S.A.K.A

The Kaniv Nature Reserve was created in 1923 and currently occupies an area of 2027 hectares. The area has been of geological interest since the early nineteenth century. Towards the end of the century archaeologists discovered the remains of the ancient fortess and trade centre of Roden, which was destroyed in the Tatar pogrom of 1239-1240, and a Scythian settlement. The conservation of nature, a wide range of flora and fauna, and its diversity is the main function of the reserve. Man’s earlier trend of deforestation has been reversed. Zoologists and botanists have discovered many thousands of animal and plant species including a large number on both the European and Ukrainian lists of endangered species. Ecological trails have been prepared for organised tours. The Museum of Nature was the family home of the renowned science academic Mikola Fedorovich Bilyashivsky (1867-1926), who carried out much scientific work here, including the discovery of Roden. It is situated near the entrance to the Reserve and features departments on archaeology, palaeontology, forestry, botany, zoology and general ecology. Bilyashivsky’s grave stands near the Museum, as was his wish. The Kaniv Nature Reserve offers a face to face liaison with nature, according to its natural harmonious ways and teaches us to understand the mind, heart, beauty and virtue of this unique haven.