Soví les

Soví les ("Owl Forest") is a small but ecologically significant protected area in the Třeboňsko region of South Bohemia, located within the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area about 2 km southeast of the town of Třeboň, in the Zámecké polesí forest. It was declared a natural monument in 1994 and covers 20.3 hectares.

What makes this forest special?

Soví les is an older, species-diverse forest growing on peat substrate. This combination of mature woodland and a wet, peaty habitat has allowed plant species that are otherwise rare in the region to survive here. Because the forest has largely avoided intensive management, it has retained a natural, mosaic-like structure, with trees of varying ages and a good amount of deadwood — a key resource for many forest-dwelling species.

Why "Owl Forest"?

The name is well earned. Soví les is one of the most important owl breeding sites in the Třeboňsko region, home to nesting tawny owls and Eurasian pygmy owls, the smallest owl species found in the Czech Republic. Remarkably, eight of the ten owl species that live in the Czech Republic have been recorded in or around this forest, making it one of the richest sites in the country for owl diversity.

Other notable bird species

Beyond owls, Soví les serves as an important nesting area for several other rare and protected birds. Black storks, white-tailed eagles, and black woodpeckers have all been observed in and around the forest. The presence of these species points to a healthy forest ecosystem and a well-preserved stand of old trees offering good nesting and foraging conditions.

The ecological role of owls

Owls act as apex predators, helping to regulate populations of small mammals and other prey within the forest. Their presence supports the natural ecological balance of the area, and the sheer diversity of owl species found in Soví les is considered a strong indicator of the forest's overall ecological health.

Regional context

Soví les is part of the wider Třeboňsko natural landscape — an extensive lowland region in South Bohemia known for its network of fishponds, wetlands, and forests. Třeboňsko is one of the few areas in the country to be protected as a landscape park on such a large scale (around 700 km²). This unique combination of water, peatland, and old-growth forest is what gives the region — and Soví les within it — its recognized ecological importance.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Soví les located? About 2 km southeast of Třeboň, within the Zámecké polesí forest, inside the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area.

Since when has the area been protected? It was declared a natural monument in 1994.

How large is the protected area? It covers 20.3 hectares.

Which owl species can be found here? Among others, the tawny owl and the Eurasian pygmy owl — in total, eight of the ten owl species native to the Czech Republic have been recorded in the forest.

What other rare birds nest in Soví les? Black stork, white-tailed eagle, and black woodpecker.

What kind of forest is it? An older, species-diverse forest growing on peat substrate that has retained its natural character.