Zvanets

Country:
Belarus
Site number:
1219
Area:
16,227.4 ha
Designation date:
21-10-2002
Coordinates:
52°02'51"N 24°52'24"E

Map

Photos

  • Open fen mire Zvanets
  • The open fen mire is overgrowing with reeds and shrubs

Overview

Zvanets is composed of numerous islands characterized by mineral soil and a rich and unique flora. The Site, described as the largest European mesotrophic fen mire, is a typical example of well-preserved sedge-Hypnum fen mires. It is a biodiversity hotspot, with 664 plant species and 168 vertebrate species including a significant proportion which have adapted to the particular environmental conditions. Ten vegetation communities are present which were formerly widespread across the Polesian fen mires but are now rare in Belarus and Europe. The Site hosts the globally threatened greater spotted eagle Aquila clanga as well as over 1% of the European population of the aquatic warbler Acrocephalus paludicola. The wetland is located on the watershed of two river basins, and plays a significant role in regulating the hydrology of the region. Human activities include small-scale bee keeping, growing of arable crops, hay making, cattle grazing and forestry. An ecological-educational centre is located within the Site. The main threats to its ecological character relate to the disruption of the hydrological regime due to adjacent amelioration and the uncontrolled burning of vegetation, logging, and the extension of arable land. The shrinking area of the open fen mires has resulted in a decline in the aquatic warbler population. The Site’s management plan is updated every three years.

Administrative region

Brest Oblast, Drogichin and Kobrin Districts

National legal designation

  • National Landscape Reserve - Zvanets

Last publication date:

13-07-2016

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