Description
Czech nature is rich and diverse but also contains many vulnerable species. These species need an 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 these measures. The Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a specially protected species therefore the “Action Plan for Freshwater Pearl Mussel” was prepared in the year 2000 with an update in 2014. The project meets the target of the state environmental policy of the Czech Republic for 2012-2020. The main objective of the project is the implementation of the action plan by habitat management, monitoring and breeding in the Ašsko area, Lužní potok site, one of the three regions of the species occurrence. The project outcomes are increasing of the species population by breeding individuals and broadening knowledge of the status and structure of population in the area. Care about species habitat and information on aquatic-environment quality as a determinant of the species-existence is another significant outcome. The project outputs are data from monitoring, data from bioindications - evaluating survival and growth of pearl mussel and semi-natural breeding. The project outputs are also care about nurseries and reproductive element, care and feeding trickles and temperature monitoring of environment. Project will also include part of publicity and preparation and implementation of education programs for schools. The target group of the project is primarily species and nature-conservation authorities. Secondarily, protection and connected activities will carry out the awareness-raising in the general public via education.
Summary of project results
At present, the Freshwater Pearl Mussel is one of the most endangered animal species in our country and in most of our European area. As a result of pollution and significant changes in the country's economy, the whole ecosystem of its inhabited river basins was threatened. A major problem is the absence of breeding this mule mainly because of insufficient food supply. Despite his longevity, he is threatened with gradual extinction. Activities have been done: Conservation of food brooks: Several natural and artificial brooks flow into Lužní potok and Bystřina streams where pearl mussels live. These collect plant detritus (little particles of organic material) which pearl mussels feed on. These brooks need to be cleaned and maintained regularly in order not to become silted and overgrown. Conservation of meadow biotopes. For getting a high-quality detritus the biotopes near brooks, meadows in particular, are important. It is necessary to mow them regularly and to remove woody scrub. Supporting trout: Brown trout is the host species for freshwater pearl mussels’ larvae, called glochidia. The biotope quality monitoring: When we are trying to provide the best conditions for life and reproduction it is necessary to monitor whether the measures taken have the correct effects. Counting freshwater pearl mussels All the streams with freshwater pearl mussels are checked in several years’ intervals and the present specimens are counted.Programmes for schools For pupils and teachers mainly from neighbouring schools we will prepare a programme on the importance and conservation of the watersheds with the occurrence of freshwater pearl mussels and other vulnerable species. After almost two years, project of implementation of a rescue programme for the pearl mussel in the Aš region is end. During this time,have been mown hectares of meadows, cut back dozens of wind dispersed woody plants, built 7 compost piles, regulated almost 2 km of food brooks, reared hundreds of trout and pearl mussels and have been done lots of other things.
Summary of bilateral results