This review article describes the phylogeny of sheep in genus Ovis. Individual species of sheep, their geographic distribu tion and nomenclature are presented in the light of the latest taxonomic revision. The current understanding of sheep domestication process is also described. Numerous gaps in our knowledge of this important and only seemingly well-known group of ruminants are mentioned. and Josef Suchomel.
Boj o záchranu jednoho z nejvzácnějších a nejunikátnějších ptačích druhů - Kakapa sovího (Strigops habroptilus) - trvá už několik desítek let. Veškeré snahy dlouhou dobu selhávaly, než vědci odhalili, jak úzce záhadné rozmnožování tohoto druhu souvisí s jeho výživou. Od roku 2000 se tak podařilo populaci více než zdvojnásobit. Za zachráněný však druh bude považován až ve chvíli, kdy dokáže přežít a rozmnožovat se bez pomoci člověka. Záchrana kakapa sovího je běh na dlouhou trať, čím víc ale o jeho biologii víme, tím větší máme naději, že se to podaří., The endeavour to save one of the rarest and most unique species of birds - Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) - has been going on for decades. All efforts were unsuccessful until the scientists discovered how closely is the reproduction of this species related to its diet. Since the year of 2000 the population has doubled its original. However, the recovery of Kakapo populations is a long process, the species can only be considered salvaged when it is able to reproduce without human assistance., and Petra Tumová.
The Yellow Sack Spider (Cheiracanthium punctorium) is a well-known species native to the Czech Republic. Several reports of its painful bite have gained much publicity. The species was considered to be very rare until the end of the 20th century. We provide information on the distribution, spread and ecology of this spider in the Czech Republic. Several cases of biting and its subsequent symptoms are described, and the toxicity of the spider is discussed. and Ondřej Košulič, Jan Korba, Jan Dolanský.
V uplynulém roce (2012) máme doloženy poznatky o poškozování zateplených budov ptáky v městské části Královo Pole v Brně. Na lokalitě jsme zjistili přítomnost strakapouda velkého (Dendrocopos major), strakapouda malého (D. minor) a žluny zelené (Picus viridis). Půl roku po ukončení rekonstrukčních prací se zájem těchto tří druhů šplhavců soustředil na omítky a obložení pláště domů polystyrenem, především v prostoru těsně pod střešní římsou. Pozornost jsme soustředili na činnost největšího druhu – žluny zelené (rozměry jedince byly 30–33 cm). V článku je podrobně popsán průběh činnosti dlabání dutiny., The European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) excavated holes under the eaves of roof of the polystyrene-clad houses. Detailed observation in late autumn revealed a cavity with a two-litre volume hollowed out over five hours., and Marta Heroldová, Jan Zejda.
The order grebes (Podicipediformes) is an archaic group of birds, morphologically and ecologically well adapted to the aquatic life style, including breeding in floating nests in the littoral zone of water bodies. Four grebe species are breeding in fishponds in the Czech republic. Annually during the breeding season, these birds have to overcome many problems to successfully breed. In the incubation period, the most important mission for parents is to protect the eggs from predation. and Jan Sychra.
Successful rearing of a grebe (Podicipediformes) brood depends on several environ - mental factors, such as climatic conditions and food supply at the breeding site. In connection with their insufficient thermoregulation in the first days of their life grebe chicks are brooded, warmed and fed, under the wings on the back of their pa - rents. Although grebes are very adaptable birds, fishpond degradation is currently inducing a decrease of these waterbirds. and Jan Sychra.