It is the oldest nature protection area in the Lubelskie Region. It was formally established in 1974 but its origins go back to the 16th c. when Chancellor Jan Zamoyski, owner of the Zamoyski Estate, set up a nature reserve called 'Zwierzyniec.' It was a vast area of woodland populated by deer, boars, wolves, lynxes, wildcats and Tarpan horses. Today the Polish pony – a descendant of the Tarpan which has its refuge here, is the symbol of the Roztocze National Park.
The area of the park is in 92% covered by forests, of which the most valuable are fir and Carpathian beech forests. The unique ecosystem of the Roztocze Region has been shaped by natural processes taking place over countless centuries. The climate, characterised by subsequent cold and warm air currents, has determined the type of local vegetation and natural habitats of a vast diversity of animals. The rich and diverse flora of the park features 750 species of plants including 100 rare ones and 40 under special environmental protection (e.g. the wild garlic (Allium ursinum), snowdrop anemones (Anemone sylvestris), sundews and a variety of orchids). The animal world is equally impressive as all typical forest species can be found here – boars, foxes, deer, lynxes, badgers and martens – as well as beavers and otters inhabiting local ponds and rivers. Occasionally elks are seen in the park. The bird population numbers about 200 species (e.g. the lesser spotted eagle, European honey buzzard, white-back woodpecker).
The Museum and Education Centre of the Roztocze National Park is a must-see tourist stop. It offers guided tours of the park, a selection of exhibitions, interesting nature documentaries and educational classes for children and teenagers.
