Špidláky

South Morava

Czech Republic

Špidláky Protected Area [April 2020]

Špidláky is a natural monument situated near the village of Čejč in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. It encompasses south- to southwest-facing limestone slopes that host well-preserved steppe and semi-steppe habitats. The area is known for its rich diversity of xerothermic plant species, including several protected and endangered herbs and grasses, as well as a wide range of heat-loving insects, such as butterflies, beetles, and solitary bees. Reptiles like the common wall lizard also thrive in the warm, rocky environment.

Overview of Špidláky

Location: Špidláky is a protected natural monument near Čejč in the South Moravian Region, in the Hodonín District of the Czech Republic. The site consists of three isolated limestone-steppe hills on the border of the Čejč Basin and the Mutěnice Hills, positioned roughly 1.5–2 km northeast of Čejkovice and 2–2.5 km southwest of Čejč .
Area: Established on 1992, the monument covers approximately 15.37 hectares. (GPS)

Geography and Landscape

Elevation: Ranges from 191 to 239 meters above sea level.
Diverse Landscapes: The landscape of Špidlák is shaped by limestone bedrock, steep slopes and exposure to sun and wind, creating a mosaic of diverse habitats. The area is characterized by dry steppe grasslands, groups of low shrubs and rocky outcrops, all of which contribute to the diverse terrain. Small ravines, shallow depressions and undulating slopes increase the diversity of microhabitats. The southwest orientation ensures high solar exposure, which supports xerothermic conditions, which are ideal for many rare plant and insect species. This landscape diversity makes Špidlák an important refuge for steppe biodiversity in South Moravia. The subject of protection are the Pannonian loess steppe grasslands and broad-leaved dry grasslands with populations of specially protected and European important species.

Climate

Weather Conditions: Špidláky lies in a warm and dry climatic zone characteristic of southern Moravia. The area experiences a moderately continental climate with hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters. Average annual temperatures range around 9 to 10 °C, with summer highs often exceeding 25 °C. Precipitation is relatively low, averaging 450 to 550 mm per year, with most rainfall occurring in spring and early summer. Snowfall is infrequent and short-lived. The slopes’ southwest orientation enhances solar exposure and warmth, contributing to the development of xerothermic habitats and supporting a wide range of heat- and drought-adapted species.

Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna)

Flora:
The flora of Špidláky is rich and characteristic of xerothermic steppe habitats on limestone soils. The site hosts a variety of drought- and heat-tolerant plant species, including several protected and endangered herbs. Typical species include feather grasses (Stipa spp.), Adonis vernalis (spring pheasant’s eye), Salvia pratensis (meadow clary), and various orchids. Mosses and lichens also thrive on the rocky surfaces. This unique plant community is adapted to the shallow, nutrient-poor soils and benefits from the area’s high sun exposure, making Špidláky an important site for steppe vegetation conservation in Central Europe.

Fauna:
The fauna of Špidláky is closely tied to its dry grassland and steppe environment, supporting a wide range of specialized and often rare species. The area is particularly important for insects, including butterflies, grasshoppers, and solitary bees, as well as rare beetles such as ground beetles and jewel beetles. Several protected and endangered species of beetles and other insects have been recorded here, highlighting the site's exceptional entomological value. Reptiles like the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) thrive in the warm, rocky conditions, and various bird species typical of open steppe habitats can be observed. The high biodiversity and presence of threatened invertebrates make Špidláky an ecologically valuable site within the region.