Conservation ecology

Many species of endangered plants and animals have occurred recently at post-industrial (anthropogenic) sites. A near-natural way of restoration of such sites is the only possibility how to preserve species of conservation interest as well as the biotopes. Our research is oriented mainly on the species of insects and plants of conservation interest, on studying the ecology of selected species in field conditions as well as in laboratory ones, and also on the communities of species bound to specific post-industrial sites (sandpits, terrestrial reed beds, spoil heaps, motocross pathways) and to similar near-natural sites (aeolian sands, steppes, pond wetlands, etc.). Our research work also focuses on the negative influences – pathogens – molds, fungi, parasites, and parasitoids or herbivores of the plants studied. Recently, our team has applied pollen analysis and other modern methods to reach our objectives.

The research into conservation ecology carried out at the Department of Biology of the Faculty of Science (University of Hradec Králové) is divided into several essential parts:

1. Detailed studies into the ecology of species under special conservation programs or other species of conservation interest. Our studies on Potamogeton praleongus and Adenophora liliifolia are focused on all aspects of the biology of these critically endangered plants, as well as on laboratory experiments on seeding and growing of these plants. Our team also studies in a detailed way the critically endangered digger wasps Bembix rostrata and Bembix tarsata, which are surviving recently only on former anthropogenic sites. Other species under our studies are especially endangered species of bats.
2. Studies in the communities of hymenopterans of post-industrial sites. Comparisons with near-natural sites are made (our good reputation has already been gained in this sphere). Recently, we have studied this group on most of the main types of post-industrial sites and we have confirmed that several species of conservation interest are bound to these biotopes.
3. Studies in invasive plants and insects. Our studies are focused on the invasive plants and their insect pollinators, as well as on invasive digger wasps and their nesting biology, and on species connected with them and their nests.
4. Research in the specific nesting strategies and communities of insects and invertebrates. We have studied in detail insects inhabiting empty reed galls on Phragmites communis, with a focus on bees and wasps. Recently, we have investigated those in empty gastropod shells at xerothermes, and species nesting and overwintering in old galls of Andricus kollari.
5. Studies into filamentous fungi in nests of bees and in ant-nests. Within the framework of our studies in nests of bees and wasps, we have revealed newly described entomopathogenous filamentous fungi. We have also studied fungi on ant cuticle.

Project supervisor

doc. Petr Bogusch, Ph.D.