A large river flood-plain with moderate but long-lasting spring floods. Wet meadows, dry grasslands and alluvial Quercus forests predominate in one of the most extensive alluvial landscapes to be protected in Europe.
Key biodiversity
One of the largest concentrations in Belarus of breeding waterbirds, and one of the most significant staging areas for geese, ducks and waders on spring migration. The site regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds. Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Botaurus stellaris (min. 100 pairs), Aythya ferina (70-150 pairs).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The main threat is drainage of the unprotected flood-plain area. About 30% of the flood-plain area of the site occurs within the zone of high radioactive fallout from Chernobyl, and research is being carried out only in this area. Some of the most important fish-spawning areas in Belarus are situated at this site.
Protected areas
National Partial International None6,500 ha of IBA covered by Zapovednik (Polesski Radio-Ecological, 211,500 ha).
