Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

Danube Biosphere Reserve occupies almost 50,000 hectares. It is considered to be the biggest swampland reserve in Europe! The richness of the flora and fauna of the Danube delta makes it a unique place in Europe.

The Danube delta is the ecological heart of Eastern Europe and one of the largest wetlands with water channels, reedbeds, numerous lakes, meadows, marshes, flooded forests, sands, and remnants of the steppes. The 2,860 kilometers-long Danube has the second longest river basin area in Europe. Part of reserve is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The territory of the Biosphere Reserve includes the islands along the Danube, reedbeds to the north from the river, delta water bodies and areas bordering the sea (2 km from the coast).

There are hundreds of species of rare plants, exotic animals and fish. Many of them are in Ukraine’s endangered species list. The main inhabitants of the reserve are birds. You may see European white pelicans, white-tailed sea eagles and geese here that enjoy a unique nature of the area.

The Danube delta is home to over 40 species of mammals, 100 kinds of fish and a lot of reptiles and insects. It also boasts a rich and diverse flora with over 1,500 plants.