In the Czech Republic, all owl species are generally protected by law from activities endangering their populations and ecosystems.
Specially protected species include the Ural owl (critically endangered), pygmy owl, barn owl, boreal owl, little owl (highly endangered species), and eagle owl (endangered).
Specially protected species are protected in all stages of development, and protection also applies to their nesting places and living environment.
Isolated populations of the Ural owl in Central Europe are the remnants of the bird’s range at the end of the last ice age. At that time, the Šumava landscape had the character of tundra and forest-tundra. In addition to Šumava, the Ural owl lives in the Carpathian Mountains and in the Eastern Alps.
It is currently estimated that at least 15 to 25 pairs already nest and breed here. This is also thanks to the Ural owl reintroduction project, which now continues by monitoring the population and its viability.
Other owls of Šumava
Šumava is characterised by vast forests, primeval in certain areas, with a mosaic of man-made meadows, pastures, and settlements.
It is the alternation of wooded and open areas that suits most owls. Vast forest growths in all altitudes are preferred by relatively abundant arctic-forest owls – the boreal owl and pygmy owl.
Other, predominantly forest species include the Ural owl, tawny owl, and eagle owl.
Variegated agricultural landscape, outskirts of human settlements, as well as deforested areas around vanished settlements offer ideal conditions for the long-eared owl, little owl, and barn owl. The little owl and the barn owl are diminishing species and they mostly live in the peripheries of Šumava.
