ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN THE “DNIPRO RAPIDS” GENERAL GEOLOGICAL RESERVE FOLLOWING THE BLASTING OF THE “KAKHOVSKA HPP” DAM

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study assessing the loss of biodiversity in the Dnipro Rapids geological reserve of national importance (the floodplain part of Khortytsia Island) as a result of the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam in June 2023. The catastrophic drop in water levels in the lower reaches of the Dnipro River led to the partial or complete drying up of 23 water bodies (lakes) in the reserve, causing the degradation of unique floodplain ecosystems and the mass death of aquatic organisms. The total area of destroyed bottom vegetation was 85.9 hectares. The greatest losses were suffered by the reservoirs in the northwestern part of the reserve – Lakes Richysche (northern part), Osokorove, Hvardijske, Cherepakhove, and Bezymenne 2. As a result of a field survey using the test plot method and visual accounting, quantitative indicators of the death of representatives of flora and fauna were established. The total number of dead aquatic flowering plants (water lilies, Trapa natans floating water chestnut communities, pondweed, elodea, and kushir) was 309,670. The highest figures were recorded on Lake Osokorove – 211,680 units (average density 21 units/m²) and on Lake Gvardeyske – 93,000 units. The death of the aquatic fern (floating Salvinia natans) on Lake Gvardijske reached 29,000 units over an area of 290 m² (density 100 units/m²). Bivalve mollusks of the Unionidae family suffered mass mortality, with a total of 72,260 units, including 70,000 units (density 20 units/m²) on Lake Osokorove and 9,000 units (density 9 units/m²) on Lake Gvardeyske. The results of the study confirm the high vulnerability of submerged plant communities (water lilies, water chestnuts, pondweeds, salvinia) and slow-moving bottom-dwelling organisms (bivalves) to a sharp drop in water levels, which justifies their use as indicator species in monitoring the post-disaster state of aquatic ecosystems. The quantitative data obtained provide a scientific basis for further monitoring of restoration processes in the floodplain of Khortytsia Island and can serve as evidence for recording environmental crimes committed as a result of the Russian Federation’s military aggression