More than a hundred critically endangered noble crayfish and around 300 crucian carp, a species listed on the red list of endangered species, were released into the Na Flekačkách pond in Semice near Písek by scientists from the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice.
“This rescue program enables the creation of new habitats for the protection of the genetic pool of noble crayfish, thereby safeguarding selected populations for the future. Among other objectives, it aims to preserve the original population of noble crayfish, which is threatened by crayfish plague and invasive crayfish species,” said Jan Kubec from the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters.
Along with the noble crayfish, scientists released several hundred crucian carp into the Na Flekačkách pond. This is a native fish species that, like the noble crayfish, is threatened by invasive species. Crucian carp, once a common inhabitant of local waters, have been largely displaced by more dominant fish species, particularly the Prussian carp and topmouth gudgeon.
Invasive fish and crayfish species threaten native populations through their aggressive behavior and the spread of crayfish plague. Therefore, environmental experts, in cooperation with the faculty, are seeking additional suitable locations for their protection. One such location is the Na Flekačkách pond, which has become part of the species protection program. Other locations involved in this initiative in the Písek region include ponds such as Šácha, Nový, Pod Vojtíškem, and U Sudu.
The entire species protection program for noble crayfish was initiated by the current rector of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Pavel Kozák, who has long been dedicated to the issue of crayfish conservation and reintroduction in the Písek region.
The article on jcted.cz HERE.
Interview with the Rector of the University of South Bohemia, Pavel Kozák, for Český rozhlas Plus at the 17th minute HERE.
