Pădurea Domnească

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

Pădurea Domnească is situated along the bank of the Prut River, right next to the border of Moldova with Romania. The closest town to the reserve is Glodeni. This area is important for protecting natural habitats and studying plants and animals in a well-preserved environment.

Biodiversity

Pădurea Domnească is the only place in Moldova where European bison can be found. These bison were brought from Kampinos and Białowieża national parks in Poland in 2005. They started in a small nursery and grew to seven by 2018. The reserve helps protect many rare animals and plants, including 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 that connect it to nearby natural sites. These trails lead to interesting places such as the O sută de movile landscape reserve, which has more than 3500 mounds, springs, and small lakes. Visitors can also explore Cheile Buteşti, a gorge with tall limestone cliffs, and Stînca Mare reefs, the remains of an ancient coral reef. There are also plots of old oak groves with very large trees.