Project Accomplishments

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2. PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The proposed landscape preserve “Streshinsky” is located in the flooded areas of the Dnipro River within the borders of Zhlobin and Buda-Koshelevsky districts of Gomel Oblast. It stretches from the town of Zhlobin along the Dnipro left bank to the mouth of the Berezina River.

The preserve is located in the zone of intensive urban development and economic activity. Trans-European communications corridor #9 Helsinki – St. Petersburg – Pskov – Vitebsk – Kyiv – Chisinau runs along its eastern boundary. As envisaged by the General Plan of Comprehensive Territorial Management of the Republic of Belarus, Zhlobin district, where most of the preserve territory is situated, is characterized with a high density of the population and intensive agriculture. Greater part of land in Buda-Koshelevsky district has been radioactively contaminated since the Chernobyl nuclear accident, the mean contamination density being over 5 Cu/km² .

The territory of the future preserve “Streshinsky” is confined to the Dnipro Lowland and is located entirely within the river valley. The Dnipro valley at this stretch is 5-10 km wide; its right bank vault is predominantly high and steep, with numerous gullies and ravines, whereas its left bank is low and flat. In the valley, there are floodplains and two upper terraces particularly distinct on the left bank.

In terms of landscape zoning of the Republic of Belarus, this area lies within Dnipro-Sozh district of Polessye landscape province. Its greater part is represented by floodplain and alluvial-terrace landscapes. This stretch of the Dnipro flood-lands, which have undergone little transformation, belongs to the natural-and-territorial complexes unique for Belarus and for the Dnipro valley at large.

The Dnipro channel in the area of the future preserve is highly meandering, with numerous dead channels, but navigable. Water level cycle of the river includes a stable 3-4 month long period of low water levels in the winter, a summer-fall period of mean water levels, occasionally intermitted with rain floods, and a period of spring floods when the water table rises by 3-3.5 m. In the preserve territory, the Rivers Dobysna (right tributary) and Okra (left tributary) flow into the Dnipro.

In geo-botanical terms, the preserve area can be referred to two sub-zones, namely: sub-zone of hornbeam – oak – dark coniferous forests (Checher-Dnipro district of Berezina-Polessye geo-botanical region) and that of deciduous – pine forests (Gomel-Dnipro district of Polessye-Dnipro geo-botanical region) of the European deciduous forest zone. The boundary of regions and districts runs through the preserve territory north of the village of Streshin.

Flora of the future preserve is a complex combination of species of different origin. Northern (boreal) species are found here together with southern (forest-steppe and steppe) ones. The Dnipro valley serves as a migration channel along which certain species travel far distances to the south or to the north of the main area borders. In this territory, Western European flora complexes meet with the Eastern European ones. For many of them, the river is a natural barrier to their further migration to neighboring territories. Over 600 species of highest vascular plants (tracheophytes) were identified in the preserve flora, which is a high indicator for flood-land territories.

Vegetation of the left-bank valley of the river (especially of its floodplains) is well preserved, which differs favorably from other parts of the Dnipro valley. Most typical human activities are grass mowing and, to a lesser extent, cattle grazing, both auspicious for the biodiversity preservation. Flooded meadows with strips of oak forests (Quercetum) and pine forests (Pinetum), as well as various types of flood-land willow-shrubs (Salicetum) prevail in the vegetation. Elevations, or “isles”, situated between the dead channels of the river play an important role in preserving biodiversity. Since these “isles” are located near the original bank vault and are of substantial size, they have a special type of vegetation, namely: shrubs and flood-land oak forests with rare and extinct plant species.

The boundaries of distribution areas of at least 70 plant species lie close to the borders of the future preserve, which testifies to the flora value of the preserve territory. Among the above plant species are Jurinea cyanoides Jurinea cyanoides, Mountain arnica Arnica montana, Germani broom Genista germanica, Tatar honeysuckle Lonicera xylosteum and others. Within the preserve area, 8 plant species were registered whose distribution areas are typically located much farther northwards (gray alder Alnus incana) or southwards (forest-steppe and steppe species).

