---
title: "Moldova’s Lower Prut reserve shelters rare wildlife "
url: https://moldova1.md/p/89335/moldova-s-lower-prut-reserve-shelters-rare-wildlife
published: 2026-11-04T05:30:00Z
language: en
author: "Gabriela Melnic"
section: "Social"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Moldova’s Lower Prut reserve shelters rare wildlife 

> The Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve in southern Moldova shelters rare birds, mammals and reptiles, while conservationists warn that littering, illegal hunting and fishing threaten the habitats they depend on.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/84c4412f-2b35-4d78-8681-96354c08d13d.jpg)

The Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve in southern Moldova shelters rare birds, mammals and reptiles, while conservationists warn that littering, illegal hunting and fishing threaten the habitats they depend on.

**A refuge for rare wildlife**

The Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve is home to 256 bird species, including 51 considered rare nationally and internationally, according to Viorica Paladi, the reserve's deputy director.

Among the species found in the area are ferruginous ducks, white-tailed eagles, short-toed snake eagles, black-winged stilts and Eurasian avocets. The reserve also provides nesting grounds for white-tailed eagles and shelter for other vulnerable species.

The reserve's wildlife includes 51 mammal species, 14 of which are considered rare. These include European otters, European wildcats and several species of bats.

Reptiles and amphibians add to the area's biodiversity. Rare species include the European pond turtle, the Crimean lizard and the Caspian whipsnake, also known locally as the harmless yellow-bellied snake.

**A key stopover for migratory birds**

The Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve was designated as part of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2018. It is the only biosphere reserve of its kind in the Republic of Moldova.

Similar species can also be found in other protected natural areas across the country, including the Codrii, Plaiul Fagului and Pădurea Domnească reserves.

Wildlife does not recognise administrative boundaries, and the survival of many species depends on suitable habitats extending across larger natural areas, specialists note.

The Lower Prut region is particularly important for migratory birds travelling through the area. Some stop there during seasonal migrations, while others use its wetlands for nesting or wintering.

Protecting biodiversity therefore means preserving not only individual species but also the natural habitats on which they depend.

**Human activity puts habitats under pressure**

Human activities remain a significant threat to the area's ecosystems. Abandoned rubbish, disturbance of wildlife, hunting and fishing during closed seasons can disrupt natural habitats and endanger vulnerable species.

Paladi urged people to take responsibility for protecting the environment, warning that waste left in nature can eventually pollute water and damage wildlife habitats.

*“I believe every person is responsible for their actions. Any rubbish left in nature eventually finds its way into water and the natural environment. We are responsible because we inherited rich wildlife from previous generations, and we have an obligation to pass it on to those who come after us,”* said Paladi.

Specialists are urging visitors to protected natural areas not to leave rubbish, damage vegetation or disturb wild animals.

Safeguarding biodiversity is a shared responsibility, and preserving natural habitats is essential to ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from Moldova's natural heritage.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

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