An unbelievable transformation. Hundreds of hectares of blooming meadows have replaced species-poor grassland

2022 - 11 - 30

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 …

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One of the rarest beetles of central Europe has returned to the reserve for large herbivores. It was released there by scientists

2022 - 10 - 27

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 …

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Planting trees is not enough. Climate changes will not stop without large ungulates

2022 - 09 - 30

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 …

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Large ungulates can become cheap fire prevention in Europe’s national parks and protected areas

2022 - 08 - 22
26 July 2022, Czech Republic, Hrensko: View of the forest fire in the Czech National Park Bohemian Switzerland in Hrensko near the border with Saxony. In the meantime, the fire is also spreading on the German side in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Photo: Robert Michael/dpa,Image: 709838661, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: GERMANY OUT, Model Release: no

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 …

26 July 2022, Czech Republic, Hrensko: View of the forest fire in the Czech National Park Bohemian Switzerland in Hrensko near the border with Saxony. In the meantime, the fire is also spreading on the German side in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Photo: Robert Michael/dpa,Image: 709838661, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: GERMANY OUT, Model Release: no
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The critically endangered European ground squirrel has appeared in the Podyjí National Park for the first time in 50 years, thanks to wild horses

2022 - 08 - 17

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 …

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