Przewalski’s Horses and the Battle for the Steppe: The Story of Askania-Nova

Nestled in the southern heart of Ukraine, Askania-Nova is one of the world’s oldest and most significant biosphere reserves. Established in 1898 by Baron Friedrich Faltz-Fein, a German noble with a passion for nature, it began as a personal sanctuary for steppe wildlife and has since evolved into a global ecological treasure. Askania-Nova spans over 33,000 hectares and is renowned for its vast, untouched steppe ecosystem, housing more than 500 plant species and 3,000 animal species, including rare Przewalski’s horses, zebras, and bison. In 1984, it was recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Today, Askania-Nova stands as a living testament to conservation, blending history, wildlife, and science, despite the challenges it faces from both human impact and recent wartime occupation.

Przewalski’s Horses and Zebras: Icons of Askania-Nova’s Conservation Success

The Return of the Przewalski’s Horse

One of Askania-Nova’s most iconic inhabitants is the Przewalski’s horse, a symbol of both the reserve’s historic achievements and its ongoing commitment to conservation. These wild horses, native to the steppes of Central Asia, are the last truly wild horses in the world, having never been domesticated. By the mid-20th century, they had disappeared from the wild due to hunting, habitat loss, and competition with domestic animals.

The first group of Przewalski’s horses was introduced to Askania-Nova in 1899, under the vision of Baron Friedrich Faltz-Fein. The introduction was a pioneering effort in wildlife conservation, aimed at both preserving the species and studying its behavior in a controlled yet natural environment. Askania-Nova became the first place in the world to host these horses in a protected area, and it played a critical role in their survival.

During the 1960s, Przewalski’s horses were declared extinct in the wild, but the population at Askania-Nova continued to thrive. Thanks to careful breeding and acclimatization programs, the reserve has successfully maintained one of the largest populations of these wild horses in the world. Their presence in Askania-Nova represents a unique achievement in species conservation, and the reserve has sent numerous horses to other protected areas globally to help reintroduce them into their natural habitats.

The Przewalski’s horses at Askania-Nova are particularly significant because they are not just part of a zoo or sanctuary; they are part of a larger ecological experiment that involves integrating rare and endangered species into the steppe ecosystem, with minimal human intervention. Today, the horses roam freely within the reserve, adapting to the Ukrainian steppes much as they would in their native Central Asia.

Zebras: An Unexpected Success Story

In addition to Przewalski’s horses, Askania-Nova is also home to a thriving population of zebras. Introduced to the reserve by Faltz-Fein, Burchell’s zebras (also known as plains zebras) were among the first non-native species to be successfully acclimatized to the region. These zebras, native to southern and eastern Africa, have adapted remarkably well to the Ukrainian steppe environment. Their success in Askania-Nova is a testament to the reserve’s role as a pioneer in the science of acclimatization—the process of adapting animals to new environments so they can thrive outside their native range.

Burchell’s zebras in Askania-Nova have become an integral part of the steppe ecosystem, grazing alongside other ungulates like antelopes and Przewalski’s horses. The zebras’ presence in the reserve provides valuable insights into the behavior and social structures of herbivores and their role in maintaining the balance of grassland ecosystems. The large enclosures, where these animals can roam freely, mimic their natural habitats, allowing them to interact with the environment in a way that helps maintain the natural order of the steppe.

Askania-Nova During World War II: Survival Amidst Destruction

Askania-Nova has survived numerous challenges throughout its long history, but none were as perilous as the trials it faced during World War II. The reserve, like much of Ukraine, was caught in the crossfire between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. During the war, Askania-Nova’s remote location made it a target for military occupation, plundering, and destruction. However, the resilience of the reserve’s infrastructure, and the dedication of its staff, ensured its survival.

The War’s Impact on Askania-Nova

When the German Army occupied southern Ukraine in 1941, Askania-Nova, like many other cultural and scientific institutions, was looted. The library and museum, which housed invaluable scientific and historical artifacts, were taken by the occupying forces. However, the reserve’s animals remained largely undisturbed. In fact, the animals at Askania-Nova became one of the few constants amidst the chaos of war. Despite the destruction of nearby towns and infrastructure, the wild ungulates, including the Przewalski’s horses and zebras, continued to roam the steppe.

During the German occupation, the reserve’s staff managed to maintain the animals in a relatively protected environment, though the challenges were immense. Many of the workers were displaced or conscripted into military service, and resources were scarce. Despite this, Askania-Nova’s legacy as a sanctuary for rare and endangered species remained intact, largely due to the dedication of its employees, some of whom stayed behind in secret to care for the animals.

After the war, the reserve faced another challenge: the Soviet regime’s repressive policies, which targeted scientists, including those working in conservation. One of the most tragic figures from this period was Vladimir Stanchinsky, a leading figure in Soviet ecology and one of Askania-Nova’s most respected directors. In the 1930s, Stanchinsky was arrested and died in prison, a victim of Stalinist purges. Despite these losses, Askania-Nova managed to rebuild, and by the postwar years, the reserve was once again on the path to becoming an international model of conservation.

Askania-Nova’s Legacy and the Battle for the Steppe

Askania-Nova has stood as a beacon of conservation, surviving both natural and man-made challenges over the years. From the days of Faltz-Fein’s visionary reserve to its pivotal role in the reintroduction of Przewalski’s horses, the reserve’s history is deeply intertwined with global conservation efforts.

Facing Modern Challenges

Yet, despite its successes, the reserve faces an uncertain future, particularly in light of the ongoing geopolitical crisis. The Russian occupation of the southern Kherson region, where Askania-Nova is located, has put the reserve’s delicate ecosystem at risk. Fires, resource theft, and damage to the infrastructure have all taken a toll. But the reserve’s unique biodiversity, from the majestic Przewalski’s horses to the herd of Burchell’s zebras, remains a testament to the resilience of both the animals and the people who work to protect them.

Impact of the Russian Invasion

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Askania-Nova has been severely impacted, with Russian forces looting the reserve’s rare animals, including Przewalski’s horses and zebras, for exploitation and profit. Military actions also caused extensive environmental damage, including intentional fires that scorched over 1,400 hectares of the steppe, and low-flying aircraft terrorized wildlife, leading to animal deaths. The reserve’s staff, many of whom refused to cooperate with the occupiers, continued to care for the animals under increasingly perilous conditions, but the scale of destruction and theft has severely undermined Askania-Nova’s conservation efforts.

The Enduring Legacy of Askania-Nova: A Sanctuary Amidst Adversity

In conclusion, Askania-Nova is much more than a biosphere reserve—it is a living testament to the power of nature, conservation, and human determination.

Askania-Nova’s continued survival in the face of such adversity underscores the importance of preserving our planet’s ecological treasures. The efforts of its caretakers, who remain committed to safeguarding its wildlife despite immense personal and professional risks, offer a powerful reminder of the critical role each of us can play in protecting the Earth’s most vital ecosystems. While its future remains uncertain amidst geopolitical tensions, the legacy of Askania-Nova will continue to inspire conservationists and nature lovers worldwide, reminding us all that the battle for the steppe—and for our planet—remains a fight worth having.