Research on the impact of war on protected areas of Southern Ukraine

  • L. A. Horoshkovа National university of Kyiv Mohyla academy, 2, Skovorody Str., Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7142-4308
  • O. I. Menshov Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 60, Volodymyrska Str., Kyiv, 01033, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7280-8453
  • Y. D. Korniichuk National university of Kyiv Mohyla academy, 2, Skovorody Str., Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0742-3213
  • S. V. Horoshkov 1 Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 60, Volodymyrska Str., Kyiv, 01033, Ukraine 2 V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4, Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4310-9165
  • O. A. Golub 3Justus Liebig University Giessen 23 Ludwigstrasse, 35390 Giessen, Germany 4National university of Kyiv Mohyla academy, 2, Skovorody Str., Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1823-2523
  • K. A. Skrynchenko National university of Kyiv Mohyla academy, 2, Skovorody Str., Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5984-3870
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26565/1992-4224-2025-43-10
Keywords: Biriuchyi Island, wildfire monitoring, satellite remote sensing, FRP, NDVI, ecosystem degradation, ungulates, vegetation loss, fire dynamics, occupation, Google Earth Engine

Abstract

Purpose. To conduct an integrated analysis of the dynamics and ecological consequences of wildfires on Biriuchyi Island (Azovo-Syvash National Nature Park) between 2014 and 2024 using satellite monitoring tools. The study aims to identify spatial and temporal patterns of fire occurrence, assess their impact on vegetation and fauna, and highlight the environmental threats exacerbated by the ongoing occupation and lack of fire management.

Methods. The study utilized NASA FIRMS (MODIS and VIIRS sensors), Sentinel-2 data, Google Earth Engine, and weather archives (RP5) to detect and map fire anomalies. Temporal-spatial analysis was performed based on fire radiative power (FRP), thermal brightness, fire coordinates, and weather parameters. Multisource data were integrated to validate fire events, and Sentinel-based NDVI changes were analyzed to assess vegetation damage.

Results.Two primary fire peaks were identified: June and August 2024. The highest FRP (35.15 MW) and temperature (367 K) were recorded on June 10. Fires exhibited clear diurnal patterns– higher intensity during the day and more detections at night. Vegetation loss and fire scars were confirmed via Sentinel imagery. Occupation-related factors (lack of suppression, military activities) were linked to increased fire spread. Post-fire satellite data showed significant degradation of native vegetation and fragmentation of habitats for deer, amphibians, and migratory birds.

Conclusions. The fires on Biriuchyi Island have caused severe disruption to ecosystems through soil erosion, vegetation loss, and trophic imbalance. Restoration requires urgent actions: wildlife population monitoring, reforestation with native species, erosion control, and regulation of ungulate density. The use of satellite tools proved essential for detecting small-scale fires and monitoring ecological dynamics in inaccessible territories. Without active intervention, cascading degradation is likely, including microclimatic shifts and invasion of alien species. A long-term management plan is needed to restore and protect this unique ecological area.

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Author Biographies

L. A. Horoshkovа, National university of Kyiv Mohyla academy, 2, Skovorody Str., Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine

DSc (Economy), Professor, Professor of the Department of Ecology

   

 

O. I. Menshov , Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 60, Volodymyrska Str., Kyiv, 01033, Ukraine

DSc (Geology), Senior Researcher, Department of Geoinformatics

       

 

Y. D. Korniichuk, National university of Kyiv Mohyla academy, 2, Skovorody Str., Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine

Bachelor,

 

 

S. V. Horoshkov, 1 Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 60, Volodymyrska Str., Kyiv, 01033, Ukraine 2 V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4, Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine

Bachelor

        

 

O. A. Golub , 3Justus Liebig University Giessen 23 Ludwigstrasse, 35390 Giessen, Germany 4National university of Kyiv Mohyla academy, 2, Skovorody Str., Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine

DSc (Chemistry), Professor,

              

K. A. Skrynchenko , National university of Kyiv Mohyla academy, 2, Skovorody Str., Kyiv, 04070, Ukraine

Postgraduate Student

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Published
2025-06-30
How to Cite
HoroshkovаL. A., Menshov , O. I., Korniichuk, Y. D., Horoshkov, S. V., Golub , O. A., & Skrynchenko , K. A. (2025). Research on the impact of war on protected areas of Southern Ukraine. Man and Environment. Issues of Neoecology, (43), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.26565/1992-4224-2025-43-10
Issue
No. 43 (2025): Man and Environment. Issues of Neoecology
Section
Protected Areas Management

Copyright (c) 2025 Horoshkovа L.A., Menshov O. I., Korniichuk Y. D., Horoshkov S. V., Golub O. A., Skrynchenko K. A.

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