KHOMUTOVSKI STEPPE NATURE RESERVE Objectives for Managing the Reserve

1.	To prevent further deterioration of populations of rare animal, fungal and plant species, particularly those listed in the Ukrainian Red Data Book.
2.	To improve populations of rare and/or declining species which have suffered from the reserve's policy of absolute non-intervention or from previous inadequate action to protect them.
3.	To accumulate scientific data regarding processes taking place in steppe ecosystems as a result of absolute non-intervention, mowing, burning and grazing (particularly by horses).
4.	Following articles 15 and 16 of the Law of Ukraine "On Protected Areas in Ukraine", to organize protection of the reserve in a way which prevents illegal trespassing, unauthorized cattle grazing and naturally occurring fires.
5.	To disseminate positive experience concerning management and protection of the reserve.
6.	To promote public environmental education in Ukraine.

Through these objectives, this management plan will test the idea, new for Ukrainian nature reserves, of using grazing animals to prevent shrub encroachment and to preserve grassland biodiversity. If successful, use of this technique could be extended to other similar reserves within the country.