Summary

Ochrana přírody 3/2025 — 26. 6. 2025 — Summary — Tištěná verze článku v pdf

SUMMARY – Ochrana přírody 3/2025

Härtel H., Pergl J., Perglová I. & Bauer P.: Non-native and Invasive Alien Species Management Strategy at the Regional Level: An Example from České Švýcarsko/Bohemian Switzerland

Invasive alien species are one of main threats to biodiversity worldwide. While at the global level, efforts to eradicate or at least control some invasive alien species may seem difficult or even impossible, at the regional (= sub-national) to local level, their management can be very effective. A differentiated approach to both the selection of invasive alien species and the space and time in which eradication/control may (or may not) be effective is proving to be a key factor. Just such an approach has been chosen for the new Non-native and Invasive Alien Plant Species Management Strategy in the České Švýcarsko/Bohemian Switzerland National Park and the Labské pískovce/Elbe Sandstones Protected Landscape Area 2025-2041 (hereinafter the Strategy), which can also serve as a methodological inspiration for other Specially Protected Areas in the Czech Republic. The Strategy defines priority objectives, which are to inform and involve the public and other target groups, to improve or maintain the current status of the sites of extraordinary value from a point of view of nature conservation and ensure their permanent monitoring and management, to prevent the 2022 fire site from becoming a centre of plant invasions in the České Švýcarsko/Bohemian Switzerland National Park (NP) for selected species, to ensure monitoring and management at key sites for further invasive alien species spreading (especially along watercourses). The strategy is a comprehensive matrix combining 4 types of sites in terms of management objectives, approx. 50 invasive species and a range of 5 levels of management intensity. The most important species concerned are the Tree of heaven, also known as the Ailanthus tree (Ailanthus altissima), Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), pokeweeds (Phytolacca spp.), Wild black cherry (Prunus serotina), Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and the Narrow-leaved ragwort (Senecio inaequidens). The Strategy should be regarded as a starting point only, which must be followed by the preparation of an action plan specifying the necessary procedures and measures as well as the detailed responsibilities of NP’s individual units or staff.    ■

Kosejk J. & Truhlárská P.: The Territorial System of Ecological Stability Plans in Protected Landscape Areas: A Step towards Better Nature Conservation

The Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (NCA CR) has been updating the Territorial System of Ecological Stability (TSES, a multilevel ecological network) plans for a long time. In 2021-2023, it implemented a project called ‘TSES plan in Protected Landscape Areas’, the output of which was the preparation of the current TSES plan for 20 Protected Landscape Areas (PLAs) managed by the NCA CR. Currently, the NCA CR is preparing an update of the TSES plan for the remaining 5 PLAs under its management and for the proposed Krušné hory/Ore Mountains PLA. The basic methodological basis was the updated Methodology for the TSES delineation (Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic 2017), with more emphasis on the specific biological aspects of the area under consideration, namely a greater inclusion of selected natural habitats. The main principle of the TSES delineation was taking into account the current state of the landscape. The biogeographical representativeness principle, i.e. that potential natural ecosystems on more than 95% of the Czech Republic’s territory are forest ecosystems, and therefore that representative biocentres (= core areas of the ecological network) must be mostly forest ones, was not applied there. The division into natural and anthropogenic TSES was not used, too. During the procedure, special emphasis was placed on grassland, woodland and aquatic ecosystems. These sites are often more valuable and harbour higher biodiversity than compact forest cover. It is therefore desirable to preserve the diversity and mosaic nature of these TSES components and to favour regular mowing over afforestation. As a result, the TSES plans for individual PLAs are used as a basis for the preparation of territorial/land-use planning documentation, TSES projects, the implementation of comprehensive land management, forest management plans and water management plans.    ■

Jakubínský J., Donoval J., Štěrbová L. & Pechanec V.: Assessment of Ecostabilizing Floodplain Function in the Czech Republic

The article provides an overview of the key outputs of the “Functional floodplain” project, focused on the assessment of the floodplain ecosystem functions. The main result of the project is a methodological procedure, based on which it is possible to express the magnitude of the human activities impacts in the landscape, which directly or indirectly affect the performance of the basic functions in a specific selected floodplain ecosystem. In the case of intensive land utilization, it is therefore possible to determine whether the given floodplain ecosystem has been still performing certain functions supporting the ecological stability of the area. In practice, the result is useful especially in ​​nature conservation and landscape protection, when making decisions (planning) on ​​the development of areas within floodplains (as Significant Landscape Elements pursuant to Act No. 114/1992 Gazette on Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection, as amended later), or when designing ecosystem restoration actions at degraded sites. The application of the methodology into practice is facilitated by a supporting tool - a web map application displaying the degree of performance of selected ecosystem functions in floodplains at the national level, including the resulting eco-stabilization function and the extended layer of the currently defined floodplains along the main rivers in the Czech Republic.    ■