Lands of the forest stock occupy 37% of the preserve territory, 28% of this territory being covered with forest. All forests belong to the first group of forests and to two protection categories, namely: forests of the forestry section of green belts (11.6%) and riparian (water-conservation) forests (88.4%). Pine forests dominate in forest formations, accounting for 45% of forest-covered area. Oak groves and black alder groves (Glutinoso-Alnetum) make up as little as 11.7% and 12.3% of the area, respectively. Willow shrubs cover 23% of the area, while birch groves (Betula pendula and B. pubescens) – only 9.7% of it. Aspen forests (Populus tremula) are found very seldom (1.6%), as well as plantations of ash and hornbeam trees.

As for the age composition of the forests, young forests prevail, constituting 57.2% of all plantations. Average age of the stand is under 30 years. The maximum age of oak groves is 140 years, that of pine forests is 120 years, of fir forests – 100 years and of birch groves – 55 years. The oldest black alder groves are 45, and the oldest aspen forests are 55 years old.

In the territory of the future specially protected area, 32 types of 22 forest type series belonging to 9 forest formations were identified . The forest typology spectrum is rather wide: from heather pine forests (Pinetum callunosum) to weed-gout oak groves (Quercetum aegopodiosum) and meadov-sweet black alder groves (Glutinoso-Alnetum filipendulosum). Oak groves are sporadic, commonly represented by single trees or sparsely growing groups of trees, more seldom by separately preserved strips on crests. Some oak trees reach 150 years of age. Brake fern oak forest (Q. Pteridiosum) growing in the elevated and, therefore, seldom flooded parts of the flood-lands are of special interest. They have a high aesthetic value and are commonly used as recreation zones.

Intensive forestry activities in some parts of elevations between flood-lands and in forests growing on the terraces above the flood-lands resulted in a practically complete replacement of indigenous oak groves with pine plantations. Fragments of pine forests of the moss-grown type (P. Pleuroziosum) are observed in some parts of high crests. Vegetation of this group is particularly susceptible to forest fires. Strips of willow (white Salix alba and fragile Salix fragilis) grow at the Dnipro bends and on bayou lakesides.

Particularly valuable is the meadow vegetation of the floodplains, serving as a habitat and a migration stopover for numerous birds, and playing an important role in the traditional way of life of the local population. In the preserve area, this vegetation is represented by almost all species, ranging from partially peat-covered meadows to wetlands and marshlands. Herbage is characterized by a high forage value and productive surface phytomass.

11 unique and valuable communities of herbaceous plants were identified in the area, including the Beckmannietum eruciformis communities, uncommon for the territory of Belarus and Europe at large. They are most valuable forage herbs whose area of distribution in Belarus is restricted to the Dnipro flood-plain downstream of the town of Zhlobin.

As any large river with a series of oxbow lakes, channels, pools, dead channels and small rivers, the Dnipro is an intricate combination of aquatic plant complexes. Of these, bayou lake communities are the most noticeable for their rare protected species, including water nut Trapa natans , small naias Caulinia minor, salvivia natans Salvinia natan, elatine alsinastrum Elatina alsinastrum and others.

The Dnipro floodplain within the preserve territory abound in shallow stretches with scarce vegetation communities comprising protected species. Identification of some species in this territory allowed to shift the area boundary 100-120 km to the north. Among the above species, that can be regarded as belonging to reference communities not only for the Dnipro but also for other Belorussian rivers, are ukrainian sorrel Rumex ucrainicus, mikeli bulrush Dichostilis michelliana, crypsis schoides Cripsus schoenoides, cyperus fuscus Cyperus fuscus, pycreus flavescens Pycreus flavescens, water germander Teucrium scordium, etc.

