EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - UNESCO World Heritage

2.a.9 Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh (Ukraine)
Abiotic Conditions
The “Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh” cluster is an essential part of the Carpathian Biosphere
Reserve (CBR) situated on the Polonynsko-Chornohirskyi Mountain Ridge on the southern
megaslopes of the High Meadow Krasna (the Polonynskyi Physical-Geographic District of the
Polonynsko-Chornohirskyi Region of the Eastern-Carpathian Subprovince). The massif
covers the upper part of the drainage area of Mala Uholjka, Velyka Uholjka and Luzhanka
rivers (right tributaries of the Tisa River). The altitude above sea level elevates within 380-
1501 m. The midlle-mountain to low-mountain landscapes are based on sandy-clayed flysch
with steep slopes covered by a dance network of streams, and they are characteristic for the
northern part of the foregoing cluster, meanwhile, the rocky low-mountain landscapes (with
elements of carst landscape) based on limestone rocks, as well as mountain tops divided by
gorges, are characteristic for its southern part.
Climate is moderate: average annual temperature +7° C, average temperature in July
+17° C and in January -4°C. Average annual precipitation is 948 mm (622 mm during the
vegetation season), average humidity ca. 85%, and snow cover thickness 40-60 (100) cm.
Acid brown soils dominate in the topsoil of the site, and only small parts of the topsoil
(mainly on rocks) belong to initial or primitive soils. The pH balance of brown soils is 4.0,
topsoil is characterized by powerful profiles of 80-150 cm and by low content of rough humus
(ca. 10-12% in upper soil horizons and ca. 1-2% in transitory horizons) and low degree of
amphoteric base saturation (less than 30%). Brown soils based on limestones have a twomember
grid: the upper part identical to acid brown soils, and the lower one to eutrophic soils
(rich in calcium and with neutral reaction). The soils have a rich content of crushed stones; it
is mostly mid-loamy with high penetration of water and air into it.
Biota (vegetation and flora)
The“Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh” cluster is situated in the mountain belt of beech forests.
Local conditions of soil and climate correspond to the ecological-biological peculiarities of
beech because of their growing in a damp and rather soft climate. Within this cluster, the
beech communities are characterized by the very high vitality and they have a climax
character.
The total area of the cluster is 15.033 ha: 8.835 ha - the core area, and 6.198 ha - a buffer
zone. Exactly here the largest massif of the virgin beech forests is situated, and this phenomen
confirms an extraordinary value and the unique nature of the foregoing cluster, as well as the
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