Dušek M., Bureš P., Hromádka R. & Bogdan V.: Biological Surveillance on Transport Construction Sites

Infrastructure and transport constructions in the countryside (and not only there) usually pose a major impact on nature and the landscape. The negative impacts can be reduced to a large extent by a complex of mitigation and compensation measures. However, all measures must be implemented correctly, including often crucial details, which is unfortunately not a given. A large part of the measures is ordered by State Nature Conservancy authorities under exemptions from the protection conditions for Specially Protected Species, but they may also result from the conditions of the EIA binding opinion and other permits. Fortunately, a condition requiring the developer to carry out biological surveillance has therefore become a standard part of the relevant permits. This is important because it ensures that all conditions are complied with and fulfilled throughout the construction process. Therefore, the primary task of the bio-surveillance is to carry out an environmental risk analysis. In addition, it is necessary to monitor compliance with deadlines (e.g. for tree felling, soil clearance or alteration and relocation of watercourses), the construction and maintenance of temporary migration barriers, the implementation of certain construction works such as watercourse alterations and, last but not least, the felling of trees and their compensatory planting. In addition, the biological surveillance carries out rescue wild plant and animal transfers and continuously monitors the entire construction. In the future, it is essential that bio-surveillance becomes a standard feature of all large-scale construction projects, both during the design and operational phases. It is necessary to convince all actors, including contractors, through the individual cases in practice that early and preventive treatment of all environmental conditions will simplify and speed up their activities. Such an approach will reduce serious conflicts during construction and raise the profile of the State Nature Conservancy in the sector.    ■

Müllerová J. & Forejt M.: New Assessment of Memorial/Veteran Trees in the České středohoří/Central Bohemian Uplands Protected Landscape Area

In 2023-2024, a dendrological assessment of 125 declared Memorial/Veteran Trees (162 individuals) in the České středohoří/Central Bohemian Uplands Protected Landscape Area (northern Bohemia) was carried out. The current documentation was revised and a management plan for the next 10 years was developed. The project outputs also include a possible software for planning and structure of tree inspections. Trees were visually assessed from the ground between July 2023 and April 2024. Each individual was visited twice in the field: once in leafed and once in leafless condition. For each tree, 63 parameters were evaluated and recorded. Some trees are outstanding in landscape terms and shape the character of the site, others provide cultural messages at vanished human settlement sites. The Memorial/Veteran Trees often are trees of exceptional size and of high dendrological value, or they may be trees of significant habitat value. The characteristic should be taken into account when setting the planting target. The trees are divided into five categories, which are further refined by sub-categories. The level of significance is then further qualitatively rated on a five-point scale. Of the 162 trees evaluated, 122 are deciduous (75%) and 40 are coniferous (25%). The representation of rowans or mountain-ashes (Sorbus spp.) among the Memorial/Veteran trees (1 wild service tree Sorbus torminalis, 7 service trees Sorbus domestica evaluated) can be considered exceptional in the Czech Republic. The famous common medlar (Mespilus germanica) tree at the village of Miřejovice is the only Memorial/Veteran Tree of this species in the Czech Republic and probably also the smallest one in the country.    ■

Vrba P, Čížek L., Faltýnek Fric Z., Filippov P., Spitzer L. & Konvička M.: Has the European Spruce Bark Beetle Outbreak Revived the Czech Commercial Forests?

