Our research group focuses on various aspects of habitat and species conservation management. We conduct a broad scale of field surveys and studies mostly in Africa, with special attention paid to antelope and giraffe conservation, mitigation of human-wildlife and wildlife-livestock conflict, protected areas management, and environmental education. We are also involved in the ex situ conservation and research realized in European zoos. We apply our research results and advanced techniques of population management in the conservation of threatened species, namely the Western Derby eland in Senegal.
WMC Research areas
Ecology of large mammals of West African savannah
Karolína Brandlová & Pavla Hejcmanová
What are the main constraints limiting antelope and giraffe of Western Africa to thrive, both in the protected areas and outside them?
Ex-situ breeding management
Karolína Brandlová & Pavla Hejcmanová
We explore various ex-situ breeding management approaches in different environments, in zoos, in fenced nature reserves and game parks, and on islands.
Wildlife monitoring and habitat assessment techniques
Karolína Brandlová & Pavla Hejcmanová
What is the species diversity and abundance in a given area? What are their habitat requirements and do they only occur in protected area or rather outside? Those are the first questions of wildlife managers to be answered and analysed before any decision is taken. We provide the answers, using the best possible technologies, from camera-traps to drones and applying the advanced modelling approach to increase our understanding of natural processes.
People
Main researchers
- prof. RNDr. Pavla Hejcmanová, Ph.D.
- doc. Ing. Karolína Brandlová, Ph.D.
- RNDr. Irena Schneiderová, Ph.D.
- Ing. Magdalena Miřejovská, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Stanislav Lhota, Ph.D.
PhD students
- Kateřina Gašparová
- Zuzana Holubová
- Pavlo Fiyalkovski
- Abdoul Razack Moussa Zabeirou
- Sofiia Pyshnieva
- Roberto Corvino
- Mara Vukelić
MSc students:
- Kristýna Stehlíková
- Thalia Pelegrin
- Francisca Isadora Abuter Grebe
Alumni:
Projects
- 2018 - 2019: Testing spatial data acquisition techniques for animal conservation planning in Africa and the Middle East - CIGA-20185018. Investigator: Meyer de Kock, Garant: prof. RNDr. Pavla Hejcmanová, Ph.D.
- 2018 - 2019: Evaluation of management effectiveness of protected areas in Ghana - CIGA-20185007. Investigator: Jerry Owusu Afriyie, Garant: prof. RNDr. Pavla Hejcmanová, Ph.D.
- 2018: Ecology of large herbivores and carnivores in African savannah. Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences – CZU (IGA-20185010). Leader: doc. Ing. Karolína Brandlová, Ph.D.
- 2017-2018: Bioavailability and utilization of macro- and micro- elements in soil resources for nutrition of non-domesticated large herbivores. Czech University of Life Sciences Prague – CIGA-20175004. Investigator: Ing. Lucie Stoklasová, Garant: prof. RNDr. Pavla Hejcmanová, Ph.D.
- 2017: Testing of environmental education programmes effectivity in West Africa - CIGA-20175002. Investigator: Markéta Grúňová, Garant: prof. RNDr. Pavla Hejcmanová, Ph.D.
Publications
- Brandlová, k., Gloneková, M., Hejcmanová, P., Jůnková Vymyslická, P., Aebischer, T., Hickish, R., Mallon, D., 2018: Chinko/Mbari Drainage Basin represents a conservation hotspot for Eastern Derby Eland in Central Africa. African Journal of Ecology.
- Grúňová M., Sané M., Činčera J., Kroufek R., Hejcmanová P. 2018. Reliability of the new environmental paradigm for analysing the environmental attitudes of Senegalese pupils in the context of conservation education projects, Environmental Education Research, DOI: 10.1080/13504622.2018.1428942
- Grúňová, M., Brandlová, K., Svitálek, J., Hejcmanová, P., 2017: Environmental education supports conservation action by increasing the immediate and long-term environmental knowledge of children in West Africa. Applied Environmental Education & Communication. p. 1-14, doi:10.1080/1533015X.2016.1273153
- MALYJURKOVÁ, L., HEJZLAROVÁ, M., JŮNKOVÁ VYMYSLICKÁ, P., BRANDLOVÁ, K., 2014: Social Preferences of Translocated Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) in Senegal: Evidence for Friendship among Females? Agricultura tropica et subtropica, 47/1, 5-13
- Gloneková, M., Jůnková Vymyslická, P., Žáčková, M., Brandlová, K., 2017: Giraffe nursing behaviour reflects environmental conditions. Behaviour 154: 115-129.
