Published on: 2026-10-06
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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In Moscow, the results of a comprehensive survey of 11 specially protected green areas (SPGAs) of the capital, with a total area of 13 thousand hectares, were summarized. It confirmed that these SPGAs preserve unique biodiversity. The study made it possible to assess the condition of the flora, fauna, and soil cover of the SPGAs, as well as to understand how the natural ecosystems of the metropolis function and interact under dense urban development, she said. Yulia Urozhayeva, head of the Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection of the city of Moscow.
The obtained data will be used in the implementation of programs for the conservation of rare species, zoning of territories, and the formation of a unified green framework of the capital. The study was conducted by specialists Department of Environmental Management and Environmental Protection of the City of Moscow in collaboration with the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other scientific organizations. For the first time, a synergetic approach was applied, where classical field observations were supplemented by environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and numerical climate modeling.
“We manage green spaces based on proven scientific data. The survey confirmed that the Specially Protected Natural Areas (SPNA) of the capital preserve unique biodiversity. Scientists discovered rare species, including those long thought to be extinct. For example, the common bitterling was found for the first time since 1997 in the Kuzminki-Lyublino natural-historical park, along with the city’s only population of the agile lizard. In the Setun River Valley nature reserve, DNA analysis detected the presence of the European mink. In the Teply Stan landscape reserve, eDNA analysis confirmed traces of moose and wild boar, proving the important transit role of this area. In the Troparevsky reserve, a breeding pond of the extremely rare crested newt was found,” emphasized Yulia Urozhayeva.
The leaders in species richness were the nature-historical parks “Moskvoretsky” and “Bitsevsky Forest.” The “Moskvoretsky” park features a unique diversity of plants and insects. For example, it is home to the moss Dicranum viride, listed in the Red Book of Russia. Meanwhile, Bitsevsky Forest is recognized as the main reserve for rare birds.
Moreover, mathematical modeling has shown that large green areas act as “cool islands.” On average, these areas are four degrees cooler than zones with dense development. When the area of green spaces is reduced, the air temperature will increase by an average of two degrees, and during periods of anomalous heat — by 3.2 to 3.5 degrees.
Moscow became the first region in Russia to systematically address the problem of invasive species. These are plants alien to a specific area, but which rapidly reproduce there and even cause harm through their spread. Thus, a list of 31 such plant species has been established, categorized by the level of threat and the measures to deal with them.
A large-scale project is presented on the mos.ru portal special project, dedicated to the development of key sectors of Moscow. Among them are transport, industry, healthcare, education, sports, and the construction sector. The special project helps to learn how the capital has changed in recent years, what initiatives aimed at making citizens’ lives even more comfortable are currently being implemented, and what awaits Moscow and its residents in the near future.
On the project’s page “Ecology” You can learn about how the capital is renovating its green fund and expanding environmental education, as well as preparing to make eco-friendly solutions a part of everyday life.
Quickly get the main news on the official channels of the city of Moscow in messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
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