In the Czech Republic, as well as in the whole of Central Europe, there have been unprecedented outbreaks of the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) in the last 20 years, followed by widespread dieback of Norway spruce (Picea abies) plantations (especially) in low elevation areas. The outbreak development has changed the vegetation cover of large sections in the landscape. Thanks to the saving of other tree species during salvage cutting, formations remotely resembling a “savannah” with scattered trees and shrubs have appeared there. Richly flowering herbs, typical of forest clearings, have dramatically increased the nectar supply. Dead wood, which is a scarce resource in commercial forests, was found in unprecedented quantities at some sites. In 2021, the research was conducted in three areas located in different stages of the outbreak, namely in the Nízký Jeseník/Low Jeseník Mts. (northern Moravia/southern Silesia), Křižanovská vrchovina/Křižanov Highlands (the Českomoravská vrchovina/Bohemian-Moravina Highlands) and Lišovský práh Hilly Area (South Bohemia). Four groups of organisms were monitored in all areas - vascular plants, diurnal butterflies, moths and saproxylic beetles. Surprisingly rich communities were found in all monitored groups. The total number of species found is approx. one third of the diurnal butterflies and moths, one eighth of the saproxylic beetles and one tenth of the vascular plants known from the whole Czech Republic. Red-listed species were also found in all the groups. It turns out that the outbreak has spectacularly returned to the Czech Republic’s landscape two phenomena that were historically and prehistorically quite common there – groves/open forests and the associated abundant supply of sun-exposed dead wood. Moreover, the grove or open forest regeneration is only temporary. Most of the areas disturbed by the outbreak will be reforested sooner or later. Nevertheless, some lessons can be learnt from the European spruce bark beetle outbreak that may contribute to the recovery of subsequent stands.    ■

Jelínková J.: Amendment to Act on Compensating Damages Approved

Act No. 115/2000 Gazette on Providing Compensation for Damage Caused by Selected Specially Protected Animals, will be amended as of 1 January 2026. The Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic together with the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic had prepared the basis for this amendment already in 2021, but failed to make it a priority in the legislative process. The key shortcomings of the current law include, in particular, the demanding method of damage administration, the deadlines for submitting applications (the same for reporting single and continuous damage), the range of beneficiaries of damage compensation (many of them are paid by the State itself from the State Budget), the insufficient range of compensation provided (e.g. for damage caused by the Gray wolf Canis lupus, it is not possible to compensate game farm owners), conditions for obtaining the right to compensation (there is no condition for minimum security of livestock against attacks by the Gray wolf) and the law does not stipulate a condition for breeding livestock according to the Breeding Act. The newly approved amendments include, in particular, the list of domesticated animals for which damages are payable (it is extended to all types of livestock species and damages will be payable for all dogs), the establishment of a decree to set the minimum parameters for securing selected livestock species (mainly sheep and goats) against attacks by the Gray wolf, the establishment of the basic principle of liability and prevention, the demonstration of the legality of breeding in terms of Act No. 154/2000 Gazette on Breeding and Documentation of Farmed Animals and Amending of Some Relating Acts and Regulations for selected livestock species in case of damage caused by wolves and other changes. Decrees are currently being drafted to amend the law so that it can be effectively implemented by January 2026.    ■

Pešout P., Šoltysová L. & Růžička T.: Network of Houses of Nature in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, communication with, education of and raising awareness among the general public and the target groups (CEPA) has long been one of the main priorities of the State Nature Conservancy. One of the effective CEPA’s forms is the provision of information directly in the field using the visitor infrastructure. In 2009, the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (NCA CR) adopted the House of Nature Programme with a target to establish a visitor centre in selected Protected Landscape Areas. The concept was approved by the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic in the same year. From the very beginning, its status as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project was crucial for the further Programme’s development. Gradually, the long-term involvement of local and regional partners in CEPA activities and in shaping the whole House of Nature Programme has proved to be a definite asset. Each visitor centre works with regional destination management organisations to promote the region appropriately. The building of most of the Houses of Nature has been financed mainly from the Operational Programme Environment, Interreg programmes and to a significant extent from the Programme partners’ own resources. Currently, 24 facilities (15 visitor centres, i.e. Houses of Nature and 9 information centres) provides visitors with services in 18 Protected Landscape Areas, one National Nature Reserve and one National Nature Monument included in the House of Nature Programme. Visitor numbers to the facilities have been increasing, reaching almost 0.5 million in 2024. The long-term goal of the House of Nature Programme is the active operation of a visitor centre in each of the Protected Landscape Areas managed by the NCA CR and in selected National Nature Reserves and National Nature Monuments with high visitors’ attendance.    ■

Hlinková D.: Nature Conservation in Dialogue: 20 Years of the Český les Mts. Protected Landscape Area

