Vliv dlouhodobého loveckého managementu na prostorové chování a populační hustotu bobra evropského (Castor fiber) v rybniční krajině

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is a protected species in the Czech Republic, and its natural return to the landscape is regarded as a major success in wildlife conservation. However, its activities strengthen the conflict with land-use practices, particularly in economically important areas. Common problems include damage to woody vegetation, grazing and flooding of agricultural crops, disruption of flood protection structures, and deterioration of pond dams – especially in regions with intensive fishpond management. In response to these issues, current beaver management in the Czech Republic allows targeted removal of individuals in conflict areas under specific legal exemptions. This article presents the first empirical data on long-term hunting management of Castor fiber in a fishpond landscape in the Czech Republic, specifically in the Pohořelice region, where intensive monitoring and regulated hunting have been conducted continuously since 2018. The research assessed both the development and characteristics of hunted individuals and the spatial distribution of beaver signs in the field. The results suggest that prolonged hunting pressure may limit the establishment of stable territories and affect spatial behavior – evidenced, for example, by increased concentration of tree gnawing close to the water’s edge. This study provides unique insights to support the optimization of management strategies for this conflict-prone species in a human-modified landscape.