Description
The Czech nature has a diverse flora and fauna, yet many of its species are classified as vulnerable. These species need active protection to avoid extinction. One of the country's vulnerable species is the Little owl (Athene noctua), a mainly nocturnal species found in habitats such as grasslands and woodlands. The Little owl is a protected species in the Czech Republic, but so far there is no action plan stipulating protection measures and documenting data on the species. The development of an action plan has been previously recommended in the “Conception of Action Plans and Management Plans for Specially Protected Species of Animals and Plants in the Czech Republic”. The main objective of this project is the creation of expert documents as a necessary basis for nature-conservation authorities to start active protection of the little owl. The project will monitor the occurrence of the species in the Moravia region by field survey and ensure safe nesting conditions. The project outcomes are improving knowledge of the little owl occurrence and preparation of the expert document. The majority of the project measures consists of field research leading to precise and complex compilation of expert document. The project outputs are collecting data from mapping and monitoring of all known sites and improving nesting conditions by production and placement of booths. The project will alsofocus on publicity through activities such as conference, short movie, leaflets, textile bags and t-shirts. The target group is primarily the Ministry of the Environment and the species. Secondarily, the protection and connected activities will carry out the influence over the general public via education.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the project was the creation of an expert document as a necessary basis for nature-conservation authorities to start active protection of the Little Owl (Athene noctua) species. In the 1950s Little Owl inhabited all our lowlands and it was one of the most common owl species together with Tawny Owl, nowadays there are just several pairs of these birds left in few areas. The overall decline in recent decades exceeds 90%. The majority of measures of the project consisted of field research leading to precise and complex compilation of expert document. The area of interest was specified according to the administrative territory of municipalities with extended powers. The monitoring consisted of sound recordings at 631 sites and subsequent computer analysis. Recordings of the territorial male owls were also used during monitoring. Where the occurrence of Little Owls had been proven, we installed phototraps and conducted subsequent analysis of the shots in places where the Little Owl would be identified by voice. The species was confirmed in only 15 locations, with one location having demonstrably recorded successful nesting-upbringing of their chicks. We also tried to monitor owls through the public by placing information leaflet at local municipal authorities or by publication in local newsletters, with a request for information on the possible occurrence of this owl species. However, the information provided via these sources was negative. The mapping occurred within an area of 6894 km2. Identification of suitable sites for nesting was an important part of the project. Following identification, 237 nesting boxes of four different types were set up in suitable locations. We also spoke to the land owners of the nesting box localities and agreed to eliminate potential hazards such as traps and grass mowing regiments. Thanks to the project, we have also determined the most appropriate site for the repatriation of the Little Owl chicks bred in captivity. The project was concluded with an international conference, discussing the Little Owl population in the Czech Republic and the possibility of its restoration and stabilization was assessed in detail. There were reports dealing with the condition of the Little Owl population in Poland, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. The participants emphasized the necessity of a rescue plan for the species in the Czech Republic.
Summary of bilateral results