Supporting Wild Animals

Supporting Wild Animals

Khortytsia has put on its winter clothes, and its beauty is a pleasure to behold. However, winter is a challenging period for the wild animals living on the island. Cold weather makes it significantly more difficult for them to survive in their natural environment, so feeding them is essential for maintaining their population. The availability of food ensures the survival of many species of wild animals in extreme winter conditions and deters animals from migrating. This preserves biodiversity in the area.

When feeding wild animals, specialists from the Khortytsia National Reserve consider their natural needs and avoid creating conditions that would make the animals dependent on humans. Feeding should not replace the natural food base or interfere with instincts. The general approach is to preserve the wild environment and help animals only when necessary. Therefore, feeding does not occur constantly, but only during the most extreme conditions.

Forest inhabitants need natural food and mineral salts for the development of a substantial population. Salt is the primary source of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium in the diets of most animals, including mammals, birds, invertebrates, and insects. Animals need salt to regulate fluid balance and maintain the function of cells and internal organs. Wild animals, especially herbivores, often have difficulty obtaining sufficient salt, particularly in the winter when it is scarce in plants. Since animals need salt all year round, in addition to hay and grain feed, “lickers” (salt bricks) are placed in feeders.

As winter approaches, specialists from the Khortytsia National Reserve will begin feeding wild animals for the first time. These events are held with the support of the reserve’s friends, UA Animals, and the Equestrian Club “Family Horse Club”.

The material was prepared by Mykhailo Mulenko, the head of the nature sector of the Khortytsia National Reserve.