Prypiat-Stokhid National Park

Prypiat-Stokhid Overview

Prypiat-Stokhid National Park, located in northwestern Ukraine, spans approximately 155 square miles (400 square kilometers) and is a vast and ecologically rich protected area. It is named after the two major rivers that flow through it, the Prypiat and Stokhid, both of which contribute to the park’s unique wetland and floodplain ecosystem.

This park is a significant part of the Polesia region, a vast natural landscape known for its extensive marshes, meandering waterways, and biodiverse forests. The terrain is characterized by a mosaic of wetlands, peat bogs, river valleys, and alluvial meadows interspersed with patches of mixed forests dominated by pine and oak.

The presence of numerous small lakes, oxbow bends, and river islands enhances the park’s appeal and creates an intricate system of waterways that flood seasonally, shaping the landscape in a dynamic and ever-changing manner.

The park supports a rich array of wildlife, making it an essential refuge for many rare and endangered species. Mammals such as European bison, gray wolves, lynxes, and elk roam the woodlands and wetlands, while beavers and otters thrive in the park’s waterways.

Birdwatchers flock to the park to see an extraordinary diversity of avian species, including the white-tailed eagle, black stork, and various species of herons and cranes. The park is particularly important for migratory birds, serving as a vital resting and breeding ground.

Amphibians and reptiles, such as fire-bellied toads and grass snakes, are also common in the wetland areas. The biodiversity is further enriched by a wide variety of fish species that inhabit the rivers, making the park an attractive destination for anglers.

One of the most popular features of the park is its vast wetland system, which remains one of the most pristine in Europe. The Stokhid River, known for its hundred branches and labyrinth-like waterways, provides a unique setting for kayaking and canoeing, allowing visitors to explore its untouched beauty.

Traditional wooden boats, used by local fishermen for generations, still navigate the quiet waters. Hiking trails and boardwalks take visitors through the park’s scenic landscapes, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Birdwatching towers provide excellent vantage points for spotting rare and migratory birds, especially during the spring and autumn seasons.

Conservation efforts in Prypiat-Stokhid National Park focus on protecting its delicate wetland ecosystems and preserving the biodiversity of the region. The park plays a crucial role in water regulation, helping to prevent floods and maintain water quality for surrounding communities.

However, challenges such as habitat degradation, illegal poaching, and climate change pose ongoing threats to the park’s ecological balance. Sustainable tourism initiatives and conservation programs have been implemented to mitigate these impacts, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and significance of this remarkable landscape.

Park Map

Prypiat-Stokhid National Park Highlights

Wildlife

The Prypiat-Stokhid National Park, located in northwestern Ukraine, is a vast wetland reserve known for its extensive river floodplains, marshes, and dense forests. This park, situated in the Prypiat River basin, is a crucial habitat for many rare and migratory species, supporting a rich biodiversity of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Prypiat-Stokhid National Park.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
A semi-aquatic predator, the European otter thrives in the park’s rivers, lakes, and marshes, feeding on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A highly adaptable species, the wild boar roams the park’s reed beds and floodplain forests, foraging for roots, nuts, berries, and small invertebrates.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A graceful and adaptable herbivore, the European roe deer inhabits the park’s meadows and wetland forests, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and tree shoots.

Golden Jackal (Canis aureus)
An opportunistic predator, the golden jackal hunts small mammals, birds, and carrion along the riverbanks and wetland edges.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
A cunning and opportunistic predator, the red fox thrives in the park’s diverse habitats, hunting small mammals, birds, and insects.

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

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

Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata)
A non-venomous water snake, the dice snake thrives in the park’s floodplains and marshes, feeding primarily on fish and amphibians.

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

Common Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates fuscus)
A burrowing amphibian, the common spadefoot toad is often found in the park’s moist sandy soils, emerging at night to hunt insects.

Birds

The Prypiat-Stokhid National Park is a critical bird habitat, serving as a vital stopover for migratory birds and a breeding ground for many waterfowl and wading birds. The park’s wetlands, floodplains, and reed beds provide ideal nesting and feeding areas. Here are some of the most iconic bird species found in the park.

Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Dalmatian pelican breeds in the park’s shallow wetlands and feeds on fish.

Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
A striking waterbird, the great white pelican is commonly seen gliding over the river floodplains, scooping up fish with its large bill.

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
A distinctive wader with a long, upturned bill, the pied avocet is often seen foraging in shallow waters for crustaceans and insects.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
A unique wading bird, the Eurasian spoonbill sweeps its specialized bill through the water to catch small fish and invertebrates.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
A striking, iridescent bird, the glossy ibis forages in the park’s marshes, using its long, curved bill to probe for insects and crustaceans.

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
A slender wader with long pink legs, the black-winged stilt is often found in the park’s shallow waters, searching for insects and small aquatic creatures.

Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
A large and colorful waterfowl species, the common shelduck breeds in the park’s wetlands and forages along the shoreline.

Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
A migratory seabird, the Sandwich tern nests in the park’s coastal dunes and plunge-dives into the water to catch small fish.

Pallas’s Gull (Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus)
One of the largest gull species, Pallas’s gull breeds in the park’s wetland areas, scavenging for food along the riverbanks and floodplains.

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.

Prypiat-Stokhid National Park remains one of Ukraine’s most ecologically significant protected areas, serving as a sanctuary for migratory birds and supporting a rich diversity of wetland and floodplain wildlife.