TWBF Director of International Affairs Goes to Czechia for Exchange

Mr. Pursner with CSO Director Zdeněk Vermouzek and CSO Head of Development Lucie Hošková

by TWBF International Affairs Division

In early December 2023, TWBF Director of International Affairs Scott Pursner traveled to Czechia to for exchanges and meetings with the Czech Society for Ornithology. Mr Pursner was invited by CSO Director Zdeněk Vermouzek who hoped that the visit could continue the relationship-building between the two organizations which had been growing over the last few years.

As part of the trip, on December 6th Mr. Pursner went to Josefov Meadows Bird Reserve. The site is owned by CSO and managed by CSO staff Břeněk Michálek. Currently a total of 60+ hectares, the site was formally established in 2008 and is the oldest and largest bird reserve administered by the CSO. Over 160 birds have been recorded in the park. Furthermore, it is also the site of various projects related to large herbivore conservation. As such there are three Aurochs and 16 Exmoor Stallions on site. Michálek explained that in the past such large mammals existed in Czechia and this was part of a project to better understand their role in meadow ecosystems and to reestablish the lost ecosystem. While there, Pursner discussed habitat management, protected areas, and toured their reserve.

A sign at the Josefov Meadows Bird Reserve

An Aurochs

A Yellowhammer at the Josefov Meadows Bird Reserve

That night Mr. Pursner presented to CSO staff and members on Taiwan, its avifauna, and conservation issues. The presentation was attended by over 30 people. Everyone was very interested to learn about the country as it has a very different environment and many different species than those found in Czechia. During the Q and A. Mr. Pursner received questions related to citizen science, hunting, and green energy.

Mr. Pursner does a presentation for CSO staff and members

Over the course of the next two days, Mr. Pursner took part in a few different activities. On the 7th, he met with CSO staff to discuss excursions for CSO members to Taiwan. Then on the 8th, he was able to take part in a very special event. At the Mnišské Meadows Bird Park, another of the five bird parks administered by the CSO, he was able attend a wild horse releasing ceremony and press conference. The release was done as part of an expansion of efforts towards conservation efforts for wild horses in Czechia. In total four horses were released into the park.

The press conference for the wild horse release at Mnišské Meadows Bird Park

Then, on December 10th, Mr. Pursner was taken to the Jeseníky Important Bird and Biodiversity Area to learn about Czechia's IBAs and do birdwatching. He was also able to share more information about Taiwan's 54 IBAs and discuss the impacts of IBAs in both Czechia and Taiwan with Director Vermousek. Later that day discussions were held on how to continue the exchanges between Taiwan and Czechia in terms of bird and biodiversity conservation.

A Eurasian Wren at the Jeseníky Important Bird and Biodiversity Area