- Gloneková, M., Brandlová, K., Žáčková, M., Dobiášová, B., Pechrová, k., šimek, j., 2016: The weight of Rothschild giraffe – is it really well known? Zoo Biology 35: 423-431, doi: 10.1002/zoo.21308
- Hejcman M., Hejcmanová P., Pavlů V., Thorhallsdottir A.G. 2016. Forage quality of leaf fodder from the main woody species in Iceland, its use for livestock and its potential use for livestock in the past and present. Grass and Forage Science, 71: 649-658.
- Hejcmanová P., Pokorná P., Hejcman M., Pavlů V. 2016. Phosphorus limitation relates to diet selection of sheep and goats on dry calcareous grassland. Applied Vegetation Science. 19: 101–110.
- Gloneková, M., Brandlová, K., Pluháček, J., 2016: Stealing milk by young and reciprocal mothers: high incidence of allonursing in giraffes, Giraffa camelopardalis. Animal Behaviour 113: 113-123, doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.11.026 (1 SCI)
- Jůnková Vymyslická, P., Brandlová, K., Hozdecká, K., Žáčková, M., Hejcmanová,P., 2015: Feeding rank in the Derby eland: lessons for management. African Zoology, 50 (4): 313-320, doi:10.1080/15627020.2015.1111167
- HOROVÁ, E., BRANDLOVÁ, K., GLONEKOVÁ, M., 2015: The first description of dominance hierarchy in captive giraffe: not loose and egalitarian, but clear and linear. PLoS ONE 10(5): e0124570. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0124570. (1 SCI)
- ZEMANOVÁ, H., ČERNÁ BOLFÍKOVÁ, B., BRANDLOVÁ, K., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., HULVA, P., 2015: Conservation genetics of the Western Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus) in Senegal: Integration of pedigree and microsatellite data. Mammalian biology 80: 328-332. doi:10.1016/j.mambio.2015.02.002
- Hejcmanová P., Stejskalová M., Hejcman M. 2014. Forage quality of leaf-fodder from main broad-leaved woody species and its possible consequences for the Holocene development of forest vegetation in Central Europe. Vegetation History and Archeobotany 23:607-613.
- Hejcman M., Hejcmanová P., Stejskalová M., Pavlů V. 2014. Nutritive value of winter collected annual twigs of main European woody species, mistletoe and ivy and its possible consequences for winter foddering of livestock in prehistory. The Holocene 24: 657 – 665.
- BRANDLOVÁ, k., MALLON, D., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., REGNAUT, S., JŮNKOVÁ VYMYSLICKÁ, P., FEDOROVA, T., ŽÁČKOVÁ, M., BRANDL, P., NDIAYE, S., 2013: Western Derby Eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus) Conservation Strategy. Czech University of Life Science Prague, 111 pp., ISBN 978-80-213-2397-1
- BRANDLOVÁ, k., BARTOŠ, l., HABEROVÁ, t., 2013: Camel Calves as Opportunistic Milk Thefts? The First Description of Allosuckling in Domestic Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus), PLoS ONE 8(1): e53052. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053052. (5 SCI)
- Pokorná P., Hejcmanová P., Hejcman M., Pavlů V. 2013. Activity time budget patterns of sheep and goats co-grazing on semi-natural species-rich dry grassland. Czech Journal of Animal Science 58:208–216.
- Stejskalová M., Hejcmanová P., Pavlů V., Hejcman M. 2013. Grazing behavior and performance of beef cattle as a function of sward structure and herbage quality under rotational and continuous stocking on species-rich upland pasture. Animal Science Journal 84:622–629.
- Mladek J., Mladkova P., Hejcmanová P., Dvorský M., Pavlu V., De Bello, F., Duchoslav M., Hejcman M., Pakeman, R. J. (2013). Plant Trait Assembly Affects Superiority of Grazer's Foraging Strategies in Species-Rich Grasslands. PloS one, 8(7), e69800.
