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Expert: European bison, rare species thrive in Polesie reserve

An archive photo

MINSK, 9 September (BelTA) - Aleksei Kazakov, Head of the Information Support Department of the Polesie State Radiation and Ecological Reserve, spoke about the wonders of the wild nature of the Polesie Radiation and Ecological Reserve in the latest episode of BelTA’s project The Nation Speaks.

Aleksei Kazakov recalled that the territory of the Polesie Radiation and Ecological Reserve was affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and is a closed area. “It was this radioactivity that determined the protected status we now have,” he added.

Today, the reserve is home to a great number of animals and birds, and plants that were previously uncharacteristic of the area. “We have 64 species of mammals, of which 14 are included in the Red Book of Belarus, and 245 species of birds that nest permanently or temporarily,” he said.

Furthermore, this is the only place in the country where the Przewalski’s horse lives. “We have been seeing them here since 2007. Since 2023, the species has been officially included in the Red Book of Belarus. According to the 2025 estimates, there are about 65 head,” Aleksei Kazakov said.

He also drew attention to the population of the European bison. “In 1996, 16 individuals were brought in. Today, according to winter counts, we have 235. The herd is quite large. We often encounter bison during excursions. Sometimes they come out onto the road, sometimes we see them out in the fields. Among other species, there are brown bears, Eurasian lynx, and stoats. There are badgers and dormice. As for birds, among the notable representatives, we can highlight a fairly large population of the white-tailed eagle. There are also black storks, greater and lesser spotted eagles,” Aleksei Kazakov added.

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