Dunajovické kopce

Czech Republic

South Moravia

Dunajovice Hills [Velká Slunečná (283m)] [April 2025]

The Dunajovické Hills (Czech: Dunajovické kopce) are a small group of limestone hills located in South Moravia, near the village of Dunajovice in the Břeclav District, close to the town of Mikulov. They are part of the Mikulov Highlands and lie within the Pálava Protected Landscape Area.

These hills are notable for their rich biodiversity and are of significant geological and botanical interest. The landscape features xerothermic (dry and warm) grasslands and rocky outcrops that support many rare and endemic plant species.
From an entomological perspective, the Dunajovické Hills are especially valuable. The warm microclimate and varied habitats provide an ideal environment for a wide range of insect species, including many thermophilous (heat-loving) butterflies, beetles, and orthopterans (grasshoppers and crickets). Several protected and endangered insect species have been recorded here, making it a key site for entomological research and conservation in the region.

The area is also popular for hiking and offers scenic views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside, blending natural beauty with traditional wine-growing culture.

Overview of Dunajovické Hils

Location: Dunajovické Hils are located in southern Moravia, Czech Republic, near the village of Dunajovice in the Břeclav District, close to the town of Mikulov and the border with Austria. They form part of the Mikulov Highlands and the Pálava Protected Landscape Area, and are known for their limestone geology, steppe vegetation, and rich biodiversity, including many rare insect species.
Area: The Dunajovické Hills (Dunajovické kopce) encompass a total area of approximately 107 hectares, situated in the Břeclav District of South Moravia, Czech Republic. This area includes the National Nature Monument Dunajovické kopce, which covers about 88 hectares. (GPS)
Dunajovické Hills Protected Landscape Area, established as a national nature monument in 2013, are located in South Moravia, Czech Republic, near the village of Dunajovice and the town of Mikulov. Covering about 88 hectares within the Pálava Protected Landscape Area, they rise to elevations between 213 and 283 meters. The area is valued for its limestone bedrock, dry grasslands, and exceptional biodiversity, including rare thermophilous plants and insects. As part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network, it represents an important site for nature conservation in Central Europe.

Geography and Landscape

Elevation: The hills reach elevations ranging from approximately 213 meters to their highest points at around 283 meters above sea level. Notable peaks include Velká Slunečná (283.1 m), Jánská hora (280.5 m), and Malá Slunečná (275 m). The variation in altitude, combined with the limestone substrate, contributes to microclimatic differences that enhance biodiversity across the area.
Diverse Landscapes: The Dunajovické Hills feature a rich variety of landscapes within a compact area. Limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops create dramatic natural formations, while the surrounding dry grasslands and steppe-like vegetation support numerous rare plant species adapted to warm, sunny conditions. Scattered patches of shrubs and sparse woodlands add structural diversity, and traditional vineyards blend human cultivation with natural habitats. This mosaic of open slopes, rocky terrain, and cultivated land provides ideal conditions for a wide range of wildlife, especially thermophilous insects and birds, making the area ecologically valuable and visually striking.

Climate

Weather Conditions: The Dunajovické Hills experience a warm and dry continental climate, characterized by hot summers and mild to cool winters. Due to their southern location and limestone substrate, the area benefits from a strong sun exposure and good heat retention, creating favorable conditions for thermophilous (heat-loving) plants and insects. Precipitation is relatively low compared to surrounding regions, which helps maintain the dry grasslands and steppe habitats. Seasonal temperature fluctuations and occasional drought periods shape the local ecosystem, supporting species adapted to these specific climatic conditions.

Flora and Fauna

Biodiversity: The Dunajovické Hills are a hotspot of biodiversity, hosting a rich variety of plant and animal species adapted to the dry, limestone environment. The xerothermic grasslands support numerous rare and endangered plants, including species such as Prunus tenella (dwarf almond) and Artemisia pancicii (Pančić’s wormwood). The area is also significant for its diverse insect fauna, especially thermophilous butterflies, beetles, and orthopterans (grasshoppers and crickets). Notably, protected species like the European mantis (Mantis religiosa) and the scarce emperor moth (Eriogaster catax) thrive here.