Milovice Nature Reserve

Milovice Nature Reserve, situated near the towns of Milovice and Benátky nad Jizerou in the Nymburk District of the Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic, is a significant ecological restoration project. Established in 2015, the reserve is managed by the Česká krajina o.p.s. organization and operates as a component of the Natura 2000 protected area, Evropsky významná lokalita Milovice-Mladá.

History and Purpose

The reserve was established on a former military proving ground that had been left fallow. After the departure of heavy machinery, the landscape began to be overgrown by expansive plant species, leading to a decline in biodiversity. To counteract this, conservation grazing, a method employing large herbivorous mammals, was suggested to maintain the rare ecosystem. Unlike selective grazing by domestic sheep, the reintroduction of wild herbivores aimed to more closely mimic natural ecological processes.

Reintroduction of Large Herbivores

Milovice Nature Reserve is pioneering the reintroduction of three species of large herbivorous mammals that were once integral to European wildlife but have since become rare or extinct. These include:

• European bison (wisent): A herd of seven females from Poland arrived in December 2015, belonging to the rarer lowland (Białowieża) line. The first calf was born in May 2016, and by June 2018, 21 European bisons were recorded, with 8 born at the reserve.
• Tauros cattle: These are bred as an ecological substitute for the extinct aurochs. The first herd of one male and five females arrived in October 2015 from the Dutch Tauros Programme. By February 2018, 13 Tauros cattle were present, with 7 born at Milovice.
• Exmoor ponies: The first herd of 14 mares arrived in January 2015, later joined by a stallion. By February 2018, 55 Exmoor ponies were recorded, with 25 foals born at the reserve.

These animals are crucial for managing the landscape through their grazing habits, preventing overgrowth and fostering a diverse habitat.

Biodiversity and Recognition

Beyond the reintroduced large herbivores, Milovice Nature Reserve supports a rich array of other wildlife. Since 2015, European jackals have been scientifically observed, with the first photographic evidence of breeding in 2017, marking the northernmost documented breeding location in Europe for the species. Monitoring has also revealed at least 18 different bat species, including rare ones like the lesser horseshoe bat, lesser noctule, and Bechstein's bat. In 2016, a significant number of butterfly species were recorded, including several protected and endangered ones. While a European grey wolf was spotted, it appeared to be passing through.

Milovice Nature Reserve has garnered significant recognition for its conservation achievements. In January 2025, it was announced as the first reserve in the Czech Republic to receive the nation's top three ecological awards, including the prestigious E.ON Energy Globe Award, often referred to as the ecological 'Oscar,' for its successful restoration of a unique ecosystem and increased biodiversity through the reintroduction of large herbivores.