Yunitsky zakaznik, reserve in Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine
Yunitsky zakaznik is a protected area in Luhansk Oblast covering about 1,065 hectares, established to preserve the natural environment and local plant and animal species. The reserve features birch and oak forests, small ponds, and wetland areas that support diverse wildlife and botanical life.
The reserve was established on 28 October 1974 to protect specific plant and animal species in the region. Work from the late 1800s shaped how the land has been managed and conserved over the decades that followed.
The reserve bears the name of Konstantin Yunitsky, a notable figure connected to the area, whose memorial stands within the reserve as a reminder of his role. Visitors can observe how local conservation practices shape daily interactions with the natural landscape.
Visitors should walk quietly and avoid disturbing plants and animals while observing the conservation rules of the area. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to wet ground conditions and small ponds scattered throughout the reserve.
About 40 percent of the reserve is covered with young or newly planted trees grown from acorns, demonstrating active reforestation efforts in this protected space. This ongoing work ensures the forest can continue to grow and adapt in the harsh steppe climate of the region.
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