Authors: Rolečková, Barbora; Hájková, Petra;Svobodová, Jana;Tomášek, Václav;Pelikánová, Hana;Vondrka, Aleš;Flousek, Jiří;

In the Czech Republic, black grouse populations have declined since the mid-20th century and particularly dramatically in the last two decades. Population genetic study based on non-invasive material collected in the Czech border mountains in 2004-07, revealed relatively low dispersal between sampled localities. However, existence of three main clusters, i.e. Šumava Mts, Krušné hory Mts and both Jizerské hory and Krkonoše Mts, indicated that gene flow within these mountain ranges was still occurring (Svobodová et al. 2011). Some 15 years later, the whole distribution area of the species in the country was sampled again. In total, more than 300 individuals were identified based on ca 1000 samples collected in Šumava, Boletice, Krušné, Doupovské and Jizerské hory and Krkonoše in 2016-21. These data are now being analysed to evaluate changes in genetic variability and genetic structure (gene flow) of the Czech black grouse populations. The data will further allow to estimate abundance of the species in a model area and to determine movements of individual birds. Obtained results will serve as a basis for effective decision-making in the conservation management of this endangered species.