Typical and exceptional fauna and flora species in forests
These are floodplain forests, which are not too many, as well as riparian forests and stands next to water courses which are of great importance. Species found in these stands are: willows, black alder, ash, oaks, poplars, sycamore, Norway maple, elms. These sites are not suitable for conifers.
There are also Dwarf pine stands – which are only found in the highest altitudes (for example the Krkonoše national park).
Forest threats
(1) Industrial emissions
Since the middle of the 20th century until the 80’s, pollution and extreme climate conditions were the key factors causing forests degradation, thus making them vulnerable to biological pests. Forests, especially in north-west Bohemia and along the mountain range of northern Czech borders, were damaged due to air pollution (caused by electric power plants using low quality brown coal) and acid depositions which, when reaching the soil, cause persistent stress on plants. Thus, industrial emissions cause serious damage to the Czech forests. Another serious problem is caused by oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emitted from vehicle engines which is the most serious damage of the Czech forests up to now.
(2) Other abiotic threats
Abiotic factors are: rocks, soil, water, fire, wind, snow and frost.
For the past few years, one of the most serious abiotic threats for the forest is windstorms – e.g. Kyrill, during which in 2007, there were nearly 11 mill. m3 trees fallen, while the annual increment in CZ is 16 mill. m3.
(3) Biotic threats – pests
Under normal conditions pests usually attack weaker trees which are more vulnerable because of weather conditions, air pollution, long dry periods or all of the above. For the past few years, insect pests are the worst problem in the Czech Republic. Among the most common insect pests are bark Beetle, mainly spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus), nun moth, and tortrix.
There are also Dwarf pine stands – which are only found in the highest altitudes (for example the Krkonoše national park).
Forest threats
(1) Industrial emissions
Since the middle of the 20th century until the 80’s, pollution and extreme climate conditions were the key factors causing forests degradation, thus making them vulnerable to biological pests. Forests, especially in north-west Bohemia and along the mountain range of northern Czech borders, were damaged due to air pollution (caused by electric power plants using low quality brown coal) and acid depositions which, when reaching the soil, cause persistent stress on plants. Thus, industrial emissions cause serious damage to the Czech forests. Another serious problem is caused by oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emitted from vehicle engines which is the most serious damage of the Czech forests up to now.
(2) Other abiotic threats
Abiotic factors are: rocks, soil, water, fire, wind, snow and frost.
For the past few years, one of the most serious abiotic threats for the forest is windstorms – e.g. Kyrill, during which in 2007, there were nearly 11 mill. m3 trees fallen, while the annual increment in CZ is 16 mill. m3.
(3) Biotic threats – pests
Under normal conditions pests usually attack weaker trees which are more vulnerable because of weather conditions, air pollution, long dry periods or all of the above. For the past few years, insect pests are the worst problem in the Czech Republic. Among the most common insect pests are bark Beetle, mainly spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus), nun moth, and tortrix.
Problems caused by game
Red deer, sitka deer, mouflon which are overpopulated in many areas disturb the ecological stability of forest stands. Stands are initially damaged by animals, later attacked by fungi and destroyed by fungal decay. For the past century deer barking and browsing have caused serious damage to the forests in the Czech Republic.
Forest Protection Service of Forest Research Institute is responsible for monitoring insect pests and the damage they cause all over the country. It also provides advisory services to all forest owners and managers for free.
Red deer, sitka deer, mouflon which are overpopulated in many areas disturb the ecological stability of forest stands. Stands are initially damaged by animals, later attacked by fungi and destroyed by fungal decay. For the past century deer barking and browsing have caused serious damage to the forests in the Czech Republic.
Forest Protection Service of Forest Research Institute is responsible for monitoring insect pests and the damage they cause all over the country. It also provides advisory services to all forest owners and managers for free.
Species composition and distribution of Czech forests altered in the past in an effort to increase the great demand for some tree species. As a result, today the share of coniferous species (76%) is higher compared to that of broadleaved species (24%). Forests are natural communities with a great species diversity. Even the poorest forest is home to thousands of animal species. This means that forests are home to an enormous number of animals which are adapted to live both on the surface and inside the tree trunks, in tree blossoms, fruits or on treetops.
Typical fauna of the Czech forests The most common animals in Czech forests are red deer, roe deer, wild boar, sitka deer, fallow deer, mouflons, wild boar, fox, brown hare, and pheasant. |
Exceptional fauna in the Czech forests
We can mention capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) and black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix L.), which can be found in Šumava National Park
We can mention capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) and black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix L.), which can be found in Šumava National Park
Wolf and bear which are priority protected species found in the Beskydy Mts. (Natura 2000 SPA area), in the North East part of the Czech Republic near Slovakian borders.
Typical flora in the Czech forests
(1) Acidic soil sites
We can mention Pine stand with blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).
Typical flora in the Czech forests
(1) Acidic soil sites
We can mention Pine stand with blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).