Reserves

Strict reserves are the most strictly controlled protected areas that are established to facilitate the protection and research of Lithuania‘s landscapes that are of scientific environmental or cultural value. All economic activity in strict reserves is forbidden. Only the following activities are permitted in strict reserves:

• research and observations of the course of natural processes;
• implementation of fire prevention measures;
• implementation of sanitary measures in cases of epizootics;
• construction of structures necessary for the implementation of the objectives of the establishment and operation of the strict nature reserve;
• restoration and maintenance of damaged natural landscapes, ecosystems and objects, natural habitats, destruction of invasive species;
• implementation of other measures necessary for the establishment of the reserve.

There are 2 strict reserves in the Žemaitija National Park: Plokštinė and Rukundžiai strict reserves. Their total area is 1227 ha (5.6% of the total territory of the national park).

The purpose of the protection of the Plokštinė strict reserve (845 ha) is to preserve the Plokštinės forest and swamp complex formed in the Plokštinės thermokarst depression of a unique geomorphological structure, with the natural streams of Juodupis and Uošna, as well as water, meadow, wetland and forest habitats of European Community importance and their characteristic plant, fungi and animal species and suitable habitats for, e.g. Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and hazel grouse (Tetrastes bonasia).

Rukundžiai strict reserve (382 ha) preserves the Rukundžiai natural complex of swampy and forested depressions with a natural hydrographic structure, wetland and forest habitats of European Community importance and their characteristic flora and fauna, as well as suitable habitats for the large white-faced darter (Leucorrhinia pectoralis), the large copper (Lycaena dispar), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and hazel grouse (Tetrastes bonasia).