Apart from meadows, 15 other categories of highly valuable areas were identified in the preserve territory. These include: old-age floodplain oak groves; black alder forests in lower stream marshland; communities in a formation of ash forests, rare for the preserve area and for Belarus in general; middle-age hornbeam forests of mixed composition, with sporadic deciduous species; ecosystems of open up-river and down-river sedge marshes, with a complex of marsh flora and fauna; unique ecosystems of dead channels, bayou lakes and shallow parts with rare protected species (see Picture 1).

Rare and Protected Plant Species

Protected plants of the Red Book of Belarus (1993):

1. Siberian iris Iris sibirica. Is widely spread throughout the whole preserve territory, its projective cover degree sometimes reaching 40-60%. The population found in the preserve area is one of the largest and most viable in the country.

2. Salvivia natans Salvinia natan. This population is situated in an isolated locality beyond the northern border of the area of distribution and, most probably, has a relict character.

3. Water nut Trapa natans. It is a relict species indicative of the river water clarity. It was registered in dead channels and natural channels of the Dnipro River.

4. Small naias Caulinia minor. It was identified to grow in a dead channel of the Dnipro. The population is in a satisfactory condition. This species is extremely rare for large rivers of the Dnipro Basin.

In order to preserve the populations of salvivia natans, water nut and small naias in a natural condition, it is necessary to maintain the existing hydrological regime, to prevent water contamination and to prohibit net fishing in this part of the river.

Along with the protected plant species included in the and edition of the Red Book of Belarus (1993), 5 other species were registered in the preserve area that are to be entered into a new edition of the Red Book of Belarus. These are gentiana pneumonanthe Gentiana pneumonanthe, rossica aster Galatella rossica, ukrainian sorrel Rumex ucrainicus, mikeli bulrush Dichostilis michelliana and Elatina alsinastrum. The preservation of the population of gentiana pneumonanthe and rossica aster will require a prohibition or restriction of cattle grazing in the identified spots of their distribution and a prevention of grass burning practice. Optimal conditions for the populations of ukrainian sorrel, mikeli bulrush and Elatina alsinastrum can be provided by maintaining the existing hydrological regime.

A number of species found in the area of the future landscape preserve belong to the category of wild-growing decorative, medicinal, edible and other useful plants that need to be protected preventively and used in a sustainable manner. Besides, several species entered into the Red Books of neighboring countries were registered in the preserve area. They are pycreus flavescens, jurinea cyanoides, crypsis schoides, fen violet Viola stagnina, small-flowered bittercress Cardamine parviflora, koeleria delavignei Koeleria delavignei, water sedge Carex aquatilis, veronica catenata Veronika catenata and others. It is noteworthy that jurinea cyanoides is a species included into the European Red List.

Picture 2.1. Analysis of Flora Complex

In the course of fieldwork, the fauna of land vertebrates in the preserve area was observed to consist of 46 mammal species, 163 bird species, 5 reptile species, 10 species of amphibia and 42 fish species. Among the above are 38 animal species cited in the Red Book of Belarus, including 4 mammal, 31 bird and 3 fish species.

The fauna of the floodplain meadows in the preserve area is typical for flooded meadows of lowland rivers of Polessye. It is characterized by a great variety of bird species, on the one hand, and a poor species composition of mammals and amphibians, on the other. The reason for the latter lies in frequent overflowing of the area during spring floods. All species of river ducks inhabiting Belarus are to be found in this area; the population of sandpiper is also rather big, being represented by 12 species that sometimes form large colonies. Flood-land meadows are the main spawning areas of the majority of fish species registered here.

The combination of rarely visited waterlogged forests and open floodplain meadows creates favorable conditions for a lot of species of predatory birds and large mammals. For example, 11 species of accipitral family (Accipitridae) have their habitat in the preserve area, as well as several species of amphibia typical for flood-land forests.

Floodplain pools, lakes and dead channels play an essential role in preserving the diversity of species of waterfowl, amphibia and fish in the preserve area. As a rule, these are water bodies, the shores of which are overgrown with willow-shrub, reed or cattail (reed mace), with a small open area of water surface. Some lakes, entirely overgrown with immersed vegetation, have large colonies of marsh species of tern.

