Askania-Nova: Steppe Wildlife and a Unique Biosphere Reserve
Introduction: A rare piece of Europe’s wild steppe
In southern Ukraine, there is a protected landscape that feels almost impossible in modern Europe: a large stretch of steppe that was not fully converted into farmland. Known in Ukrainian as Асканія-Нова and in English as Askania-Nova, it’s a place where open grasslands, big skies, and long-term conservation meet.
Photo: “Аскания-Нова (заповедник).jpg” — DENAMAX, 12 May 2018, own work, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where Askania-Nova is located
Askania-Nova lies in Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine, in the dry steppe zone often associated with Tavria (Taurida). The reserve is linked to the settlement of Askania-Nova, and its natural signature is wide, wind-shaped grassland rather than forests or mountains. The landscape is typically open and flat, with long sightlines and big skies that make the sense of space especially strong. This setting also helps explain why the area became so important for steppe research and long-term conservation.
What kind of protected area it is
Online, you may see different labels: Askania–Nova nature reserve, “biosphere reserve,” or even “national park.” The most accurate description is that Askania-Nova is a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) site—part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (year of nomination: 1984). UNESCO also notes that the site includes a 19th-century dendrological (arboretum) park and a zoological park with a breeding centre (including Przewalski’s horse).
A note on dates (clear and careful)
Two dates often appear in sources. UNESCO’s MAB profile describes the site as being created as the first steppe reserve in Ukraine in 1888. Many Ukrainian and international references also link the reserve’s development to Friedrich (F.E.) Falz-Fein and list 1898 as the year it was formally founded/established on family lands. A safe way to phrase it is: protection efforts began in the late 19th century; UNESCO uses 1888, while 1898 is widely cited as the founding date of the reserve in its modern, organized form.
The steppe itself: why it matters
The core value of Askania-Nova is its intact steppe ecosystem—an open grassland shaped by climate, soils, and natural processes over long periods. In a region where many steppe landscapes were converted to agriculture, keeping a large unploughed area matters for biodiversity, long-term monitoring, and scientific research.
Photo: “Асканія-Нова (заповідник) - Великий Чапельський під - Антилопа Канна перед групою Зебр Чапмана.jpg” — Yuliia Savchenko, 19 June 2021, own work, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Wildlife and what people associate with Askania-Nova
Askania-Nova is strongly linked to wildlife conservation. UNESCO emphasizes the zoological park and breeding work, which is one reason visitors and readers connect the place not only with plants and grasslands, but also with conservation programs and research. In popular imagination, it is often associated with herds of ungulates and rare species kept as part of long-term conservation efforts. The area also matters for science: wildlife observations here contribute to monitoring how animals adapt to steppe conditions over time. In this sense, Askania-Nova is both a landscape and a living research space, where biodiversity protection is tied to education and careful management.
Falz-Fein and the origin story
A key historical figure connected to the reserve is Friedrich (F.E.) Falz-Fein, who is widely credited with developing it on family lands in the late 19th century. He is often described as one of the pioneers who helped turn private initiative into a lasting conservation project. Over time, his name became closely tied to Askania-Nova’s identity as a place where protection, scientific interest, and public education developed side by side.
Current events: occupation and environmental pressure since 2022
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Askania-Nova has been widely reported to be under Russian occupation, which has affected access, monitoring, and routine management. Reporting in 2023–2025 has raised concerns about risks to wildlife and reserve operations, including reports—and official allegations in some cases—that certain animals were transferred out, alongside increased environmental pressure under wartime conditions. Because reliable on-the-ground verification can be difficult during war, the most responsible wording remains cautious: there are credible reports of serious threats, while the full ecological impact will require thorough post-war assessment.
Why recovery will take time
Steppe ecosystems can be resilient, but they’re also sensitive to fire, soil disturbance, and long interruptions in protection work. Recovery is not only about “replanting”—it requires monitoring, safety, restoration planning, and time, plus the return of stable conservation and research.
Conclusion
People often describe it simply: “Askania-Nova is a beautiful place.” At its best, that sentence points to something real: a protected steppe with global scientific value and an ecosystem that deserves careful protection, especially now. It is also a reminder that true wilderness in Europe is rare—and once it is damaged, it cannot be restored quickly. Protecting Askania-Nova means protecting long-term science, biodiversity, and a living piece of Ukraine’s natural heritage for future generations.
Read Also:
Synevyr Lake: The Legend, the Views, and What to Expect
Carpathian Mountains: Location, Facts, and the Ukrainian Carpathians