Biosphere functions of the reserve Askania Nova in the South Steppe region of Ukraine

Abstract

The problem of forming a stable ecosystems and preservation of natural diversity under the conditions of the south of Ukraine is discussed. On an example of 100-year experience of the Biosphere Reserve Askania Nova it is shown the different approaches to the preservation of the species and associations; these approaches are the regime absolutely reserve, the introduction and the acclimatization plants and animals in the dendrological and zoo parks, the keeping of the mammals and birds under the semi-free conditions. It is described the biosphere functions of the territory reserve which is in the Pontic bird’s migratory corridor; trans-continental stream of the biotic energy from the Arctic Ocean to the upper reaches to the Nile is carrying out along this migratory corridor. The ways of the forming the region network of the ecosystems are determined, also it is written the negative process which is preventing to realize the Ukrainian Ecological Network Law.