Žuvintas
Žuvintas
a preserve in Alytus Raion, Lithuanian SSR. Established in 1946 to protect the habitat of various water-fowl, as well as relict and rare plant species typical of the southwestern part of the republic. Its area of 5,421 hectares (1970) includes Lake Žuvintas (1,032.6 hectares) and adjacent swamps, pine forests, and meadows. Mammals native to the area include the fox, raccoon dog, otter, roe deer, and European hare; the wild boar, elk, badger, pine marten, and squirrel are also found. A few dozen mute swans nest yearly in clumps of reeds and on floating islands. In all, about 220 bird species have been observed.