- Koláčková, K., Hejcmanová, P., ANTONÍNOVÁ, M., Brandl, P., 2011: Population management as a tool in the recovery of the critically endangered Western Derby eland Taurotragus derbianus in Senegal, Africa. Wildlife Biology 17: 299-310. doi: 10.2981/10-019 (3 SCI)
- HEJCMANOVÁ, P., VYMYSLICKÁ, P., KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., ANTONÍNOVÁ, M., POLICHT, R., STEJSKALOVÁ, M., HEJCMAN, M., 2011: Suckling behaviour of eland antelope (Taurotragus spp.) under free ranging and farm conditions. Journal of Ethology 29 (1): 161-168, doi: 10.1007/s10164-010-0241-1 (2 SCI)
- Studbooks
- BRANDLOVÁ, k., JŮNKOVÁ VYMYSLICKÁ, P., ŽÁČKOVÁ, M., KUBÁTOVÁ, A., GRÚŇOVÁ, M., FEDOROVA, T., 2016: African Studbook. Western Derby eland, Taurotragus derbianus derbianus (Gray, 1847). 9th volume, Czech University of Life Science Prague, 86 pp., ISBN 978-80-213-2739-9
- BRANDLOVÁ, k., JŮNKOVÁ VYMYSLICKÁ, P., ŽÁČKOVÁ, M., ŠVEJCAROVÁ, M., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., FEDOROVA, T., 2015: African Studbook. Western Derby eland, Taurotragus derbianus derbianus (Gray, 1847). 8th volume, Czech University of Life Science Prague, 121 pp., ISBN 978-80-213-2582-1.
- BRANDLOVÁ, k., JŮNKOVÁ VYMYSLICKÁ, P., ŽÁČKOVÁ, M., FEDOROVA, T., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., 2014: African Studbook. Western Derby eland, Taurotragus derbianus derbianus (Gray, 1847). 7th volume, Czech University of Life Science Prague, 83 pp, ISBN 978-80-213-2487-9.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., HABEROVÁ, T., VYMYSLICKÁ, P., ŽÁČKOVÁ, M., Hejcmanová, P., Brandl, P., (Eds.), 2012: African Studbook. Western Derby eland, Taurotragus derbianus derbianus (Gray, 1847). Czech University of Life Science Prague, 5th volume, 103 pp., ISBN 978-80-213-2303-2
- Koláčková, K., Hejcmanová, P., Brandl, P., ŽÁČKOVÁ, M., VYMYSLICKÁ, P., (Eds.), 2011: African Studbook. Western Derby eland, Taurotragus derbianus derbianus (Gray, 1847). Czech University of Life Science Prague, 4th edition, 80 pp., ISBN 978-80-213-2204-2
- Koláčková, K., Hejcmanová, P., Antonínová, M., Brandl, P., Verner, P.H. (Eds.), 2010: African Studbook. Western giant eland, Taurotragus derbianus derbianus (Gray, 1847). Czech University of Life Science Prague, 3rd edition, 162 pp., ISBN 978-80-213-2102-1
- Koláčková, K., Hejcmanová, P., Antonínová, M., Brandl, P., Verner, P.H. (Eds.), 2009: African Studbook. Western giant eland, Taurotragus derbianus derbianus (Gray, 1847). Czech University of Life Science Prague, 2nd edition, 150 pp., ISBN 978-80-213-2000-0
- ANTONÍNOVÁ, M., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., VERNER, P.H., KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., 2008: African studbook: Western Giant eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus (Gray, 1847)). Czech University of Life Science, Prague. 89 pp. ISBN 978-80-213-1863-2
- Popularization of science
- Brandlová, k., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., JŮNKOVÁ VYMYSLICKÁ, P., GRÚŇOVÁ, M., SANÉ, M., GRÚŇOVÁ, N., 2016: Les animaux du Senegal. Materiel educatif pour les guards, guides, enfants et maîtres. Derbianus Conservation.
- BRANDL, P., BRANDLOVÁ, K., ŠIMEK, J., 2013: Největší antilopa. Zoo Praha. 51 pp. ISBN: 978-80-85126-19-8.
- BOBEK, M., PTAČINSKÁ JIRÁTOVÁ, J., BRANDL, P., KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., KŮS, E., ŠIMEK, J., VAIDL, A., VELENSKÝ, P., 2011: Pomáháme jim přežít. Kapitola Největší antilopa. Vydala Zoologická zahrada hl.m. Prahy u příležitosti 80. výročí jejího založení a konání mezinárodní konference Světové asociace zoologických zahrad a akvárií (WAZA) v září 2011. Náklad 1000 ks. 254p., 173-217pp., ISBN 978-80-85126-16-7
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., ANTONÍNOVÁ, M., SVITÁLEK, J., BARTŮŇKOVÁ, L., 2011: Les animaux du Sénégal. Materiel educatif pour les guards, guides, enfants et maîtres. Derbianus Czech Society for African Wildlife.
