Remember the thrill of spotting rare wildlife? Here at Letiště Letňany that feeling once took flight. Letiště Letňany was more than just an airport. It was a haven for a critically endangered creature.
This is Letiště Letňany a former national natural monument. It was established on June 1 2005. The Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic declared it. The aim was to protect the European ground squirrel. This tiny animal found refuge on the grassy expanse.
Letiště Letňany is located 7 km northeast of Prague city center. It is one of the oldest airports in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1923. Aircraft factories Letov Aero and Praga were located nearby. The airport’s history is rich. It played a key role in Czechoslovak aviation.
Imagine hundreds of ground squirrels thriving here. From 2005 to 2010 the population was estimated at 500 to 600. This made it one of the largest colonies in the Czech Republic. The squirrels need short grass. The airport provided an ideal habitat. They could easily spot predators.
But why an airport? Ground squirrels prefer short grass areas. These provide good visibility. They can protect themselves from predators. Sports fields golf courses and airports are ideal. Letiště Letňany offered just that.
The ground squirrel population dwindled after 2012. In 2017 only one squirrel was observed. The colony was nearing extinction. By 2019 the last individual had been seen in April 2018. The colony likely died out.
Disturbances also played a role. Cultural and sporting events took place nearby. Parking for exhibitions impacted the area. Exemptions from environmental protection laws were needed.
The Letiště Letňany area faced other challenges. There was pressure from investors. They wanted to build family houses and shopping centers. The area’s use was changing. This threatened the ground squirrel habitat.
Despite these challenges the airport continued. It serves general aviation. There are flight schools and model airplane activities. Letiště Letňany also hosts concerts. Big names like The Rolling Stones and Metallica have performed here.
In 2023 the European significance of the Prague-Letňany site was canceled. In 2024 Letiště Letňany national natural monument was abolished. The protection ended.
Today Letiště Letňany still functions as an airport. It also hosts a detached exposition of the Aviation Museum Kbely in the historical hangars V and VI of the Letňany Airport. While the ground squirrels may be gone their story remains. It reminds us of the importance of protecting even the smallest creatures. Letiště Letňany serves as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve biodiversity.