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The signal crayfish is one of the oldest invasive crayfish species in Europe, causing ecological and often economic damage in newly invaded locations. The invasion and associated problems can be monitored in real-time on the Křesanovský brook, where regular eradication measures have been carried out for six years. However, the detailed and comprehensive impact of these activities on the crayfish population as a whole and any changes in individual behaviour have not yet been studied in detail. To obtain relevant data for this purpose, this thesis video-recorded the situation in the stream in monthly cycles from May to September 2021, with recordings taken the night before and the night after thorough manual crayfish catching in the brook, evaluating the number and activity of observed crayfish. The results did not show that the trapping had changed the overall crayfish activity. Even with a high number of captured crayfish, the weakened crayfish population after trapping showed the same overall activity as the complete population before trapping (presumably due to an increase in individual activity in response to catching and accompanied habitat disturbance). Furthermore, the results underline the previously assumed low success rate of eradication efforts at the site and confirm that barriers in the stream are not sufficient to stop the signal crayfish spread. These findings will help to better understand the impact of eradication measures on signal crayfish populations. As this was the first research of its kind, this thesis opens up opportunities for methodological improvements and further development, as well as posing many new questions that need to be addressed. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to improve management interventions against invasive signal crayfish.

As endemics are considered plant and animal species including birds, which are in the focus of this thesis, that are found in a restricted geographic region and nowhere else in the world. Such endemics typically occur on the islands that are often recognized as important global biodiversity hotspots. However, many endemic species are very vulnerable due to numerous factors (mainly genetic and demographic) closely linked to the way of life on the islands. Huge effort is dedicated to their conservation, and it thus reasonable to ask whether such an effort made a significant contribution to prevent their loss. Here, I evaluate the overall success of island bird endemics conservation compared to continental conditions because such a global analysis has been lacking up to now. In addition, this thesis examines how three major threatening factors (namely habitat destruction, invasive species, and overexploitation) driven by anthropogenic activities affect population trends of continental and island bird species. Finally, I mapped and explained, using examples, which conservation tools are effective for supporting the populations of island endemic species. The results of statistical analyses, based on a global dataset containing almost 8000 avian species, showed that island endemic species are more...

Legal regulation of alien species of plants and animals Abstract This thesis deals with the legal regulation of invasive non-native species of plants and animals, i.e., preventing their spread and minimizing the negative consequences that these species cause on individual ecosystems and biodiversity in general. The aim of this work is to analyse the related effective international, EU and Czech national legislation and to define the most significant changes concerning the relevant Czech laws in connection with the implementation of Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 and Regulation (EC) No. 708/2007. At the beginning, the work deals with the history of the spread of non-native species, as identifying the critical pathways of their spread is also an important knowledge necessary for creating effective legislation and also the definition of fundamental terms - non-native species, invasive non-native species, and biodiversity. Furthermore, the work deals with the most important international treaties in this area, i.e., the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the Convention on the Conservation of European Fauna and Flora and Habitats and the Madrid Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty, with the relevant European Union legislation, i.e., a network...

Crayfish is mainly but not exclusively a nocturnal animal. The crayfish aktivity is taxon specific and can be further affected by various factors. The aim of this thesis is to create an overview of factors affecting the activity and to summarize their impact. Factors can be divided into those influencing daily activity and those influencing seasonal behaviour. This thesis focuses on discussing different reactions to the factors and its intensity by individual species. Insufficient data covering activity during the winter season offers an opportunity for further research. Key words: crayfish; daily activity; abiotic factors; biotic factors; seasonality

Bachelor thesis was conceived in its first part as a general literature review describing history, significance and characteristic of grasslands within the system Natura 2000. Not only pastures are considered as a grassland, but also continuous vegetation with domination of grasses intended for feeding purposes and technical use, which perform production and non-production function. Grazing cattle is an essential element of protected areas. In a second part of the thesis I focuses on Natura 2000, its origin, directives and goals description. In separate chapters is mentioned the care of grasslands within the system Natura 2000 and description and destruction methods of invasive species. The third part is about selected Sites of Community Importance in Hodonín district. I chose and described five sites into Natura 2000 system around my home. These sites are described geologically, pedologically and botanically. I focused on a significant and vulnerable species in this areas. I focused on the recommended care for selected areas in the last part.

