Scientists studying the unique fauna of the Chernobyl zone have made unexpected conclusions: the territory, which has become a symbol of one of the largest man-made disasters in the history of mankind, can be safe for life. Studies of black eastern tree frogs, which have adapted to an elevated radiation background, challenge established ideas about the unsuitability of this area for humans.
One of the symbols of the changes caused by the disaster was the oriental tree frogs, whose skin changed color from green to black. According to Herman Orizaola, a researcher at the University of Oviedo in Spain, the melanin in the frogs' dark skin helps them resist radiation more effectively. However, this mutation occurred shortly after the 1986 accident and is unrelated to current radiation levels.
"We found no difference in age or rate of aging between frogs collected inside and outside the exclusion zone," Orizaola said. This shows that the current level of radiation does not have a significant impact on their health.
Scientists note that more than 90% of the radioactive material released as a result of 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 today have a radiation background comparable to the natural one in various 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, turning the area into a unique nature reserve.
Despite the encouraging data, Herman Orizaola calls for leaving the exclusion zone without human intervention. "The value of the territory as a natural laboratory for studying the effects of radiation and as a key area for nature conservation exceeds its suitability for human habitation," he believes.
The researcher proposes to turn the Chernobyl zone into a nature reserve and memorial, which will remind 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 effects of radiation on ecosystems and living organisms. However, this does not mean that humanity has the right to new exploitation of these lands.
