The Impact of War on Ukraine’s Wildlife and Ecosystems

Wed, 06 May 2026 19:36:00 +0200

The ongoing war in Ukraine has severe consequences for wildlife, both direct and indirect. Approximately a third of Ukraine’s territory is mined, posing lethal risks not only to humans but also to animals. Beyond explosives, fires, environmental contamination, and poaching are significant threats. History shows that wars often occur in biodiversity-rich areas, causing long-lasting effects. Studies from Africa and Vietnam demonstrate that conflicts can decimate animal populations, damage ecosystems, and leave chemical pollutants that persist for decades. Border barriers, often erected due to geopolitical tensions, further isolate animal populations, reducing genetic diversity and disrupting migration. In Ukraine, bears, lynxes, wolves, foxes, and many smaller species face increased threats, with some populations potentially on the verge of local extinction. Interestingly, predators such as wolves and foxes can temporarily benefit from war conditions due to increased food availability fr