perish. At the same time, the animals kept in semi-free conditions require watering.
Removal and sale of animals on the black market
In his very first year of ‘managing’ the reserve, the collaborator Meshcheryakov organised the removal of the animals. Pairs of Chapman’s zebras, Przewalski’s horses, bison and David’s deer were transported to the ‘Rostovsky’ reserve.
Source: Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve / Facebook
However, the majority of animals were handed over by the occupation-appointed head of Askania-Nova to the private Taigan Lion Park. Its owner, Oleg Zubkov, has already been seen attempting to sell allegedly rescued animals. For instance, he tried to sell a lion cub from the Donetsk Zoo to China.
At the same time, URSA MEDIA reached out to a Russian dealer of Chapman’s zebras. According to him, he has "his own person" at Askania-Nova.
"The removal of animals from the reserve is already a documented and proven fact. There have already been judicial convictions for the occupation director and other individuals who were involved in signing agreements to exchange or, in effect, sell animals. Right now, it is difficult to determine the current situation in the reserve, as we are not receiving information about any planned transfers," said Viktor Shapoval.
Currently, it is unknown how many animals remain in the reserve. Before the occupation, about 3,500 specimens representing 120 species lived there.
An additional issue is the incompetence of Askania-Nova’s current staff. According to the director, during the winter of 2023–2024, African Cape buffaloes died there because they were not timely transferred to winter enclosures. This is just one example of negligence. Overall, there are many instances of animals dying due to neglect, lack of preventive care, and absence of medical assistance.
Bird Migration Point
On the territory of Askania-Nova lies the Great Chapelsky Pod – a depression covering about 24 km2, where birds rest during migration. This is one of the largest such sites in Eastern Europe.
However, due to military actions and explosions, the number of migrating birds is declining. It is currently impossible to precisely assess the impact of the war on the population of grey storks, ducks, geese, and waders.
Source: Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve / Facebook
EcoPolitic previously reported on how the full-scale invasion affected the avian world of Ukraine. The greatest threat is disturbance caused by explosions and machinery. These stressors disrupt the normal life cycle of birds.
