Kasova Hora has provided a haven for Przewalski's horse, northern spotted deer, and mouflons. In exchange, they are preserving the rare steppe there. This system of nature's self-restoration is one man's dream come true. Read the article to learn how it happened.

The marbled polecat is a rare animal found in the Donetsk and Luhansk areas of Ukraine, as well as the Azov steppes. In the area that is currently occupied by russia, it was formerly protected. Scientists thought there were just 100 marbled polecats in all of Ukraine, but in recent years, reports of the animal have increased. We talked to one of the people who witnessed it to find out what is so special about the marbled polecat.

Ground teeth, lost eyesight, and repetitive movements of former circus bears tell us more about training than a million interviews with their abusers. That's why we asked the staff of bear rehabilitation centers about the condition and fate of their residents. This is the first article of the Hey STOP project, a series of publications about the exploitation of animals in circuses.

Every year, thousands of wild hamsters are being killed in Ukraine. However, this is not the only reason why scientists predict its complete extinction by 2050. We talk about the threats to this species and rescue missions with Mykhailo Rusin, a researcher at the Rehabilitation and Reintroduction Center for Rare Species at Kyiv Zoo and the founder of the Hamster Rescue Center.

From patrolling the streets to going undercover, Mark Randell spent over three decades in law enforcement. After retiring from the police force, he dedicated himself to exposing a category of crime that is often overlooked: crimes against animals. In our conversation with Mark Rendell, we find out how he managed to reduce the number of pheasants brought to Britain to be killed, and what it takes to go undercover in the world of illegal dog fighting.

Illegal wildlife trade is one of the most powerful criminal businesses in the world. According to Interpol, its annual turnover ranges from $7 billion to $23 billion. These figures are surpassed only by human trafficking, drug trade, and arms dealing.

How the heron Marfa scolds a photographer, his meeting with the King of Belgium, and how an old cot became a shelter — read all about it in an interview with the globally renowned photographer Viacheslav Mishchenko.

Forty years ago, UNESCO recognized Askania-Nova as one of the world's model natural reserves. It is the oldest steppe biosphere reserve globally and the largest in Europe. However, two and a half years ago, Askania fell under russian occupation and now faces severe neglect. In an interview for the #StopEcocideUkraine project, Reserve Director Viktor Shapoval talked about the devastating impact, including animal deaths, trenches in virgin steppes, and fires.

Kamianska Sich is a place rich in history and home to a unique steppe ecosystem. Two Ukrainian scientists grew so fond of this area that they dedicated themselves to studying and protecting it. Even now, after nine months of russian occupation and under constant shelling, they continue their work. Learn about what they have discovered so far and what they plan to explore next in this article, which is part of the #StopEcocideUkraine project.

Black water. Shores covered in dead fish, crayfish, and snails. The unbearable stench. These are the consequences of pollution that came from russia and poisoned the Seym and Desna rivers in August. Local communities are still assessing the consequences, but they are already bracing for further contamination. This report from the scene reveals that russia commits environmental crimes not only through warfare.

The importance of studying and protecting wetlands

A slightly playful quiz that can help you discover something new about yourself and some rare Ukrainian animals.

How does explosive ordnance affect wildlife and natural areas? How long will it take to remove these threats from unique natural environments? We examine these issues as part of the #StopEcocideUkraine project.

What archaeology and animal protection have in common

What is happening to Ukrainian nature reserves under occupation? The destruction of entire ecosystems for the sake of profit, consumerism, and russia's further expansionist ambitions, the killing and theft of animals... Read about these and other russian environmental crimes in the OSINT investigation as part of the #StopEcocideUkraine project.

How can you combine your love for TV shows and animals? Of course, by taking this quiz!

Meet the bears Synochok, Liubochka, Chada, and Mykhasyk, as well as their half-wolf neighbor, Nymphadora. They were once treated as objects: kidnapped from their dens, forced to perform in circuses, confined to cramped cages, sold and resold. Now, they live in spacious enclosures with semi-natural conditions. Finally, they have a choice.