At our study sites Na Rovinách, the strip hay cutting of grasslands with the use of mechanization took place for the third time this year. In the uncut strips, there are still enough resources not only for butterflies, but also for other insects.
At the beginning of September, we carried out another mowing of meadows at Dívčí Hrady in cooperation with Mr. Zeman. The goal was to mow previously uncut strips of old vegetation. We also focused on those areas where perennial weeds thrive most, especially thistles. This year we succeeded well in creating a mosaic of vegetation so that some part of it always blooms. This is important for a continuous supply of nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.
An excursion to Dívčí Hrady was organized as part of the international conference ECCB held at the Czech university of Life Scieneces in Prague. Almost thirty scientists and conservationists from Europe and other countries had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with interesting biotopes and individual management measures that are taking place within our project.
At the beginning of August, in cooperation with the Jinofarm association, we started grazing a herd of goats on the carved hillside below Dívčí Hrady. Here, the goats help us especially with the suppression of blackberry stands and saplings of expanzive woody plants. Grazing here will continue until the end of October, when the goat herd will be moved to a permanent enclosure in Jinonice for the winter.
At the turn of July and August, a mosaic cutting of vegetation using brush cutters took place on the slopes above the Asuan Reservoir. The chopped biomass was raked and cleared away. A “volunteer hay event” for the public was organised. Unfortunately, only one volunteer, Matěj, came due to the extremely hot weather and a last-minute change of date. Despite that, Matěj was not afraid of work and helped us a lot! We also mowed the previously sowed nectar-bearing plots to support slower-growing and less competitive target plants.
From the second half of June, in cooperation with the Ábel association, we started grazing employing a mixed herd of sheep and goats. The animals will help us especially with suppressing the saplings and resprouting of expansing trees that we cut during the winter. Grazing will take place here with gradual moving of the herd until the end of August. Limited grazing of several animals will continue also in September.
Monitoring of Chapman’s blue for 2022 is in the full swing. The abundance of this year’s spring generation has shocked us (pleasantly): so far, we have recorded several thousands of individuals.
At the beginning of June, we organized an excursion for students from elementary and secondary schools interested in nature conservation. The aim was to introduce the occurring butterfly species and conservation measures supporting the reintroduced population of Chapman’s blue.
At the end of May, the first mowing of dry grasslands around sainfoin (Onobrychis) took place at Dívčí hrady site. About half of each area of the sainfoin patch was always cut. Early mowing will ensure the continuity of flowering throughout the summer – so flowering plants will still be available.
Also this year, monitoring of diurnal butterflies and other target groups of arthropods takes place at all project sites. We collect data once a month from May to August.