The territorial space distribution of the most valuable fauna complexes is shown in Picture 2.2.

The outcomes of the field study testify that the territory of the future preserve is of an international significance with regard to the preservation of populations of a number of rare and extinct species of European fauna. The greatest value of this territory is in that it has become a permanent habitat for considerable populations of globally threatened bird species and some species of a similar status, in particular: greater spotted eagle Aquilla clanga, corncrake Crex crex and great snipe Gallinago media The Dnipro floodplains within the preserve area provide good conditions for the conservation of corncrake and great snipe populations. The number of corncrake birds, which are an extinct species in Europe, in this part of the flood-lands is estimated at over 1,000 cocks, and that of great snipe birds – at 150-200 cocks (Ramsar Criterion 2).

Picture 2.2. Analysis of Fauna Complex

The preserve territory is of great importance for migrating waterfowl. Thus, the number of migrating ruffs (Philomachus pugnax) that stop over in this area for rest and feeding exceeds 30,000 birds. It is in the Dnipro flood-lands that flocks of greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons), bean goose (Anser fabalis), and eurasian widgeon (Anas penelope) concentrate in the periods of their spring passage. In such periods, the overall number of geese in the flood-lands amounts to several dozens of thousands (counted from helicopter) (see Ramsar Criterion 5: wetland area has an international significance if it regularly sustains over 20,000 waterfowl).

The Dnipro floodplains sustain the populations of the following bird species that have a national significance: gadwall (Anas strepera 200 couples), northern shoveler (Anas clypeata 200 couples) and eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus 40-50 couples).

31 bird species entered into the Red Book of Belarus were identified within the boundaries of the future landscape preserve. 18 of these species build their nests here, namely: little grebe (Tachibaptus ruficollis), large bittern (Botaurus stellaris), small bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), black stork (Ciconia nigra), lesser spotted eagle Aquila pomarina, greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga), common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), terek sandpiper Xenus cinereus, little gull (Larus minutus), short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), common kingficher (Alcedo atthis), bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), savi΄s warbler (Locustella luscinioides), eurasian penduline (Remiz pendulinus), great gray shrike (Lanius excubitor), Ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana). The list of rare protected bird species inhabiting the area of the future preserve “Streshinsky” is given in the table below, with the indication of their protection status.

Practically all species of mammals associated with the floodplain communities of large Belorussian rivers are represented in this area. American mink (Mustela vison), musk beaver (Ondatra zibethica), otter (Lutra lutra) can be commonly found on the riverbanks and shores of other water bodies. Polecat (Mustela putorius), least weasel (Mustela nivalis) and ermine (Mustela erminea) were registered in the flood-lands, especially on their elevations covered with forests and shrubs. European beaver (Castor fiber) inhabits the area along riverbanks and flood-land lakesides.

Almost all aboriginal species of ungulate animals were observed to inhabit the territory of the future preserve, including elk (Alces alces), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and roe-deer (Capreolus capreolus). In dry riparian forests there are populations of european hare (Lepus europaeus), and in the flood-lands and marshlands – those of alpine Hare (Lepus timidus). The following carnivorous mammals are common for this area: raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes); less common are wolf (Canis lupus), common marten (Mustela putorius) and stone marten (Martes foina). Some dormice, such as: edible lormouse (Glis glis), garden (Eliomis quercinus) and tree (Dryomis nitedula) ones, also live in deciduous forests.

The previous research testifies to the absence in the given territory of a number of species that are known to have inhabited this area before. They are European mink, raccoon, red deer and badger. The population of elk has decreased dramatically over the last years, while those of musk beaver and river beaver have grown owing to the reduced poaching pressure.

List of Rare Protected Bird Species

Over the study period, the population of American mink has increased considerably, this species having replaced the aboriginal one of European mink .

