#11179 Třeboradice Stream, Prague, Czechia

Environment

Environment

Affected by human activity

Affected by human activity

Agriculture

Agriculture

Massive

Surrounding area

The Třeboradice Stream originates from Pokorňák Pond in Březiněves, on the northern edge of Prague. From there, it flows through agricultural fields before joining the Mratín Stream in Třeboradice.

Surrounded by poppy and rapeseed fields, this narrow stream forms an oasis for countless invertebrates, numerous bird species, and semi-aquatic mammals. For honey bees from nearby apiaries, mats of filamentous algae along the stream margins provide a safe and convenient source of water.

Among the taller vegetation, orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae) and long-jawed orb-weavers (Tetragnathidae) build their impressive webs. The colourful wings of dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies further enliven the scene.

In spring, the stream flows swiftly, and only a few aquatic and riparian plants have begun to develop. During summer, the current slows, and the narrow channel becomes filled with dense vegetation and thriving aquatic life. In autumn, withering cattails and reeds collapse into the water, forming natural barriers that partially dam the stream and fill much of the channel with accumulated plant material.

Underwater landscape

Throughout its entire length, the stream rarely exceeds one metre in width or half a metre in depth. Along most sections, however, it is only about 50 centimetres wide and remains very shallow. Although the water flows at a relatively fast pace, the limited depth allows it to warm considerably during the warmer months.

The streambed is composed primarily of mud and fine sand. Its eroding banks are covered by a dense tangle of grasses and wetland vegetation that overhangs the water, providing shelter for a variety of aquatic organisms.

During summer, when plant growth reaches its peak, the channel becomes increasingly structured by dense stands of curly pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) and thick mats of green algae. These vegetation beds create narrow, meandering passages within the stream. In these channels, the Three-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), the only fish species known from this stream, occurs in large numbers.

Beneath the water’s surface, a rich assemblage of aquatic invertebrates can be found, including freshwater amphipods, backswimmers (Notonecta spp.), water scorpions (Nepa cinerea), and the larvae of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), mayflies (Ephemeroptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera).

Signs of mammalian activity are also evident along the stream, where burrows of nutria (Myocastor coypus) and voles are frequently found along the banks.

Fish:

• Gasterosteus aculeatus (Gasterosteidae)

Amphibian:

• Rana temporaria (Ranidae)

Crustaceans:

• Gammarus pulex (Gammaridae)
• Asellus aquaticus (Asellidae)

Molluscs:

• Lymnaea stagnalis (Lymnaeidae)
• Galba truncatula (Lymnaeidae)
• Pisidium amnicum (Sphaeriidae)

Aquatic plants:

• Potamogeton crispus (Potamogetonaceae)
• Equisetum palustre (Equisetaceae)
• Ranunculus aquatilis (Ranunculaceae)
• Cladophora glomerata (Cladophorophyceae)

Wetland plants:

• Typha angustifolia (Typhaceae)
• Urtica kioviensis (Urticaceae)
• Juncus conglomeratus (Juncaceae)
• Lycopus europaeus (Lamiaceae)
• Veronica beccabunga (Plantaginaceae)
• Cirsium palustre (Asteraceae)

Terrestrial vegetation:

• Crataegus monogyna (Rosaceae)

Threats to ecology

As mentioned previously, although the stream is neither large nor extensive, it has a significant impact on the wildlife inhabiting the surrounding area. Pollution of the water or alterations to the stream’s natural course caused by human activities could affect a large number of species that depend on it for food, shelter, breeding sites, and access to water.
Several potential threats are located in close proximity to the stream, including agricultural fields, a wastewater treatment plant, and a major highway. Agricultural runoff may introduce excess nutrients and chemicals into the water, while infrastructure and urban development can alter natural hydrological processes and reduce habitat quality.
In addition, human negligence contributes to physical pollution in the form of litter, packaging materials, and plastic waste. Such debris can degrade habitats, harm wildlife, and reduce the ecological value of the stream and its surroundings.
Together, these pressures pose a risk to this fragile ecosystem. Without adequate protection and responsible management, they have the potential to cause long-term or even irreversible damage to the biodiversity and ecological functions supported by the stream.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Few -

Bibliography

• → Přírodou krok za krokem - Přírodou krok za krokem by Jiří Felix a Květoslav Hísek
  ISBN 80-00-00867-X
  

Sitography