Department of Population Ecology - The Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Department of Population Ecology > 04. Conservation biology

Department of Population Ecology

04. Conservation biology

Recent rapid extinction or decline of population size of many plant species is a major challenge of current ecology. Within our research we aim to tackle these threats by understanding their main causes. Specifically, we study plant performance by evaluation of plant life cycle aiming at identification of its critical phases, evaluate genetic diversity, absence/presence of pollinators or other biotic interaction. We also evaluate environmental requirements of plant species and suitability of their habitat including effect of habitat fragmentation. In cooperation with state organs of nature protection we used these results to suggest suitable management interventions on particular sites and appropriate care about plant populations in the nature as well as in ex-situ population. We also take part in preparation and updating official documents such as Management plans or Action plans for various rare and endangered species and habitats. We also evaluate the impact of management interventions on particular species and communities.

Recent papers on conservation biology

Bucher S. F., Münzbergová Z. & Pánková H. 2025: Using private gardens to conserve Minuartia smejkalii – a novel approach for ex situ conservation. Biological Conservation 310, 1 – 10....

Genetic diversity, its changes over time and the impact on the fitness of important rare species as a key aspect for the development of the rescue programs and action plans (2024-2026)

The aim of the project is to prepare draft of the rescue programs or action plans for selected species from the Concept of active tools for species protection in the...

Hana Pánková, Eva Ničová, Tomáš Dostálek, Martina Lokvencová, Zuzana Münzbergová (co-PI at CUNI)

FuncNet – Improving the Functional Connectivity of Grassland Networks for Plant-Pollinator Interactions (2023-2026)

Loss in the area and connectivity of natural and semi-natural habitats in Europe over the last hundred years has placed not only numerous species under threat, but is also jeopardizing interactions...

Zuzana Münzbergová, Hana Pánková, Tomáš Dostálek

Conservation project on Moehringia hypanica 2023-2024

Kolomiiets Ganna

LIFE South Moravia

The main objective of the LIFE SouthMoravia project (LIFE18 NAT/CZ/000832) is to improve the conservation status of five priority habitats of the Habitats Directive, namely, Sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands, Pannonic loess...

Hana Pánková

LIFE for Minuartia

Project LIFE for Minuartia (LIFE15NAT/CZ/000818) connect basic research and practical nature conservation and is aimed to enhance population size of critically endangered endemic species M.smejkalii by about 40% by means...

Hana Pánková, Iveta Husáková, Mária Šurinová, Zuzana Münzbergová, Bojana Stojanová, Rocío Belinchón
students: Dominika Krásenská, Karolína Hrušková, Monika Semerádová

Population biology of Dracocephalum austriacum (since 2002)

Dracocephalum austriacum is a critically endangered species of both Czech and Slovak flora. A conservation strategy is required for the survival of the species, based on population biology, ecology and...

Tomáš Dostálek, Zuzana Münzbergová

Study of population dynamics and vegetation monitoring of Dianthus arenarius subsp. bohemicus (since 2012)

Dianthus arenarius subsp. bohemicus is a critically endangered species of Czech flora, whose natural habitat is currently limited to one location in the Czech Republic and was also artificially planted...

Tomáš Dostálek, Iveta Husáková, Blanka Vlasáková, Zuzana Münzbergová

Department of Population Ecology - The Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences

04. Conservation biology

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