Kyiv a Nature Preserve?

A census of urban wild animals and plants has begun in Ukraine. The program’s goal is compiling a register of the representatives of undomesticated flora and fauna inside the city’s borders, particularly those included in the Red Book, and also further protection of their native habitats. The nature of a modern city consists of not only stray cats and sparrows, project coordinator Yaroslava MEZHZHERINA told Interfax Ukraine. Even the biggest cities are inhabited by wild animals. For instance, at present 42 species listed in the Red Book are registered within Kyiv city borders, which corresponds to the level of a decent preserve. Among them are insects, bats, birds, etc. All nature lovers living in oblast and rayon centers are encouraged to take part in carrying out the project. It also envisages studying public opinion on which Ukrainian green zones should be protected and researched. After finishing the program it is planned to publish a register of the animal and vegetable kingdoms of Ukrainian cities. The project for researching and protecting the urban untamed nature of Ukraine was supported and financed by the MacArthur Foundation’s Program on Global Security and Sustainability.