Hetman National Park

Popular

The Hetman National Park, located in northeastern Ukraine along the Vorskla River, is a diverse protected area known for its vast floodplain forests, meandering rivers, and wetland ecosystems. This park plays a crucial role in preserving the unique biodiversity of the region, providing a sanctuary for a variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Hetman National Park.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A graceful and adaptable herbivore, the European roe deer is commonly found grazing in the park’s meadows and forest edges, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and tree shoots.

Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)
An essential species in the park’s wetland ecosystems, the Eurasian beaver constructs dams and lodges along the Vorskla River, creating habitats for many other species.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A highly adaptable species, the wild boar thrives in the park’s woodlands and floodplain forests, foraging for roots, berries, nuts, and small animals.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A secretive and powerful predator, the Eurasian lynx hunts hares, deer, and small mammals in the park’s dense forests.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
A cunning and opportunistic predator, the red fox hunts small mammals, birds, and insects while also scavenging along the riverbanks and meadows.

European Badger (Meles meles)
A nocturnal burrowing mammal, the European badger digs extensive tunnel systems in the park’s forests and feeds on earthworms, insects, small rodents, and berries.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
Originally from East Asia, the raccoon dog thrives in the park’s wetlands and forests, scavenging for fruits, insects, and small mammals.

Common European Viper (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in the park, the common European viper is often found basking in sunny clearings and preying on small rodents and amphibians.

Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
A striking amphibian with black and yellow markings, the fire salamander inhabits the park’s damp forested areas, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis)
A rare and protected reptile, the European pond turtle is found in the park’s wetlands and slow-moving waters, feeding on small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Birds

The Hetman National Park is an essential refuge for numerous bird species, including raptors, waterfowl, and forest birds. Its river valleys, wetlands, and old-growth forests provide critical nesting and foraging habitats. Here are some of the most iconic bird species found in the park.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
A dominant bird of prey in the region, the white-tailed eagle is often seen soaring over the park’s rivers and wetlands, hunting fish and waterfowl.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
A rare and secretive species, the black stork nests in the park’s remote woodlands and feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A tall and elegant bird, the common crane breeds in the park’s wetlands and performs elaborate courtship dances during the mating season.

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
A skilled hunter of wetland areas, the marsh harrier glides over reeds and marshes in search of fish, small mammals, and birds.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A striking white wading bird, the great egret is often seen along the park’s riverbanks and wetlands, where it hunts for fish, amphibians, and insects.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
A brilliant blue and orange bird, the common kingfisher is frequently spotted near the park’s waterways, diving into the water to catch small fish.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
A striking and common bird in the park’s forests, the great spotted woodpecker feeds on insects hidden beneath tree bark and plays a vital role in pest control.

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
A small but agile bird, the Eurasian nuthatch is known for its ability to climb down tree trunks headfirst while searching for insects.

Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)
A colorful and stocky finch, the hawfinch has a powerful beak capable of cracking open hard seeds such as cherry pits and acorns.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A large and elegant waterfowl species, the whooper swan breeds in the park’s wetlands and shallow lakes, feeding on aquatic vegetation.

Hetman National Park remains one of Ukraine’s most ecologically significant protected areas, preserving its rich biodiversity while offering a sanctuary for numerous species of wildlife in the forests, rivers, and wetlands of the Vorskla River basin.