The Český les Mts. Protected Landscape Area (western Bohemia) was established on August 1, 2005. It covers an area that for forty years was non-go zone or a zone with limited access due to the Iron Curtain there and therefore, was purposely neglected not only from the perspective of tourism development but also nature conservation. From the outset, the new Protected Landscape Area (PLA) has been making efforts to meet the expectations of the region and has worked systematically to develop partnerships. In the early years of the PLA’s existence, the first interpretive tools began to be developed. Information boards were placed on hiking trails and trailheads, but often without a clear concept. The turning point came in 2006, when the first issue of the magazine Český les was published. Three years later, the calendar of events “Come with us to nature” was launched, offering a regular overview of outdoor excursions, lectures and thematic events in the region. Other important milestones include establishing several nature trails/educational paths. Since 2009, hikers have been able to follow the Podkovák, Vodní svět/Water World and Capartice Meadows trails, and later the Sklářství/Glas Industry and Chodovské skály Rocks trails were added. A key step in the CEPA implementation was building the Český les House of Nature. The visitor centre was opened in the historical post office building in the municipality of Klenčí pod Čerchovem in 2016. An important event in partnership cooperation is the Český les Day, where the natural and cultural values of the area are jointly presented. Each year it is held in a different place and on a different theme. An indispensable partner in transboundary cooperation is the Centre Bavaria Bohemia (CeBB) in Schönsee, a cultural institution serving to strengthen Czech-Bavarian cultural and partnership cooperation.    ■

Zajíček P.: The First Making the Na Špičáku Cave a Show Cave 140 Years Ago

The Na Špičáku Cave is one of the most important natural and cultural monuments in Silesia. Several natural phenomena contributed to its creation and unique shaping. It has been accessible since time immemorial, as evidenced by hundreds of inscriptions, signatures, drawings and paintings on the walls. In 1885, it was officially open to the public for the first time, thus making it a show cave, although for one year only. Nevertheless, a tourist lodge with a dance floor was built there. A number of valuable documents have been preserved from this period. The caves were professionally explored and documented, and the first-floor plan map of the cave was elaborated. After 1885, the official tourist visits at the Na Špičáku Cave ended, but the tourist hut built near the cave continued in its operation. During World War II, the underground spaces beneath Mt. Velký Špičák became a hiding place, and just after the war, members of the Wehrwolf movement also hid there. The modern history of the caves begins in the 1950s. In 1954-1955 the caves were electrically illuminated. A tunnel was built from the outermost part to the new exit. Since the cave tour is on one level and there are no stairs inside the cave, the access route to the exit was modified in 1995 and the tour became wheelchair accessible. The Na Špičáku Cave has a total length of 430 metres with a height range of 10 metres. The visiting route is 220 metres long and the tour takes approx. 35 minutes. The underground spaces are an important wintering ground/hibernaculum for bats and therefore, the cave is closed to visitors in November and December.    ■

Härtel H.: European Transboundary Protected Areas: Háldi (Norway/Finland)

The Háldi Transboundary Area is part of the network of European transboundary parks certified by the EUROPARC Federation (since 2021). The park covers a total area of 3,099 km², comprising the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area in Finland and Reisa National Park along with the Ráisduottarháldi Protected Landscape in Norway. The transboundary conservation efforts aim at preserving and maintaining the area’s unique natural and cultural values. There are three main landscape types in the Háldi Transboundary Area: (i) mountains (fells), with the highest point, Háldi, at 1,361 meters above sea level on the Norwegian side, (ii) plateaus, and (iii) river valleys, including the deep canyon of the Reisaelva River. The area is part of the Sámi homeland and is closely tied to extensive reindeer husbandry.    ■

Plesník J.: The IUCN Red List Also Assesses Threats to Ecosystems on a Global Scale

Red Lists of globally threatened species have been regularly issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since the early 1960s. But the idea of presenting threatened components of biological diversity has long been about more than just species and other taxa. At the IUCN, the multifaceted issue of ecosystems is dealt with mainly by the Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM). Delineating what an ecosystem is and establishing benchmarks for their assessment and classification is extremely complex. The first draft of the criteria was published after three years of intensive discussions. Five criteria were proposed for determining the degree of threat to ecosystems, namely: (i) Reduction in geographical distribution of the ecosystem (quantitative loss of the ecosystem); (ii) Restricted geographical distribution of the ecosystem; (iii) Degradation of the non-living (abiotic) component in the ecosystem as environmental degradation; (iv) Disruption in biotic processes and interactions reflecting deterioration of the living component of the ecosystem; and (iv) Quantitative risk analysis, i.e. analysis of the possible collapse of the ecosystem. In 2024, the IUCN published the first ever Red List of Threatened Ecosystems. For this purpose, experts have chosen specific but relatively well-defined ecosystems that have been known for some time to be in a generally unfavourable state - mangroves. We will therefore deal with this topic in more detail in a future issue of our journal.    ■

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Introductionary photo: Memorial/Veteran Tree – Lime tree near the village of Slunečná in the Central Bohemian Uplands Protected Landscape Area (northern Bohemia). Photo by Jitka Müllerová