Edelweisses Disappeared in the Carpathians: Scientists Record Alarming Change in the Ecosystem of Svydovets
30 July 2025 19:09
The scientists of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve did not record any edelweiss during their research in the highlands of Svydovets, in particular on the rocks of Zhandarma and the peaks of the Blyznytsia Mountains. This may indicate serious changes in the alpine ecosystem.
This is stated in the message of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve on Facebook, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The Gendarme Rocks, which lie near Mount Velyka Blyznytsia, have been considered a botanical natural monument of national importance since 1975. In 1997, the territory became part of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve. Due to its inaccessibility, unique habitats of rare mountain plants, including endemics and arcto-alpine species, have been preserved here.
on July 24, experts conducted a comprehensive survey of the top areas of the Svydovets massif. Within one square meter, the researchers recorded up to 20 species of rare plants, including Alpine aster, fat woman, Kochi cornflower, Carpathian cat’s feet, Waldstein’s thistle, Alpine bartsia, pink rhodiola, and others.
However, the results also have disturbing aspects. A decrease in the localities of certain medicinal plants due to uncontrolled collection has been recorded. It is especially unfortunate that the monitoring did not reveal the Alpine squirrel (edelweiss), the legendary “silk braid” that used to grow on rocky shelves.
Scientists called this a “wake-up call” and called for increased protection measures in the highlands of the Carpathians. Svydovets’s research should form the basis for long-term strategies to preserve the region’s biodiversity.
Earlier it was reported that the first three protection zones were created in Khmelnytsky region to protect the objects of the Red Book of Ukraine and forest biodiversity.
