Annotation

The Asian hornet Vespa velutina is currently a rapidly spreading species of invasive insect in Europe. Due to its numerous impacts on biodiversity, it is becoming a serious health, ecological and economic threat. It decimates bee colonies on a large scale, causing great damage not only to beekeepers but also to society. This species is slightly smaller than the common hornet, but its aggressiveness is similar to that of the European wasp. Therefore, the further spread of this species needs to be properly monitored, for which spatial models can help. This thesis aims to build a spatially based model for the prediction of the distribution of the Asian hornet in the Czech Republic and to present the results together with accompanying information in the form of maps and an information brochure for the public. Based on the findings of the research and statistical testing, the most influential predominantly climatic variables affecting the occurrence of Asian hornets on the European continent were determined. The knowledge gained was then put into practice in modelling habitat suitability rates for the Asian hornet. The results of the work are a prediction model, a set of maps presenting the suitability of the conditions for the distribution of the Asian hornet in the Czech Republic and a brochure that provides the most important information on the Asian hornet, its impacts on nature and the possibilities of defence against its negative effects. The brochure, which is also the basis for a short information leaflet, also presents the resulting maps and provides visualisations of the hornet's range in a form and detail that has never been presented in the Czech Republic or elsewhere in Europe. Digital versions of this brochure and the information leaflet are available in PDF format on the web and for the public.