About this place
Knížecí les is a nature monument in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, located in the Brno-venkov district within the cadastral territory of the town of Nosislav, near the village of Přísnotice. The protected area covers 11.38 hectares and combines a network of artificially created ponds, surrounding wetlands, and a stretch of floodplain forest from which the site takes its name. Protected status was granted by the South Moravian Regional Authority on 29 June 2012, under registration number 5707.
Why was this area protected?
The primary subject of protection is the fire-bellied toad (kuňka obecná), a small amphibian recognisable by the striking orange-and-black pattern on its underside. This species depends on shallow, well-sunlit water bodies for breeding, and the varied-depth pond system found here provides exactly that kind of habitat. The surrounding wetlands and floodplain forest additionally offer feeding and overwintering grounds for the toad and other species sharing the site.
How did the ponds at Knížecí les come to exist?
The area's present character is not entirely natural. In 1998, the state forestry company Lesy České republiky carried out a restoration project on what became known as the Nosislav Wetland, covering 2.7 hectares and funded through subsidies. Previously drained terrain was reshaped into a system of separate ponds of varying depths, designed to recreate conditions favourable to amphibians and other water-dependent species.
What other amphibians live here?
Besides the fire-bellied toad, the site is home to several other amphibian species, including the European tree frog, the common toad, the agile frog, and the marsh frog. This diversity of frog and toad species points to the quality of the aquatic and riparian habitats that have been re-established on this relatively small but ecologically valuable plot of land.
Where exactly is Knížecí les located?
The site lies south of Brno, near the villages of Nosislav and Přísnotice, in a landscape historically shaped by the floodplain forests that once accompanied the Svratka river and its tributaries. This is typical lowland terrain of southern Moravia, where natural depressions favoured the formation of wetlands and seasonally flooded woodland before much of the surrounding land was converted to agricultural use.
Can visitors explore Knížecí les?
The nature monument is not developed as a tourist destination with visitor infrastructure — it is primarily a protected site valued for its ecological significance rather than a scenic viewpoint or recreational attraction. Visitors should take particular care during the amphibian breeding season (spring and early summer), when the ponds play a critical role for the fire-bellied toad population and the other frog species present.
Frequently asked questions
How large is Knížecí les? The nature monument covers an area of 11.38 hectares.
When was the site granted protected status? Protection was established on 29 June 2012 by decision of the South Moravian Regional Authority.
Which species is the main subject of protection? The fire-bellied toad (kuňka obecná), a small amphibian that requires shallow, sun-exposed water bodies for breeding.
Where did the ponds on the site come from? They were created in 1998 as part of the restoration of the so-called Nosislav Wetland, carried out by the state forestry company Lesy České republiky.
Where is Knížecí les in relation to Brno? It lies south of Brno, near the villages of Nosislav and Přísnotice in the Brno-venkov district.
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