Nesvadské Piesky, located near the village of Nesvady in southwestern Slovakia, is a rare sand dune habitat formed from ancient river sediments of the Danube and Váh. This unique landscape hosts dry grasslands, scattered pine groves, and a rich variety of sand-loving plants and insects.
"Liščie diery" is the folk name for a part of the Nesvadské Piesky.
Overview of Nesvadské piesky
- Location: Nesvadské Piesky is located in southwestern Slovakia, near the village of Nesvady in the Komárno District of the Nitra Region. Situated in the Danubian Lowland.
- Area:Established on 2020, the monument covers approximately 35.3 hectares. (GPS)
Geography and Landscape
- Elevation: Ranges from 110 to 120 meters above sea level.
- Diverse Landscapes: The Nesvadské Piesky area represents a valuable example of inland aeolian sand habitats within the Danubian Lowland of southwestern Slovakia. Its geomorphology is characterized by low, wind-shaped sand dunes interspersed with xerothermic grasslands and sporadic pine stands, resulting in a heterogeneous landscape structure.
Climate
- Weather Conditions: The climate of the Nesvadské Piesky area is predominantly warm and dry, typical of the Danubian Lowland. Summers are hot and sunny, with average daytime temperatures often exceeding 28 °C, while winters are generally mild with limited snowfall. Annual precipitation is relatively low, averaging between 500 and 600 mm, which, combined with sandy soils, creates arid conditions that favor xerothermic vegetation. Frequent sunshine and occasional dry winds contribute to the preservation of the unique sand dune habitats found in the region.
Flora and Fauna
- Flora: The flora of the Nesvadské Piesky protected area is closely linked to its primary conservation purpose: the preservation of habitats of European importance, namely xerothermic grasslands on calcareous sands and Pannonian sand steppes. These communities host several nationally significant plant species, including the clustered sandwort (Minuartia glomerata), glaucous sandwort (Minuartia glaucina), Dnieper catchfly (Silene borysthenica), and sand knotweed (Polygonum arenarium). Adapted to nutrient-poor, well-drained sandy substrates, these plants form a unique assemblage that stabilizes the sand, supports specialized fauna, and contributes to the exceptional biodiversity value of the site.
- Fauna: The fauna of the Nesvadské Piesky protected area includes species of both European and national conservation importance that are closely associated with its xerothermic sandy habitats. Of particular significance is the European polecat (Mustela eversmanii), a species of European interest dependent on open steppe-like landscapes for hunting and denning. The site is also home to the nationally important steppe grasshopper (Acrida ungarica), which inhabits the sparse vegetation of dry sandy grasslands.
Beetles
Meloe (Meloe) proscarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758
Cerocoma (Cerocoma) schaefferi (Linnaeus, 1758)
Mylabris (Eumylabris) crocata (Pallas, 1781)
Mylabris (Mylabris) variabilis (Pallas, 1782)
Hycleus tenerus (Germar, 1834)
Glaresis rufa Erichson, 1848
Polyphylla fullo (Linnaeus, 1758)
