Four decades after the accident, Chernobyl has become one of Europe's largest nature reserves. Covering an area of over 4,500 km², it is larger than almost any other national park on the continent. With next to no human activity at all, the land has been left entirely to nature.

Chernobyl's wildlife today

Research carried out over many years by Ukrainian and international scientists has found that Chernobyl is now home to exceptionally diverse, abundant wildlife. It boasts the highest density of wolves in Europe. The brown bear, which had been hunted to the brink of extinction, once again inhabits its forests. The area is a natural habitat for Eurasian lynx, as well as beavers, otters, capercaillies, black storks, white-tailed eagles and many other species. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area, many of which are threatened at the continental level.

One of the most famous examples is that of Przewalski's horse. This species was saved from extinction with just twelve individuals, and the exclusion zone is now home to one of its largest natural populations in the world. Since being released in 1998, the population has increased sevenfold. The horses show no signs of ill health, and have even moved into the Red Forest, one of the areas initially most affected by radioactive contamination.