European WILDLIFE

Hundreds of hectares of originally degraded stretches of land in the former Milovice military training area near Prague have undergone an incredible positive transformation over the last seven years. Following the introduction of natural grazing of large herbivores, the species-poor grassland was replaced by species-rich pastures in bloom.  It is the grazing of wild horses, bison and bred-back aurochs in particular that has turned the former military training grounds into a unique reserve nicknamed European …

Scientists have introduced one of the rarest beetles of central Europe to the former Milovice military training area. The critically endangered horned dung beetle is considered extinct, for example, in the western part of the Czech Republic, and it is found in the eastern part of the country at several last sites near Mikulov close to the border with Austria.

“The horned dung beetle is a coprophagous beetle and its larvae and adults feed on …

Grazing of large ungulates is crucial in mitigating climate changes and carbon storage. Experts pointed out this fact based on scientific studies from recent years.

“Grass and savanna ecosystems – grasslands – represent one of the most significant long-term carbon sinks. In Europe and Asia these usually consist of park-like meadows with growths of woody plants which are called forest steppes. Despite losing their area in recent history, pasture ecosystems today represent a substantial part …

As the climate changes, the risk of wildfires in the European landscape is increasing. Grazing large ungulates can be a cheap way to prevent these risks. Experts have pointed this out in the context of this year’s wave of fires in southern and central Europe.

“Progressive climate change towards drier and warmer weather and the current overgrowth of the landscape are creating a dangerous combination. The landscape is becoming more flammable due to prolonged drought …

The grazing of wild horses has helped one of the most endangered mammals of central Europe return to the Podyji National Park. The critically endangered European ground squirrel has settled in the park’s territory for the first time in fifty years.

The natural grazing of large ungulates again showed its potential for facilitating the return of endangered species to the countryside. Ground squirrels (or sousliks) came to the heaths that are part of the Podyjí …