Fish species included in the Red Book of Belarus (sterlet Acipenser ruthenus, barbel Barbus barbus and vimba Vimba vimba ) were registered in the Dnipro River and other water bodies in the preserve area. Besides, the Dnipro is the habitat of 16 fish species (asp Aspius aspius, wells Silurus glanis, zige Pelecus cultratus etc) protected under the Berne Convention.

As the future landscape preserve is located in the vicinity of a large industrial center and in the zone of an active economic development, the environmental background will be unfavorable for a sustainable functioning of natural ecosystems. Among the major environmental threats are: environmental pollution and contamination of water bodies; forest felling; depletion of biological diversity of plant and animal species resulting from forestry and lumbering operations (sanitary felling and improvement felling, slash removal etc); spring burn-outs; forest fires; cattle grazing; ploughing up of natural meadows; biological contamination of natural ecosystems resulting from expansion of species alien to aboriginal natural communities; growing predatory and competitive pressures of synanthropic (crow, magpie, gray rat) and domestic (cat, dog) species; impact of anxiety factor upon wildlife resulting from widespread hunting, pouching and radiation pollution of the territory (see Picture 2.3.).

The field studies and follow-up research confirmed the significance of the territory under analysis for the preservation of biological diversity of the Dnipro valley and the need to grant it a special protection status. The Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Specially Protected Territories” (2000) establishes the following categories of specially protected territories: reserve area (nature reserve), national park, preserve and natural landmark. Preserves are further classified into several kinds, such as: landscape or integrated, biological, wetland, hydrological, geological and paleontological.

According to the above law, a separate legal entity – State Institution for Environmental Protection – was established to manage reserve areas and national parks. The land in reserve areas is withdrawn from agricultural and other commercial use. The land of national parks is let for permanent use to the State Institution for environmental protection in charge of managing a relevant national park; it may also include land parcels of other land users. As a rule, no legal entity is created to manage the preserve. Environmental protection activities in the preserve territory are organized and carried out by a state organization and transferred for day-to-day management. Landowners and land users are allowed to keep their land parcels, provided they observe the rules of the preserve use and protection. Particular rules of use and protection are coordinated for every individual preserve with landowners and land users whose land parcels are located within the preserve borders.

Picture 2.3. Analysis of Anthropogenic Pressures (Load)

Maintaining commercial activities traditional for the area in question (mowing, cattle grazing) is one of the essential conditions for conserving habitats of rare protected bird species (especially sandpipers), since complete withdrawal of this territory from economic use will inevitably lead to its overgrowing with shrubs. Given this and serious economic losses the local population is likely to suffer, it does not seem feasible or justifiable to grant the status of a reserve area to this territory. As matters stand, the territory should not be given the status of a national park either, as in this case a special park administration will have to be formed and the existing land property relations will have to undergo substantial revision.

Therefore, the only suitable form of protection of the natural complex in question is that of a preserve. As this specially protected territory is created for the conservation of the whole natural complex, rather than its separate components, it should be granted the status of a landscape preserve of national significance. Besides, international environmental significance of the preserve “Streshinsky” should be recognized and it should be included in the list of key ornithological territories formulated in the Directive on Preservation of Wild Birds in Europe.

Maintaining commercial activities traditional for the area in question (mowing, cattle grazing) is one of the essential conditions for conserving habitats of rare protected bird species (especially sandpipers), since complete withdrawal of this territory from economic use will inevitably lead to its overgrowing with shrubs. Given this and serious economic losses the local population is likely to suffer, it does not seem feasible or justifiable to grant the status of a reserve area to this territory. As matters stand, the territory should not be given the status of a national park either, as in this case a special park administration will have to be formed and the existing land property relations will have to undergo substantial revision.

Therefore, the only suitable form of protection of the natural complex in question is that of a preserve. As this specially protected territory is created for the conservation of the whole natural complex, rather than its separate components, it should be granted the status of a landscape preserve of national significance. Besides, international environmental significance of the preserve “Streshinsky” should be recognized and it should be included in the list of key ornithological territories formulated in the Directive on Preservation of Wild Birds in Europe.