Department of Population Ecology

04. Conservation biology

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

Lozada-Gobilard S, Pánková H, Münzbergová Z (2023) Interactive Effects of Light, Water, Soil Type and Competition on the Endangered Minuartia Smejkalii Vary over Time. Preslia 95: 165–183. https://doi.org/10.23855/preslia.2023.165 Stojanova B,...

read more...

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...

read more...

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...

read more...

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

read more...

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...

read more...

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...

read more...