Dniprovsko-Orilskyi Nature Reserve

Dniprovsko-Orilskyi Nature Reserve is a protected area spanning wetlands, floodplain forests, and sandy steppes across the Dnieper and Oril river valleys in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The reserve covers approximately 3.8 thousand hectares with landscapes shaped by water and seasonal flooding patterns.

The reserve was created in 1990 by combining two earlier protected sites: the zoological sanctuary at Taromski Plavni and the ornithological refuge at Obukhivski. This merger established a larger continuous zone for safeguarding the river floodplains and their wildlife.

The protected territory contains 871 species of vascular plants, including 12 species listed in the Ukrainian Red Book of endangered species.

Access is best during warmer months when pathways are drier and wildlife activity peaks, though the terrain remains wet and muddy in many areas. Visitors should prepare for boggy conditions and bring sturdy footwear and insect protection.

The area functions as a critical hub for nearly 200 bird species that concentrate here during breeding seasons and seasonal migrations. This extraordinary gathering of birds makes it an exceptional location for understanding migration patterns and avian habitats in the region.