Váté písky near Bzenec ~ The Sand Dunes near Bzenec, often referred to as the “Moravian Sahara,” are a unique natural area located in South Moravia, between the Rohatec-Kolonie district and the Bzenec-Přívoz railway station, in the region known as Bzenecká doubrava (also sometimes called the Moravian Sahara).
The area stretches on both sides of the Přerov–Břeclav railway line in a strip up to 60 meters wide and 5.5 kilometers long. On the northwestern side, the nature reserve is bordered for its entire length by a pine monoculture forest (Doubrava Forest), while on the southeastern side, it borders the Strážnické Pomoraví Nature Park.
Overview of Váté písky
- Location: The Bzenec Sand Dunes, also known as the “Moravian Sahara,” are located in South Moravia, in the South Moravian Region (Jihomoravský kraj), within the Hodonín District. They lie between Rohatec-Kolonie and the Bzenec-Přívoz railway station, along the Přerov–Břeclav railway line, in the area known as Bzenecká Doubrava.
- Area: Established on 1990, the monument covers approximately 94.56 hectares. (GPS)
Geography and Landscape
- Elevation: Ranges from 180 to 200 meters above sea level.
- Diverse Landscapes: The Bzenec Sand Dunes present a remarkably diverse landscape that combines seemingly contrasting ecosystems. At first glance, the area appears as open sandy plains with sparse, drought-tolerant vegetation reminiscent of desert environments. However, these dunes are bordered by extensive pine forests, primarily planted to stabilize the shifting sands. Between the open sands and forested areas lie transition zones rich in shrubs, grasslands, and rare steppe species. This mosaic of habitats creates microenvironments that support a wide variety of flora and fauna, including mosses, lichens, insects, reptiles, and birds uniquely adapted to the dry, nutrient-poor conditions. This diversity makes the Bzenec Sand Dunes a valuable refuge for many rare and endangered species and an exceptional natural landscape in Central Europe.
Climate
- Weather Conditions: The Bzenec Sand Dunes experience a warm temperate climate with relatively dry conditions, typical for South Moravia. Summers are warm to hot, often reaching temperatures above 30°C (86°F), which contributes to the dry, almost semi-arid environment of the dunes. Winters are mild to cool, with occasional frost and snowfall. Precipitation is moderate but unevenly distributed throughout the year, with drier periods in late spring and summer. This climate, combined with the sandy soil’s poor water retention, creates ideal conditions for drought-tolerant plants and animals adapted to withstand heat and limited moisture.
Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna)
- Flora:
The flora of the Bzenec Sand Dunes is dominated by drought- and sand-adapted species thriving in the dry, nutrient-poor sandy soils. The most widespread plant is Echinops ritro (paličkovec šedavý), known for its distinctive globe-shaped blue flowers. Other characteristic species include Stipa borysthenica (feather grass), typical of sandy steppe habitats; Helichrysum arenarium (dwarf everlast), a small bright yellow flowering plant; and Verbascum phoeniceum (purple mullein), which adds colorful blooms. Grasses such as Agrostis canina (velvet bentgrass), Festuca psammophila (sand fescue), and its subspecies Festuca psammophila subsp. dominii are also common, forming an important part of the sandy grassland community. Together, these plants create a unique ecosystem that supports a rich diversity of insects, reptiles, and birds adapted to the harsh, dry environment.
- Fauna:
The fauna of the Bzenec Sand Dunes is equally unique, adapted to the dry, warm, and sandy environment. The area provides habitat for many rare and specialized species, including reptiles like the green lizard (Lacerta viridis) and the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis). Insects such as the praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) thrive here, along with a variety of butterflies and beetles that depend on the sandy steppe plants. Bird species include the woodlark (Lullula arborea) and the hoopoe (Upupa epops), both of which favor open, sandy or lightly forested habitats. This rich animal community reflects the biodiversity supported by the varied microhabitats of the dunes, making the area an important refuge for species adapted to heat, dryness, and sparse vegetation.
Among the invertebrates, the Bzenec Sand Dunes host thermophilic and very rare species of insects and spiders, such as the praying mantis (Mantis religiosa), owlfly (Libelloides macaronius), antlion (Myrmeleon formicarius), southern mantidfly (Mantispa styriaca), red velvet spider (Eresus kollari), green tiger beetle (Cicindela campestris), hairy chafer beetle (Anoxia pilosa), and the southern festoon butterfly (Zerynthia polyxena).
Interesting Beetles
Zonitis flava Fabricius, 1775
Glaresis rufa Erichson, 1848
Polyphylla fullo (Linnaeus, 1758)
Nothorhina muricata (Dalman, 1817)
