Toto-Karo

Toto-Karo is a small nature reserve located just a few hundred metres from the town of Bochov, heading toward Těšetice and Nový Dvůr, in the Karlovy Vary Region of western Czechia. Covering 12 hectares, the site was declared a protected nature reserve by the Karlovy Vary Regional Office on 1 July 2018. Its purpose is to protect plant and animal communities associated with standing water — habitats that have become increasingly rare in the region due to wetland drainage and the conversion of traditional fishponds.

What does the Toto-Karo reserve consist of?

The core of the protected area is a pond system made up of Havlisův rybník together with two smaller ponds known as Malá and Velká Žabka ("Little" and "Big Frog Pond"), plus two additional unnamed ponds. This mosaic of small water bodies, varying in depth and vegetation cover, creates a range of microhabitats — from open water surfaces to shallow, densely vegetated margins.

Surplus water from the pond system drains via a stream into the Ratibořský stream, part of the Berounka river basin, one of the more significant rivers of western Czechia.

What plants dominate the reserve?

Among the aquatic and shoreline vegetation, the most abundant species is a narrow-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton), typical of standing and slow-moving waters, forming dense stands beneath the water surface. Its strong presence indicates a good ecological condition of the ponds and relatively low pollution levels.

What animals can be found in Toto-Karo?

The reserve is an important habitat for amphibians associated with still water. Species noted as characteristic of the area include the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) and the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) — both protected under Czech law and listed as species of European conservation concern. The presence of these amphibians is the direct reason the site was placed under reserve protection: a system of small, well-lit ponds with varied vegetation provides an ideal breeding environment for both species.

Are there other protected areas nearby?

A few kilometres from Toto-Karo, also within the Bochov municipality, lies a second nature reserve — Louky u Dlouhé Lomnice, established on 9 December 2019. It covers 9 hectares of permanent grassland and birch-aspen woodland and protects, among other species, the critically endangered, strictly protected marsh fritillary butterfly. Together, the two reserves show that the countryside around Bochov, though small and little known to tourists, holds valuable natural habitats worth protecting.

Who is Toto-Karo for?

This is primarily a destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers and amphibian enthusiasts, as well as anyone looking for a quiet walk away from the main tourist routes. Given its reserve status and the sensitivity of its habitats, visitors should stick to accessible paths and avoid entering the ponds directly, so as not to disturb the amphibians' breeding season.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Toto-Karo located? A few hundred metres from the centre of Bochov, heading toward the villages of Těšetice and Nový Dvůr, in the Karlovy Vary Region.

When was the reserve established? The area was granted protected status on 1 July 2018 by decision of the Karlovy Vary Regional Office.

How large is the reserve? 12 hectares.

What does Toto-Karo protect? Communities associated with standing water, including populations of the fire-bellied toad and the great crested newt.