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Description
The aim of the project is to ensure optimal conditions for the survival of rare species of plants and animals in 14 wetland localities in the care of land trusts. The way to this is a set of measures, including in particular the maintenance or restoration of forestless areas and the establishment of ponds.
Summary of project results
Wetland localities are among the most biologically valuable and at the same time most endangered habitats in our landscape. One of the tools for their protection are land trusts, which take over valuable sites for long-term care or purchase them. In our project, we focused on maintaining or improving the condition of selected wetland sites under the care of land trusts. The aim of the project is to ensure optimal conditions for the survival of rare species of plants and animals in 14 wetland localities in the care of land trusts. The way to this is a set of measures, including in particular the maintenance or restoration of forestless areas and the establishment of ponds.
As part of our project, we implemented 38 activities at 14 selected localities. We maintained 13 localities by mowing, and we created ponds at 5 localities. In order to preserve and support the biological diversity of the localities, we further maintained them mainly by eliminating encroaching trees, eliminating invasive plant species (Japanese knotweed) and grazing.
At the project localities, we implemented 38 activities to protect selected plant or animal species. The implemented activities have a positive effect on 40 species of organisms (11 species of plants, 29 species of animals) from the Red Lists and on 3 biotopes from the Red List of biotopes. We created 12 new ponds not only for amphibians with a total area of 1370 m2, we maintained area in total almost 8 ha by mowing, area in total 0,65 ha by grazing, area in total 0,3 ha by elimination of encroached trees. We continuously created 6 hiding places for animals (4 wintering places for amphibians, 1 hatching plase for reptiles and 1 stone wall for reptiles). During the project implementation, at one of the project locality (V Krejdách), we noticed a newly occurring species from the Red List of Threatened Species of the Czech Republic, namely the European crayfish.
The implementation of project activities has significantly contributed to the support and preservation of the biological diversity of wetland areas. In addition to having a positive impact on the target species of plants, animals, and habitats, these measures benefit a wide range of other species that inhabit these ecosystems. The measures are also advantageous for all visitors to these locations, who can experience rich and healthy nature. The improvement of ecological conditions and support for biodiversity not only aid in the protection of endangered species but also enhance the aesthetic and recreational value of these areas for the public.