Pădurea Domnească

Princely Forest Nature Reserve

The Princely Forest Nature Reserve (Romanian: Rezervația naturală Pădurea Domnească, pronunciation: \pəˈdure̯a [domˈne̯askə[])_) is a special scientific reserve in Glodeni District, Moldova. It was founded in 1993 and is the largest scientific reserve in Moldova, covering 6,032 hectares.

Pădurea Domnească is next to the Prut River, close to the border of Moldova with Romania. The nearest town is Glodeni. This area helps protect natural homes for plants and animals and lets scientists study them in a safe, natural environment.

Biodiversity

Pădurea Domnească is the only place in Moldova where European bison live. These bison came from Kampinos and Białowieża national parks in Poland in 2005. They began in a small nursery and grew to seven by 2018. The reserve helps protect many rare animals and plants. It is home to 49 kinds of mammals and over 150 kinds of birds. There are also 19 plant species that are in danger of disappearing, and around 575 different plants in total.

Hiking trails

The Princely Forest Nature Reserve is part of several local hiking trails. These trails connect to nearby natural sites. You can visit places like the O sută de movile landscape reserve, which has many mounds, springs, and small lakes. You can also see Cheile Buteşti, a gorge with tall limestone cliffs, and Stînca Mare reefs, the remains of an ancient coral reef. There are also old oak groves with very large trees.