Uzhanskyi National Park

Uzhanskyi Overview

Uzhanskyi National Park, known locally as Ужанський національний природний парк, is located in western Ukraine, near the borders with Poland and Slovakia.

Covering approximately 154 square miles (400 square kilometers), this protected area is part of the larger UNESCO-designated “Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.” The park is situated in the Carpathian Mountains, a region known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque river valleys. T

he Uzh River, from which the park takes its name, meanders through the landscape, shaping the terrain and providing a vital water source. The area features a mixture of beech, fir, and spruce forests, with some trees dating back centuries. Rugged hills and peaks, such as Mount Pikuy, the highest in the region at 4,670 feet (1,424 meters), offer breathtaking views of the undisturbed wilderness.

Wildlife in Uzhanskyi National Park is diverse, with several species that are rare or endangered. Large mammals such as brown bears, wolves, and lynxes roam the forests, while red deer and roe deer are commonly sighted. The park is also home to the European bison, which has been successfully reintroduced to parts of the Carpathians.

Birdwatchers can find species like the golden eagle, black stork, and Eurasian eagle-owl among the many avian inhabitants. The variety of ecosystems, from riverbanks to highland forests, supports an array of smaller creatures, including amphibians, reptiles, and numerous insect species, making the park a rich biodiversity hotspot.

Visitors to Uzhanskyi National Park are drawn to its pristine landscapes and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hiking is one of the most popular activities, with trails leading through ancient forests, up scenic ridges, and along river valleys.

The Carpathian region is known for its wooden churches, and travelers can visit historical villages where traditional Ukrainian mountain culture is still preserved. Cycling and horseback riding are also popular, allowing visitors to explore deeper into the wilderness. During the winter, the park’s higher elevations receive snowfall, making it a destination for cross-country skiing and other winter sports. Guided eco-tours provide insight into the region’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

The park faces conservation challenges, including illegal logging and the impacts of climate change, which threaten the delicate balance of its ecosystems. However, its status as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site has helped strengthen conservation initiatives.

Efforts to expand sustainable tourism and promote environmental education have been successful in raising awareness about the park’s ecological significance. Reforestation projects and the protection of key wildlife corridors ensure that species like the European bison continue to thrive.

Uzhanskyi National Park remains a crucial refuge for wildlife and a treasured natural landscape, offering visitors a chance to experience the untouched beauty of the Carpathians.

Park Map

Uzhanskyi National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The Uzhanskyi National Park is an essential bird habitat, with its ancient beech forests, mountain slopes, and river valleys providing excellent nesting and feeding grounds. Here are some of the most iconic bird species found in the park.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A powerful predator, the golden eagle hunts hares, marmots, and even young deer. It is often seen soaring over the park’s valleys and cliffs.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
A dominant bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle is often seen soaring over rivers and lakes, hunting fish, waterfowl, and small mammals.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
A large and striking member of the grouse family, the capercaillie is known for its elaborate courtship displays in the park’s forests.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
A nocturnal hunter, the Ural owl preys on rodents, small birds, and amphibians in the park’s dense woodlands.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a formidable nocturnal predator, hunting rabbits, hedgehogs, and other birds.

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.

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

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)
A rare and striking alpine bird, the wallcreeper clings to rock faces in the park’s high-altitude areas, hunting insects.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
A unique bird of prey, the honey buzzard specializes in feeding on bees and wasps, using its strong beak to raid hives.

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.

Uzhanskyi National Park remains one of Ukraine’s most ecologically significant protected areas, safeguarding its diverse wildlife while preserving the ancient beech forests and rugged landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains.

The Uzhanskyi National Park, located in the Carpathian Mountains of western Ukraine, is a pristine protected area known for its ancient beech forests, rugged mountain terrain, and the scenic Uzh River valley. As part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians, the park provides a crucial refuge for many rare and endemic species. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Uzhanskyi National Park.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A stealthy and elusive predator, the Eurasian lynx thrives in the park’s dense forests, hunting hares, roe deer, and smaller mammals.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos)
One of the largest predators in the park, the Carpathian brown bear roams the forests and river valleys, foraging for berries, roots, fish, and small mammals.

Wolf (Canis lupus lupus)
A key predator in the region, the wolf hunts in packs and preys on deer, wild boar, and smaller mammals, playing an essential role in maintaining ecological balance.

Carpathian Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra carpatica)
An agile mountain-dwelling species, the Carpathian chamois navigates the park’s rocky cliffs and alpine meadows, feeding on grasses and mosses.

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

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A resilient and highly adaptable species, the wild boar forages through the park’s undergrowth, searching for roots, nuts, and small animals.

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

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

Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
A striking amphibian with black and yellow markings, the fire salamander is commonly found in the park’s damp forests, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

European Adder (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in the park, the European adder is often seen basking in sunny areas and preying on small rodents and amphibians.