Description
Czech nature is rich and diverse but also contains many vulnerable species. These species need active protection. A document called an action plan contains guidelines for nature conservation authorities, researches and owners of land how to maintain endangered species populations. It is a special tool which provides complex knowledge about species and recommends the measures how to support the species. The project is about implementation of the measures. The European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) is a specially protected species therefore the “Action Plan for European Ground Squirrel” was prepared in the year 2007. The project meets the target of the state environmental policy of the Czech Republic for 2012-2020. On 6. 8. 2014, in this area established Natural Monument Marchanice airport, where the protection is European Ground Squirrel. Ensuring the existence and prosperity of the European Ground Squirrel Colony at the airport of Vyškov is thus also important for the fulfillment of the European nature conservation objectives. The main objective of the project is the implementation of the action plan by management of grasslands in the Vyškov area, one of the areas of the species occurrence. The project outcome is increasing of the quality of species habitat. The project output is quality and regular management of grassland by mowing in Vyškov area. The total area of mowing will be 37.4 ha. Project will also include compulsory part of publicity, which is Introductory and final seminars and websites. The target group of the project is primarily species and nature-conservation authorities. Secondarily, the protection and connected activities will carry out awareness-raising in the general public via education.
Summary of project results
The European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) is one of several protected species in the Czech Republic. An action plan for the species was prepared in 2007 as part of protection measures. This action plan contributes to the targets set in he state environmental policy of the Czech Republic for 2012-2020. The project objective was the implementation of the action plan by management of grasslands in the area of EVL Letiště Marchanice), one of the habitat areas of the species occurrence. The project outcome is increasing of the quality of species habitat. The European Ground Squirrel prefers sward heights of 2-15 cm and regular maintenance of its grassland habitats is therefore crucial to ensure the optimal living conditions for the species. Thanks to this project, it was possible to buy, among other things, a new technique for mowing grasses in the whole locality and the required intensity. It was a Zetor tractor type Proxima 90 and a Park Pro 540 IX rider made by STIGA, the 110 Combi Pro EL cutting head made by STIGA. Thanks to this investment, it was possible to implement site management in its entirety not only in 2015, but it can be reliably and professionally ensured in the years to come. Information brochures were distributed as part of mandatory publicity to the project, which was disseminated among visitors to events at the airport in order to raise awareness among the general public about the exceptional nature of the site they visited. During 2015, the airport Vyškov Marchanice held two information seminars to familiarize visitors with the life of the European Ground Squirrel.
Summary of bilateral results