Luňáky

Luňáky is a nature reserve set in the broad floodplain of the Úhlava River near Klatovy, between the villages of Dolní Lhota and Novákovice, within the municipality of Lomec in the Plzeň Region of the Czech Republic. Covering nearly 27 hectares, the reserve was declared protected in 1992 and is managed by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic.

Why was this area protected?

Luňáky safeguards some of the last surviving fragments of waterlogged fen meadows in the Úhlava river basin — a habitat type that has largely disappeared from the region due to decades of land drainage and agricultural intensification. Equally important is the reserve's role in protecting the last remaining nesting sites and migration stopovers for protected and endangered animal species in this part of the country.

What does the landscape look like?

The reserve consists of remnants of heavily waterlogged wet meadows together with Dolejší rybník, a 3.9-hectare fishpond that underwent a major restoration between late 2011 and early 2012. The works included removing excess silt, clearing overgrown reedmace, digging a new shallow pool, and enlarging the overall area of open water. The results of this restoration are visible today in the richness of wildlife the site now supports.

What species live here?

The area serves as a breeding ground for rare bird species and as a resting stop during seasonal migration. Thanks to the pond restoration, birds such as the Montagu's harrier, little ringed plover, and northern lapwing have started nesting here. The newly created shallow pool has become home to amphibians, including the European tree frog, the smooth newt, and fire-bellied toads. The presence of such a varied mix of birds and amphibians points to a healthy wetland-meadow and standing-water ecosystem.

Where exactly is the reserve located?

Luňáky lies in the Klatovy District of the Plzeň Region, on land within the cadastral territory of Dolní Lhota and Novákovice, close to the municipality of Lomec and the village of Týnec. The reserve's approximate coordinates are 49.37°N, 13.25°E. It sits directly alongside the Úhlava River, which explains the character of its habitats: regular flooding and a high water table keep the wet meadows intact.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Luňáky reserve established? The area received legal protection in 1992.

How large is the reserve? It covers close to 27 hectares.

What is the main purpose of the protection? Preserving the last fragments of fen wet meadows in the Úhlava basin, and protecting the nesting and migration sites of endangered species.

What animals can be found here? Rare bird species such as the Montagu's harrier, little ringed plover, and northern lapwing, along with amphibians including the European tree frog, smooth newt, and fire-bellied toad.

Is there a body of water inside the reserve? Yes, Dolejší rybník, a 3.9-hectare fishpond restored in 2011–2012.

Who manages the reserve? The Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic.