Description
Czech nature is rich and diverse but there is a list of endangered species. Guidance is framed in documents, called action plans, giving basic information and instructions how to treat the most endangered. An action plan is suitable for a limited group of species meeting the requirements. For some species it is necessary to decide first if they are appropriate or not. New information is needed. The Ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana) and little owl (Athene noctua) are a specially protected species therefore expert documents for a decision on the need to prepare their action plans were recommended in the conceptual document. Project meets the target of the state environmental policy of the Czech Republic for 2012-2020. The main objective of the project is treatment of expert document as necessary basis for nature-conservation authorities to begin active protection of ortolan bunting and little owl. The project aims to monitor the occurrence of two bird species in the Czech Republic, including field survey. The project outcomes are to improve knowledge of ortolan bunting and little owl occurrence and to prepare the expert texts. The majority of measures of the project consists of field research. For little owl will be ensured safe nesting conditions and analysis of genetic variability. For ortolan bunting analysis of habitat preferences will be done. Project outputs are data from mapping and monitoring of all known sites and improving of nesting conditions by production and placement of booths and management of meadows and results of specific studies of species genetics and habitat preferences. Project includes publicity and beyond leaflet. The target group of the project is Ministry of the Environment and agencies, protection and connected activities will carry out the awareress-raising in the general public via education. There is a local partner Institute of Vertebrate Biology, contributing to the project by expertise and experience.
Summary of project results
The Little Owl (Athene noctua) is one of the most endangered bird species in the Czech Republic. At the beginning of the last century it was considered the most common owl species at the territory of the Czech Republic, with its population size estimated between thousands and ten thousand of breeding pairs. However, during the last 60 years, it declined sharply. Between the years 1985 and 2003 its population declined for 59% and this negative trend continued in the following years. At the beginning of the 21st century, the Little owl is considered a rare species in the Czech Republic, and its current population is estimated to less than 100 breeding pairs. The Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) is one of the fastest declining bird species in Western and Central Europe. Similarly, its population went through dramatic changes during the last 150 years in the Czech Republic. The aim of this project was to evaluate the population dynamics of the Ortolan Bunting within its core areas in the Czech Republic and its current distribution and abundance in 2015. The main objectives of the project was to handle complex documents relating to the research and protection of the little owl and Ortolan Bunting. Activites: Activity 1: Monitoring extensions and genetic variability Little Owl in selected areas Activity 2: Ensuring safe little owl nesting sites, elimination of risk factors and grassland management in territories Activity 3: Dissemination of motivational and promotional information for local community Activity 4: Monitoring expansion and population density and habitat preferences analysis of the Ortolan Bunting Activity 5: Text processing action plan for specially protected species (the little owl and ortolan bunting) All results obtained during the processing of the project were incorporated into the structure of the text of the relevant chapters action plan for specially protected species for both species. The texts were then forwarded to the Ministry of Environment.
Summary of bilateral results