Askania-Nova
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Askania-Nova (Ukrainian: Асканія-Нова; Russian: Аскания-Нова) is a biosphere reserve in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, located within the dry Tavriya steppe.
The natural reserve was established in 1874 by landowner Friedrich Eduardovych Falz-Fein around German settlement Askania-Nova (founded in 1828). The reserve consists of the acclimatization zoo, botanical garden (210 hectares), and virgin steppe preserve (11,000 hectares, the last such area in Europe) and has total area of 82,500 hectares.
During both World War I and World War II the reserve was devastated.
In addition to local species it hosts ostriches, bisons, antelopes, wild horses, llamas, zebras and many bird species. More then 200 species of foliaceous and coniferous plants were brought from different parts of the world and planted in the dendrologic garden during 1885 - 1902. About 600 higher plants (both perennial and annual), 16 species of which were entered to the Red Data Book of Ukraine, have been preserved in their primary natural form.
The reserve is known for the group of Przewalski's Horse, the largest group kept in captivity, living on area around 30 km².
Today's official name of the reserve is Інститут тваринництва степових районів ім. М.Ф. Іванова "Асканія-Нова" ("Institute of Steppe Animal Farming Askania-Nova").
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