In early August, researchers from the Chernobyl Radiation and Ecological Reserve surveyed local rivers for changes in their fish fauna. The results astonished the researchers — amongst the species they were already familiar with, they discovered at least two that are listed in Ukraine’s Red Book.
This was reported on the nature reserve’s Facebook page.
A census of the ‘inhabitants’ of the Pripyat, Illia and Uzh rivers, as well as the canals of the local irrigation system, is a regular feature of the nature reserve’s research. On this occasion, the monitoring of the fish fauna took place from 3 to 8 August.
Researchers carry out this work as part of the Nature Chronicle project. This makes it possible to assess the nature reserve’s biodiversity and determine whether rare and endangered species have established themselves in Chernobyl. It also helps to identify the distribution and abundance of invasive alien species.
The scientists were delighted to discover specimens of the ide and the snout-snouted ruffe. These fish are considered rare and are on the verge of extinction in Ukraine. Consequently, after the animals had been scientifically measured, they were released back into the water.
Source: Chernobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve
"Conducting such studies makes it possible to assess changes in the structure of the reserve’s fish fauna and, in the long term, to develop and implement measures aimed at improving the condition of the region’s fish stocks," the reserve emphasised.
EcoPolitics previously reported on the growth of the Przewalski’s horse population within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. In fact, this area, which is dangerous for humans, has become a place of revival for this species, which had disappeared from the wild as far back as the 1960s. The horses, accustomed to the steppes, have successfully acclimatised to the forested areas of Ukraine.
A number of fish species in Ukraine are on the brink of extinction. The main causes are climate change, pollution and the over-regulation of rivers. You can find out more about this in the article.
