Lithuania begins planning for new state nature reserves

The Lithuanian government has launched preparations to establish new state nature reserves and expand existing ones, state news agency ELTA reported on Saturday.

In early March, the Ministry of Environment announced plans to create three new protected areas: the Radyščius herpetological reserve (20 hectares), the Tyklė botanical-zoological reserve (100 hectares), and the Večiai botanical reserve (20 hectares). The Stračiūnai herpetological reserve will also be expanded from 76 to 100 hectares.

The Radyščius reserve aims to protect pond turtles, while Tyklė will safeguard wetlands and bog forests. The Večiai reserve is intended to preserve rare wooded meadows and other valuable habitats. Expansion of the Stračiūnai reserve seeks to conserve its biological diversity and limit harmful economic activities.

The new and expanded reserves will be located in the municipalities of Druskininkai, Varėna, Kelmė, and Skuodas.