Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve

About This Site

Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve is a unique research reserve in Kherson Oblast, founded in 1898. It is Europe's oldest steppe protected area with virgin feather-grass steppes, botanical garden, and zoo with unique animal collection.

Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve was founded in 1898 by German landowner Friedrich Eduard Falz-Fein and is Europe's oldest steppe protected area. The total area of the reserve is over 33,000 hectares, of which about 11,000 hectares are virgin fescue-feather grass steppe that has never been cultivated. In 1985, the reserve received UNESCO biosphere reserve status as a reference territory for studying steppe ecosystems. It is the only place in Europe where virgin steppe has been preserved in its pristine state, with more than 500 species of vascular plants. The reserve includes three main components: 1. **Virgin Steppe** — over 11,000 ha of untouched steppe ecosystem with unique vegetation. Rare species of feather grass, Schrencks tulips, hyacinths, and over 70 plant species listed in the Red Book grow here. 2. **Dendrological Park** — over 200 species of trees and shrubs from different continents, created in the late 19th century. This is Ukraine's only true artificial forest in the steppe zone, covering about 200 hectares. 3. **Zoological Park** — the world's largest collection of ungulates in semi-free conditions. Grevy's zebras, African ostriches, bison, saiga, mouflon, various species of antelopes roam freely on the steppe expanses along with Przewalski's wild horses. Askania-Nova is known for its successful program of acclimatization and breeding of rare animal species. One of the world's largest collections of Przewalski's horses was created here, helping to save this species from extinction. The reserve is a leading research center for the study of steppe ecosystems and biodiversity conservation. The Institute of Animal Science of NAAS of Ukraine operates here.

Historical Significance

The history of Askania-Nova began in 1828 when this territory was transferred to the German Duke of Anhalt-Köthen for breeding merino sheep. The name 'Askania' comes from the dukes' family estate in Germany. In 1856, the land was purchased by German industrialist Friedrich Falz-Fein (father). His son, Friedrich Eduard Falz-Fein (1863-1920), was passionate about nature and zoology from a young age. In 1883, at age 20, he created the first zoo with local steppe species. In 1898, Falz-Fein officially established a private reserve on 500 desiatinas of virgin steppe, where any economic activity was prohibited. At the same time, he created a botanical garden and acclimatized exotic animals from Africa, Asia, and America. By 1917, Askania-Nova had 52 mammal species and 224 bird species from around the world. It was the largest private zoological collection in the Russian Empire. After the 1917 revolution, the estate was nationalized, but the reserve status was preserved. In 1919, Soviet authorities officially recognized Askania-Nova as a state reserve. During World War II (1941-1944), the reserve suffered significant losses: part of the arboretum was destroyed, zoological collections were looted. However, thanks to staff efforts, most animals were saved. In the post-war years, the reserve recovered and developed. In 1956, a research institute was established. In 1985, Askania-Nova received international recognition as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. In 2008, the reserve celebrated its 110th anniversary. Over more than 125 years of existence, Askania-Nova has become a world-renowned center for steppe nature conservation and rare animal breeding.

Highlights

• ✓Europe's oldest steppe reserve (since 1898)
• ✓Europe's only virgin steppe (11,000 ha)
• ✓UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (since 1985)
• ✓Over 500 species of vascular plants
• ✓Unique collection of ungulates
• ✓Przewalski's horses — species rescue program
• ✓Arboretum with 200+ tree species
• ✓Zebras, ostriches, antelopes in free grazing
• ✓Over 70 Red Book plant species

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