- ANTONÍNOVÁ, M., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., SVITÁLEK, J., VAVROUŠOVÁ, S., VERNER, P.H., VIDOVÁ, J., 2008: Protegeons notre nature! Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague. 23pp.
- Hejcmanová, P., jŮNKOVÁ vYMYSLICKÁ, p., Brandlová, K., Dolejský, V., 2015: Západní poddruh antilopy Derbyho má díky pomoci z České republiky větší naději na přežití. Ochrana přírody 5/12, p. 44-45.
- BRANDLOVÁ, K., 2013: The largest trophy from West Africa? Game & Hunt, July 2013, p. 122.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., ŽÁČKOVÁ, M., 2010: Antilopa Derbyho - stav záchranného programu po 10 letech. Živa 6/2010, p. 285-291.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., ANTONÍNOVÁ, M., SVITÁLEK, J., VYMYSLICKÁ, P., ŽÁČKOVÁ, M., POLICHT, R., BRANDL, P., VERNER, P.H., 2010: 10 years of the Western Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus) conservation programme/10 let záchranného programu pro antilopu Derbyho (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus). Gazella 37, p. 169-181.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., 2009: Ekologie v zoo – Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy. Nika, časopis pro environmentální výchovu a osvětu. Ročník 30, červen 2009.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., SVITÁLEK, J., ANTONÍNOVÁ, M., HEJCMANOVÁ, P., 2008: What have the Giant eland and frogs in common? Gazella 35, p. 157-168.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., 2010: Jak kojí žirafy? Trojský koník – časopis pražské zoo, mimořádné číslo Žirafy, p. 16-17.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., BRANDL, P., 2010: Pusta plná života. Časopis Trojský koník, ročník XII, číslo 2/2010. Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy, Praha, p. 24-25.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., 2010: Cesty Senegalem – Národní park Niokolo Koba. Trojský koník – časopis pražské zoo, ročník XII., č. 1/2010. p. 36-37.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., 2009: Cesty Senegalem – Národní park Djoudj. Časopis Trojský koník, ročník XI, číslo 2/2009. Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy, Praha, p. 36-39.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., 2009: Záchrana největší antilopy. Časopis Trojský koník, ročník XI, číslo 1/2009. Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy, Praha, p. 38-39.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., SVITÁLEK, J., 2009: Cesty Senegalem – národní park Delta du Saloum. Časopis Trojský koník, ročník XI, číslo 1/2009. Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy, Praha, p. 28-30.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., SVITÁLEK, J., 2008: „Divoká“ Afrika - Safari pro senegalské děti. Časopis Trojský koník, ročník X, číslo 1/2009. Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy, Praha. p. 30-31.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., SVITÁLEK, J., 2008: Po stopách antilopy Derbyho. Časopis Trojský koník, ročník X, číslo 1/2009. Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy, Praha. p. 34-35.
- KOLÁČKOVÁ, K., 2008: Žáby bijí na poplach! U nás i v Africe. Časopis Trojský koník, ročník X, číslo 1/2009. Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy, Praha.
Cooperation/Networking
- Derbianus Conservation
- Committees for Antelopes and Giraffes, UCSZOO
- Antelope & Giraffid TAG EAZA
- IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group
- Sahara Conservation Fund
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation
- Safaripark Dvůr Králové
- Prague Zoo
- Wild Africa Conservation
- African Parks – Garamba National Park, DRC, Chinko Protected Area, CAR, Pendjari NP, Benin, Odzala Kokoua NP, Congo
- Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal
- Bandia reserve, Fathala reserve, Senegal
- Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE
- KumKum Farm, Namibia
- Balikpapan Bay, Borneo
- Madagascar
Contact
Team news
The best Master’s thesis of FTA for academic year 2019/2020
The inter-departmental commission appointed by the Dean's Board of the FTA selected the following best Master’s thesis of students from the AFS, WLM, SRD, IDAE, TCME and TFA programs.
Africa, my second home...
How does Africa become your second home? Is it an advantage to be a female scientist in Africa? These questions will be answered by our Associate Professor, Karolína Brandlová, co-founder of the Wildlife management and Conservation Programme that focuses more on research and species conservation management. Although she originally considered studying the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences eventually won. And why is Africa so special to her? Scroll down for moree…
Would you like to watch antelopes or other fauna from an airplane?
Take a look through photographs and video in Benin, where our doctoral student Zuzana Holubová is on an internship for almost half a year, and where she is also collecting data for her dissertation thesis.