The purpose of this work was to describe the current status of benthic communities on the main stream of Elbe River and Ohře River and their tributaries affected and non-affected by biological invasions - especially by round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and spiny - cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus). Sampling for this research took place from April 2018 to August 2018, while morphiologic survey of waterbodies was done in November 2017. Two tributaries of the Elbe River (Milešovský brook and Ploučnice River) and one tributary of the Ohře River (Čepel) were selected for this research. Two 100 m long sections (lower stretch potentially affected by invaders and upper stretch as referential) were monitored at each tributary. At the same time a 100 m long main flow section was monitored near the mouth of the tributaries. The following parameters were monitored: morphology of the stream and basic physical and chemical parameters of water, zoobenthos community, crayfish occurrence, and fish community. The benthic communities of the upper streams were less affected by biological invasions. The biodiversity of the benthic communities in the upper sections was richer compared to the lower sections. The occurrence of the round goby seemed to be factor affecting benthic and fish communities at the sites concerned. It was an eudominant species in the Elbe section in Děčín and becoming dominant in the lower section of Ploučnice River.

The Regulation 1143/2014 is addressing serious problems which are caused by intentional and unintentional introduction and spread of invasive alien species to the environment. While preventive restrictions imposed on individuals are aimed at intentional behavior, EU Member States are in charge with unintentional introduction and spread. It was found out that the Regulation laid down only few provisions directly applicable to individuals. The obligations related to detection, surveillance, adoption of emergency measures, eradiction and restoration of the damaged ecosystems are imposed on EU Member States. Therefore, this Regulation seems to have rather character of a directive then regulation and EU Member States have to adopt implementing legislation to ensure fulfilment of the Regulation´s requirements. The aim of this chapter was to map the current legislation to find out if it can satisfy the EU law requirements in respect to duties imposed on individuals. The conclusion can be drawn that currently the Czech legislation in force does not comply with those requirements. Nařízení EU 1143/2014 se dotýká vážných problémů, způsobených úmyslnou či neúmyslnou introdukcí a rozšířením nepůvodních invazních druhů do životního prostředí. Zatímco preventivní opatření adresovaná jednotlivcům jsou zacílena na jejich úmyslné chování, členské státy EU jsou povinny zabránit neúmyslné introdukci a rozšíření těchto druhů. Bylo zjištěno, že nařízení obsahuje pouze několik ustanovení přímo aplikovatelných na jednotlivce. Povinnosti týkající se detekce, monitorování, přijímání krizových opatření, eradikce nepůvodních invazních druhů a náprava poškozených ekosystémů jsou ukládány členským státům a nikoliv vnitrostátním subjektům. Proto nařízení má spíše charakter směrnice než nařízení a členské státy musí přijmout předpisy k provedení předmětného nařízení. Cílem této kapitoly bylo zmapovat platnou právní úpravu v ČR a zjistit, zda naplňuje požadavky stanovené nařízením ve vztahu k jednotlivým subjektům. Nutno konstatovat, že že tomu tak není a že Česká republika bude muset novelizovat stávající právní úpravu.

Invasive species spread rapidly and their eradication is difficult. New methods enabling fast and efficient monitoring are urgently needed for their successful control. Remote sensing can improve early detection of invading plants and make their management more efficient and less expensive. In an ongoing project in the Czech Republic, we aim at developing innovative methods of mapping invasive plant species (semi-automatic detection algorithms) by using purposely designed unmanned aircraft (UAV). We examine possibilities for detection of two tree and two herb invasive species. Our aim is to establish fast, repeatable and efficient computer-assisted method of timely monitoring, reducing the costs of extensive field campaigns. For finding the best detection algorithm we test various classification approaches (object-, pixel-based and hybrid). Thanks to its flexibility and low cost, UAV enables assessing the effect of phenological stage and spatial resolution, and is most suitable for monitoring the efficiency of eradication efforts. However, several challenges exist in UAV application, such as geometrical and radiometric distortions, high amount of data to be processed and legal constrains for the UAV flight missions over urban areas (often highly invaded). The newly proposed UAV approach shall serve invasive species researchers, management practitioners and policy makers. Příspěvek popisuje aplikaci bezpilotních leteckých prostředků pro detekci a monitoring invazních rostlinných druhů jako velmi účinnou metodu.

