2023 Сalendar "Red Book of Ukraine"

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Сalendar-2024. Red Book of Ukraine

In 2023, I took part in an interesting project from the community of Ukrainian illustrators @IllustratorsUA.

I was one of 170 illustrators who drew 366 arts for an exclusive calendar for 2024. The theme of the calendar was the Red Book of Ukraine, so we drew rare species of animals, fish, plants and mushrooms.

I want to show three of my illustrations for this wonderful project.

Сommon firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla)

She is the smallest bird of the fauna of Ukraine. This baby is up to 9 cm long and weighs up to 7 g, but has a fiery, belligerent character and is constantly on the move, singing at a very high pitch. These features and bright bangs inspired me to depict this bird as a fan of punk music , I can easily imagine how it swings on a thin branch listening some breaking track.

The status of the species is unassessed.

Aconite (Aconitum lasiocarpum)

This plant blooms from July to September, and is widespread mainly in the Eastern Carpathians. Do not be fooled by its beauty, because, like most representatives of the genus, it is poisonous. In ancient times, aconites were used to make poison ointment for arrowheads, as well as against wild animals.

The status of the species is vulnerable.

Long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus)

In Ukraine, seahorses are common in the Black Sea near all shores at depths of up to 20 meters. This fish has a very strong skeleton, eyes that can independently look in different directions, and the ability to change color, disguising itself with its surroundings. For reproduction, females lay eggs in the abdominal pouch of males, and they carry and give birth to already developed fry. Unfortunately, the seahorse has become easy prey for humans - it has been overfished for use as a tourist souvenir. Now it is prohibited, and in the places where the populations are located, a protected regime is established.

The status of the species is vulnerable.