Somyne Swamps in north-eastern Ukraine is one of the best-preserved peatlands in the country. The main area of the Site is a large swamp with sedge and sphagnum dominating and sparse forest growth. Other habitats include a lake and a small number of eutrophic swamps, and alder and pine forest swamps. The bog is one of the biggest in the Polesia region of Eastern Europe. It is almost unchanged by land drainage which took place during the Soviet era, and it plays an important role in maintaining the hydrological regime of a large region of western Polesia. It is critically important for wetland, forest and meadow ecosystems and for the biodiversity which they host, including large number of rare species. The Site provides habitats for over 780 native plant species and 580 animal species, including 89 species protected nationally and internationally. The globally threatened greater spotted eagle Aquila clanga regularly breeds on the Site, using small forested islands for nesting and surrounding bogs for feeding. The Site also serves as an important breeding habitat for other wetland-dependent bird species, including the common crane, wood sandpiper Tringa glareola and great grey owl Strix nebulosa.