The rapid spread of invasive plants makes their management increasingly difficult. Remote sensing offers a means of fast and efficient monitoring, but still the optimal methodologies remain to be defined. The seasonal dynamics and spectral characteristics of the target invasive species are important factors, since, at certain time of the vegetation season (e.g., at flowering or senescing), plants are often more distinct (or more visible beneath the canopy). Our aim was to establish fast, repeatable and a cost-efficient, computer-assisted method applicable over larger areas, to reduce the costs of extensive field campaigns. To achieve this goal, we examined how the timing of monitoring affects the detection of noxious plant invaders in Central Europe, using two model herbaceous species with markedly different phenological, structural, and spectral characteristics. They are giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), a species with very distinct flowering phase, and the less distinct knotweeds (Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinensis, and their hybrid F. × bohemica). The variety of data generated, such as imagery from purposely-designed, unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV), and VHR satellite, and aerial color orthophotos enabled us to assess the effects of spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution (i.e., the target species' phenological state) for successful recognition. The demands for both spatial and spectral resolution depended largely on the target plant species. In the case that a species was sampled at the most distinct phenological phase, high accuracy was achieved even with lower spectral resolution of our low-cost UAV. This demonstrates that proper timing can to some extent compensate for the lower spectral resolution. The results of our study could serve as a basis for identifying priorities for management, targeted at localities with the greatest risk of invasive species' spread and, once eradicated, to monitor over time any return. The best mapping strategy should reflect morphological and structural features of the target plant and choose appropriate spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution. The UAV enables flexible data acquisition for required time periods at low cost and is, therefore, well-suited for targeted monitoring; while satellite imagery provides the best solution for larger areas. Nonetheless, users must be aware of their limits. Článek shrnuje přístupy pro klasifikaci rostlinných invazí na základě dat vzdáleného průzkumu Země. Vyvinutá metodika využívající data z bezpilotního prostředku, který byl navržen na VUT v Brně, vykazuje lepší výsledky než dosud používané satelitní snímky.

The subject matter of this paper was to deal with the issue of spreading and ocuurence of the weed which endanger our environment the most. The biology, occurence, spreading and also the regulation of these weeds were described in the paper. A few probable options were suggested for the area of Russian Federadion. (Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommer at Levier), (Kochia scoparia(L.), Schrader),( Abutilon Theophrasti Med.), (Reynoutria Japonka Houtt.), (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), ( Lactuca tatarka L.) etc. The main aim of the paper was to cover the issue of spreading of invasion weed in the Czech Republic and the Russian Federation with specialization on very dangerous species.

The master thesis evaluates the grant program ?Rural development and land, measure 1 Landscaping and supporting biodiversity?. Within this program were implemented actions that resulted in restoration and protection of biodiversity.20 municipalities were chosen and evaluated, that were supported by the grant program in South Bohemia Region in years 2009-2012. Evaluated municipalities belong in the category of small municipalities, except for 4 of them, that belong to the category of large municipalities (towns Sezimovo Ústí, Blatná, Netolice a Písek). The evaluation included the urban area and the rural area of the village. Using the questionnaire method, the aim was to determine, what is the status of municipalities in the grant program, i.e. whether the municipalities were capable of implementing actions within their budgets without the support of the grant, and also what actions the municipalities have to take in order to become successful applicants for the grant program. Next factor, which was compared and evaluated, was representation of ecologically stable and ecologically unstable habitats in the studied communities by using aerial photographs. Within the ecological survey, invasive species in villages were also mapped using field survey. Around less maintained watercourses were recorded only the most common invasive plant species in the Czech Republic as well as Heracleum mantegazzianum, which suggests that municipalities incorporate procedures suppressing invasive plant species in the primary care for landscape elements.

This thesis stresses the importance of the environmental protection. It is important to help the environmental protection by being environmentally friendly, take care of the structure and state of the landscape, respect all the protected areas and thus contribute to the protection of endangered plant and animal species, as well as those that might become endangered in the future. This thesis also covers the characteristics of the localities with incidence of the following endangered species: Corydalis (Corydalis intermedia), True Oxtulip (Primula elaior), Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica) and Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis). Additionally, this thesis also covers my own monitoring of the localities with the endangered species of Corydalis (Corydalis intermedia), True Oxlip (Primula elaior) and Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica). Based on literature survey and my own investigation, in the last chapter I propose suitable measures and protection of the monitored plants and localities.

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a perennial grass invasive in North America. Reasons of its agressive spread are being discussed and not known yet. This study collects current knowledge and experiment results about reed canary grass. This material can be used as a base for further research.

Both climate change and plant invasions are phenomenons affecting vegetation structure and its functioning. This study compares vegetation of heat pipelines with surrounding vegetation and investigated survival of thermophilic species in the zone on heat pipelines. Reactions of plants on global warming, including possible invasive behaviour of alien species, are briefly discussed.