SIÈGE DE LA RÉSERVE NATURELLE DE BESKYDY (SPRÁVA CHKO BESKYDY)

Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, in the Moravian-Silesian Beskid region of the Czech Republic, is home to the Beskydy Nature Reserve. Declared a "CHKO" in 1973, this protected nature reserve is the largest protected natural area in the country. It covers an area of 120 km2 and is home to a diverse fauna, including rare species such as the brown bear, the wolf, the Lissotriton montandoni salamander and the Ural owl. The Beskid forests, mainly composed of spruce, beech, fir and Armillaria mushrooms, provide an ideal habitat for these species. At the heart of the nature reserve lies the town of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, famous for its ecomuseum. Here, visitors can discover log houses and other historic buildings that offer a glimpse of life in a Wallachian village of yesteryear. The most famous sites in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids are Mount Lysá hora, the highest point in the region, and Mount Radhošť, with its wooden chapel and famous statue of the Slavic mythological god Radegast. The Beskids are also popular with hikers, cyclists and skiers, but the influx of tourists poses a challenge for nature conservation. Indeed, wildlife is not always at peace due to high visitor numbers in some areas.