Malhotky

Malhotky is a small but botanically remarkable nature reserve located within the cadastral territory of the village of Nevojice, on the right-hand slope of the Litava river valley in the Litenčická vrchovina hills in Moravia. The protected area covers just 9.47 hectares, at elevations ranging from 240 to 302 metres above sea level. Despite its modest size, Malhotky is regarded as one of the region's most valuable sites of warmth-loving steppe vegetation.

Why is this site protected?

Malhotky was granted legal protection by a decision of the District National Committee in Vyškov in 1981. The reason for protection was the preservation of warmth-loving steppe grassland communities, forest edges, and forest vegetation — particularly thermophilic oak woodland. It is precisely this combination of open, sun-exposed grassland with patches of old oak forest that creates the mosaic of habitats supporting such a rich variety of species on such a small area. Owing to its botanical importance, Malhotky has been included in the European Natura 2000 network as a Site of Community Importance. The area is managed by the Pálava Protected Landscape Area Administration.

What can you see at Malhotky?

The reserve is a south-facing steppe grassland dotted with islands of scrub, young oaks, and old fruit trees. This variety of microhabitats is what draws botanists and nature lovers from across the region.

The main attraction is the abundance of orchid species. In spring, particularly in April, visitors can admire large populations of the military orchid and the spotted orchid, which interbreed at Malhotky, producing intermediate forms. For orchid enthusiasts, this is one of the most interesting observation sites in Moravia.

A careful observer may also spot the European mantis, an insect more commonly associated with the warmer south of Europe, whose presence is a sign of the unusually warm microclimate found on this steppe slope.

How to get to Malhotky?

The reserve lies right next to the village of Nevojice, on the right-hand slope of the Litava valley. It makes for a convenient stop on a hiking or cycling route through the Litenčická vrchovina hills, easily combined with exploring the surrounding valleys and uplands.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Malhotky reserve? The protected area covers 9.47 hectares, at elevations of 240 to 302 metres above sea level.

Since when has Malhotky been protected? The site was granted protected status in 1981 by decision of the District National Committee in Vyškov.

Which plant species can be found here? The most characteristic are the military orchid and the spotted orchid, which interbreed at Malhotky, along with warmth-loving steppe vegetation and oak woodland.

Who manages the reserve? Malhotky is managed by the Pálava Protected Landscape Area Administration and forms part of the Natura 2000 network.

Can you find animals typical of a warmer climate here? Yes, the European mantis has been observed in the reserve, indicating the unusually warm microclimatic conditions of this steppe slope.