Ascania-Nova – Ukrainian National Nature Reserve 0 D The Ascania-Nova Nature Reserve, which is spread over an area of about 34,000 hectares, is a steppe oasis – a “small paradise”. It is situated in the steppes north of the Black Sea in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine. About one third of this area is occupied by the virgin steppe. 200 hectares are given to what is called “the Dendrological Park” (‘dendrology’ is the study of trees) and the local zoo occupies the area of 62 hectares (150 acres). 1 This Biosphere Reserve, where new ways of farming are tested, is also a research centre. Both flora and fauna are studied and protected at Ascania-Nova. There are hundreds of species of plants to be found there, 85 of which are considered to be rare and 12 have entered the Red Book of Endangered Species. In spring the vast plains of the Reserve are covered with blooming yellow ‘Scythian tulips’. Ascania-Nova is the shelter for many animals which have entered the Red Book of Endangered Speci es and are under the protection of the state. Wandering through Ascania, one can see foxes hunting, hares easily-frightened, graceful deer grazing, ground squirrels enjoying the warm sun. The animals seem to know that they are protected and that no harm or menace should be expected from man. There are several species of snakes and over 2,000 species of birds. 2 The Dendrological Park is made up of two parts: an old section with trees over a hundred years old, and a new one where trees are under thirty years of age. Altogether there are 939 species of plants which are under protection. They come from different places and continents. 3 The Ascania-Nova Zoo has many species of birds, such as: ostriches, emu, swans, cranes, to name just a few. Some species of mammals that are kept in the Zoo are also very rare. 4 The rich collection of plants and animals in the Ascania-Nova Biosphere Reserve needs a lot of care which makes its existence possible. Ascania-Nova now is a major tourist attraction, as well as a place where rare and endangered species are taken care of and are given excellent opportunities to survive. Any visit to this Nature Reserve will be a memorable and highly enjoyable experience.