Scientists studying the unique fauna of the Chernobyl zone have made unexpected conclusions: the territory that became a symbol of one of the largest man-made disasters in human history may be safe for life. Studies of black eastern tree frogs, which have adapted to the increased radiation background, question the established ideas about the unsuitability of this area for humans.
One of the symbols of the changes caused by the disaster is the eastern tree frog, whose skin has changed from green to black. According to Germán Orizaola, a researcher at the University of Oviedo in Spain, the melanin in the frogs' dark skin helps them better withstand radiation. However, this mutation occurred shortly after the 1986 accident and is not related to current radiation levels.
“We found no difference in age or aging rate between frogs collected inside and outside the exclusion zone,” Orizaola said, suggesting that current levels of radiation are not having a significant impact on their health.
Scientists say that more than 90% of the radioactive material released by the accident has already decayed. The most dangerous isotopes, such as iodine-131, decayed within months of the disaster. Many areas in the exclusion zone now have radiation levels comparable to those found naturally in many parts of the world.
Researchers believe that the ecological situation in the zone is even better than in many densely populated regions. For 38 years, the absence of human activity has allowed biodiversity to flourish, transforming the zone into a unique nature reserve.
Despite the encouraging data, Germán Orizaola calls for the exclusion zone to be left without human intervention. “The value of the area as a natural laboratory for studying the effects of radiation and as a key area for nature conservation outweighs its suitability for human habitation,” he believes.
The researcher proposes turning the Chernobyl zone into a nature reserve and memorial that will remind us of the tragedy and serve as an example of the interaction of nature with man-made factors.
The Chernobyl zone remains an example of how nature can adapt to extreme conditions. Unique studies, such as the study of black frogs, open new perspectives in understanding the impact of radiation on ecosystems and living organisms. However, this does not mean that humanity has the right to new exploitation of these lands.
