Zvanets reserve – most important habitat for Aquatic warblers
The Zvanets reserve and peatland is located in southwestern part of Belarus. It is the most important habitat for Aquatic warblers in the world. From here 100 Aquatic warbler chicks were translocated to Lithuania (Žuvintas).
From the south and north-west, drainage canals border this, Europe’s largest mesotrophic peatland with many open mineral islands. Forests and bushes occupy a part (approximately 18%) of this peatland’s area. Compared to older aerial photographs, the area of open wetlands reduced. Because of this reason, habitat restoration work began, in order to preserve this extremely important habitat.
In part of Zvanets agricultural activities are carried out, mostly it is mowing and production of hay, also livestock grazing on mineral islands.
Zvanets reserve educational routes
Treasures of Zvanets mire
in 2020 the interesting and interactive nature trail was set up. It helps you to get to know more about natural values of fenmire, offers to try out nature treasure trail and to plays some educational games.
The coordinates of the trail: 52.076417, 24.826633
More info in Russian:
The secrets of the plant world
The main educational topics of the route: the uniqueness of the Svanets peatland, peatlands – unique water bodies, their role in nature and human life, human impact on such natural complexes, peatland vegetation, protected species and medicinal herbs. The route is on the Golubskaya nature trail, in the southwestern part ofthe reserve.
664 plant species are found in Zvanets peatland, of which 67 identified species require special protection regime. A significant number of rare species are found in the mineral islands, which in their abudance of species are true oases among homogeneous peatland wegetation.
Route programe and 5 stops within it:
Length of the route: 2 km.
Mode of travel: walking route.
Average duration: 3 hours.
Seasonality: the optimal time is from April to September.
Number of parking spaces: 5.
A 3-hour tour costs 2 rubles per person.
1st stop: start of the route
General information is introduced about the reserve itself and the educational route. The purpose and the rules fo conduct of this educational route is presented. There are two stands here, one of which provides general information about this unique area, it’s importance both internationally and nationally, and the second stand provides information about Aquatic warbler.
2nd stop: what plants grow in the peatland?
Introduction to peatland vegetation, ecological plant groups is given. There is also a stand with information on peatland plants.
3rd stop: our treasure
Biodiversity of the area is introduced, mentioning it’s significance, rare plant species, and there is also an information stand about rare and endangered plant species.
4th stop: natural first aid kit
At this stop we talk about phytotherapy, it’s benefits, medicinal plants, and there is also a stand dedicated to this topic.
5th stop: the role of wetlands in nature
Wetlands are presented as special habitats, the function of these habitats in nature, the advantages and disadvantages of wetlands are discussed. There are also two information stands, one of which provides information on why we should preserve wetlands, and the other stand introduces wetland drainage, it’s advantages and disadvantages.
More information about route and additional services: https://www.itourist.by/tours/taynyrasteniy
Secrets of the bird world
The main educational topics of the route: Zvanets peatland, the uniqueness of the peatlands as a biodiversity-rich areas, birds, that live here and protected bird species. The route is on the Muravinets trail, along the dam in the southern part of the reserve.
110 nesting birds species are found in teh Zvanets, 21 of which are listed in the red Data Book of Belarus. this area is of particular international importance for the conservation of globally endangered Aquatic warbler as well as endangered Greater Spotted Eagle, Great Snipe and Eurasean Curlew. Also Common Cranes, Spotted Crakes and Little Crakes can be found in this area.
Route programe and 3 stops within it:
Length of the route: 1 km.
Mode of travel: walking route.
Average duration: 3 hours.
Seasonality: the optimal time is from April to September.
Number of parking spaces: 3.
A 3-hour tour costs 2 rubles per person.
1st stop: unique place – Zvanets
General information is introduced about the reserve itself and the educational route. The purpose and the rules fo conduct of this educational route is presented. There is also one information stand, which provides information about unique features of the area, it’s importance for the environment both internationally and nationally.
2nd stop: who lives in the peatland?
Visitors are introduced to biodiversity, birds living in and around wetlands, Aquatic warblers in the Zvanets peatland and their role in maintaining the abundance of this species in the world. There are also two information stands here, both of which provide information about protected birds in this area.
3rd stop: predatory birds
Here you will hear about birds of prey and their role in nature, predator-prey relationship. You will also be able to see a stand with information about predatory birds that are typical to the area and you will be able to climb and take a look to the area from 5,8 m high tower.
More information about route and additional services : https://www.itourist.by/tours/birdsecret
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