Chornobyl Special General Zoological Reserve, Wildlife sanctuary in Vyshhorod Raion, Ukraine
Chornobyl Special General Zoological Reserve is a protected area within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Vyshhorod Raion, encompassing forests, wetlands, and transitional grasslands. The reserve provides habitat for European wildlife species ranging from large predators to migratory birds across its varied terrain.
Following the 1986 reactor incident, the land became uninhabited and was declared an exclusion zone to prevent human exposure. The area was officially designated as a zoological reserve in 2007 to protect the wildlife populations developing in this isolated environment.
Scientists from multiple countries conduct research on radiation effects on wildlife, contributing to global understanding of ecosystem resilience after nuclear events.
Entry to the reserve requires special permits from authorities due to its location in the exclusion zone, with safety regulations that visitors must follow. Contact local officials in advance to understand access routes and any restrictions currently in place.
The reserve contains populations of lynx, wolves, elk, and eagles that have adapted to an environment marked by the absence of human settlements.
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