Bílý kopec u Čejče

Czech Republic

South Moravia

Bílý kopec near Čejč Protected Area [June 2025]

Bílý kopec near Čejč is a natural monument located in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, near the village of Čejč. It is a steppe habitat known for its rich biodiversity, hosting rare and protected species of plants and animals typical of southern Moravia. The area is characterized by limestone bedrock and dry grassland vegetation. It is a valuable site for nature conservation and a popular destination for botanists, entomologists, and nature enthusiasts.

Overview of Bílý kopec

Location: Bílý kopec is located in the South Moravian Region, southeast of the village of Čejč, in the Hodonín District. It lies on the western edge of the Kyjov Hills, on a prominent slope mostly facing southwest. The site spans an elevation of approximately 178 to 237 meters above sea level and includes several separate patches of steppe habitat on limestone bedrock. Access is possible via field and forest paths from the nearby villages of Čejč and Mutěnice.
Area: Established on 1990, the monument covers approximately 22.9 hectares. (GPS)

Geography and Landscape

Elevation: Ranges from 178 to 237 meters above sea level.
Diverse Landscapes: The landscape of Bílý kopec near Čejč is characterized by a diverse mosaic of natural features shaped by limestone geology and a warm, dry climate. The area includes sun-exposed southwest-facing slopes covered with species-rich steppe grasslands, which are interspersed with patches of shrubs and occasional solitary trees. Shallow gullies and undulating terrain add to the geographical variety and create microhabitats that support a wide range of flora and fauna. The dry, rocky soil typical of the limestone bedrock further enhances the ecological uniqueness of the site. This geographical diversity makes Bílý kopec an important refuge for many rare and thermophilic species.
The protected area Bílý kopec consists of several separate territorial units. One of them is, for example, Mansonova step (= so-called “Manson’s steppe”) GPS [48°55'32.1"N, 16°58'46.6"E]

Climate

Weather Conditions: The climate of Bílý kopec near Čejč is typically warm and dry, reflecting the conditions of southern Moravia. The area experiences a moderately continental climate with hot, sunny summers and mild to cool winters. Average annual temperatures range around 9 to 10 °C, while summer temperatures often exceed 25 °C. Precipitation is relatively low, averaging 450 to 550 mm per year, with most rainfall occurring in spring and early summer. Snow cover in winter is usually light and short-lived. The region is moderately affected by wind, predominantly from the southwest to northwest.

Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna)

Flora:
The flora of Bílý kopec is typical of limestone dry grasslands and steppe habitats, featuring a rich diversity of heat-loving and drought-tolerant plants. Common species include various types of feather grasses (Stipa spp.), orchids, and rare herbs such as Salvia pratensis (meadow clary) and Astragalus onobrychis (milk-vetch). The area is also home to several protected and endangered species, including the fragrant Adonis vernalis (spring pheasant’s eye) and the striking Iris pumila (dwarf iris). This diverse plant community thrives on the thin, rocky soils and benefits from the warm, sunny microclimate of the southwest-facing slopes, making Bílý kopec a valuable refuge for steppe vegetation in Central Europe.

Fauna:
The fauna of Bílý kopec reflects its steppe and dry grassland habitats, supporting a variety of specialized and often rare animal species. Insects such as butterflies and grasshoppers are abundant, with notable species including the scarce marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) and the blue-winged grasshopper (Oedipoda caerulescens). The site is also important for the presence of rare beetle species and other insects. The area also provides habitat for several reptiles, like the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), which thrive in the warm, rocky environment. Small mammals and various bird species adapted to open, dry landscapes are present as well, contributing to the ecological richness of the site.