Effect of disturbances on reptile and amphibian assemblages in oak forests of Podyji National Park

The thesis focuses on the monitoring of reptiles and amphibians of different habitats in six sampling areas in the Podyjí National Park. The monitoring was conducted by the method visually searching for reptiles along walking transect and by using black pond foils as artificial hiding places from 2012 to 2015. The thesis evaluates habitat preferences of reptile species common in the area. The most preferred were partially open habitats, such as the forest edge and open sparse oak forest. The least preferred habitat was shady, closed-canopy forest. The results demonstrate the positive effect of distrubances on most reptile species in the oak forests of Podyjí NP. Habitats suitable for numerous endangered species, including many reptiles, decline due to gradual overgrowing of sparse oak forests and woodlands. The results of this thesis highlight the importance of active conservation forest management to protect the presence of open woodlands and sparse forests