In "Askania-Nova," fires destroyed nearly 2,000 hectares of protected steppe
Two large-scale fires broke out in the F. E. Falz-Fein “Askania-Nova” Biosphere Reserve of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in the Kherson region, destroying 1,928 hectares of protected land.
An analysis of Sentinel-2 satellite images from June 24 and 29 revealed that the total area of the burned land in the “Pivdennyi” reserve zone is 1,928 hectares.
In addition, the fire that broke out on June 29 spread to adjacent agricultural lands in the buffer zone, where the flames engulfed another 566.6 hectares.
The nature reserve reported that sections Nos. 50, 51, 67–69, 79–82, and 87–90 were completely burned, while sections Nos. 32–36, 49, 52–54, 66, 70, 71, 78, 83, and 84 were partially damaged.
The fire destroyed unique virgin steppe habitats where protected plant communities listed in Ukraine’s Red Book—Stipeta ucrainicae and Stipeta capillatae—grow. These areas are home to Ukrainian feather grass, hairy feather grass, and Lessing’s feather grass, all of which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
The area affected by the fire also included habitats of other rare species, including Taliyev’s cornflower, Henning’s astragalus, and Regel’s onion.
The reserve noted that the study’s findings are consistent with OSINT analysis data. Specifically, on June 29, pro-occupation media reported a fire in the dry vegetation of the “Pivdenna” protected area, allegedly caused by a downed drone.
“These reports of steppe fires are consistent with the results of OSINT analysis. On June 29, occupation media outlets published information about a fire in the dry steppe vegetation in the “Pivdenna” nature reserve area resulting from the downing of a UAV...,” the statement reads.
The nature reserve emphasized that the fires are a consequence of the deployment of military equipment and personnel of the Russian occupation forces directly on the territory of the nature reserve and under its “cover.”
The reserve reported this on Facebook.
As a reminder, the occupying authorities, together with collaborators, plundered the unique “Askania-Nova” Biosphere Reserve, located in the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region. The illegal removal of rare animals was disguised as an “official exchange and transfer” to Crimean entertainment zoos.
Earlier, the “director” of Askania-Nova was sentenced for the removal of rare animals.
As a reminder, Russian troops in southern Ukraine have effectively destroyed the Kinburn Spit and the unique “Askania-Nova” reserve.
