The effect of ecological restoration of lowland meadow wetlands on populations of reed-dwelling bird
Full title: The effect of ecological restoration of lowland meadow wetlands on populations of reed-dwelling bird
Field of study: Zoology
Supervisor: Mgr. Marie Kotasová Adámková, Ph.D.
Official entry:
Lowland meadow wetlands are among the most endangered biotopes in the Czech Republic. The main cause is primarily the decline in original methods of management, drainage, and their eutrophication. These threats also significantly facilitate the subsequent overgrowth of sites with aggressive plant species. Lowland wet meadows, however, often function as islands of rich biodiversity in the surrounding agricultural landscape and at the same time provide numerous ecosystem services to it. Therefore, in several locations, their ecological restoration is being approached, which is primarily based on the restoration of their original open and mosaic-like character. Although the restorations carried out have a positive effect on species richness, it is not entirely clear what their long-term effect is on the populations of typical reed-nesting bird species. These species, among which is the genus Acrocephalus, are ecologically bound to stands of higher vegetation. The question remains whether the ecological restoration of meadow wetlands has a rather negative effect on their populations. The aim of the bachelor's thesis will therefore be: (i) the processing of a literature research focused on the response of birds to the revitalization of wetlands, (ii) involvement in long-term ornithological monitoring of the Spáleného potok valley floodplain and (iii) the evaluation of the effect of ecological restoration on the number of populations and the nesting productivity of typical reeds species of birds.