Satellite images confirmed damage to the unique steppe
In the territory of the temporarily occupied “Askania-Nova” Biosphere Reserve, a new fire has been recorded. The fire was caused by military actions of the occupying administration, leading to damage to unique ecosystems.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement from the “Askania-Nova” Biosphere Reserve named after F.E. Falz-Fein.
Read also: Russians have effectively destroyed Kinburn Spit and “Askania-Nova”
According to the reserve’s administration, the fire started on March 10 at 1:45 PM in the “Southern” section. The cause was the ignition of dry vegetation in the steppe after a drone was shot down. Thus, yet another incident in the occupied “Askania-Nova” was effectively triggered by the operation of enemy air defense systems.
Analysis of post-fire satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 confirmed that the area of the fire in the reserve zone (the “Southern” massif, quarter 45) amounted to 1.8 hectares. The fire engulfed virgin steppe biotopes, where protected plant groups listed in Ukraine’s Green Book were growing:
- Ukrainian feather grass;
- Hairy feather grass.
Consequences of the fire in the “Askania-Nova” reserve (photo: “Askania-Nova” Biosphere Reserve named after F.E. Falz-Fein)
Experts note that the current satellite image also clearly shows the aftermath of previous large-scale fires in the “Askania-Nova” steppe that occurred during the occupation.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported on the consequences of the occupation of the “Askania-Nova” reserve. After being seized by the Russians, the territory suffered significant losses due to fires, destruction of the ecosystem, lack of resources, and illegal removal of rare animals. There are also reports of pressure on employees, environmental damage, and documentation of war crimes, while Ukrainian scientists continue their research remotely.
We previously reported on what the reserve was like before the full-scale war in Ukraine began.
