Velký Raputovský rybník, Natural monument and protected pond in Hvožďany, Czech Republic
Velký Raputovský rybník is a protected area in the Příbram district that includes the Velký and Malý Raputovský (Leletický) ponds and a former sand quarry. The ponds' wetlands serve as breeding grounds for endangered amphibians such as the European tree frog, European green toad, and smooth newt, and as nesting sites for birds including the water rail and kingfisher.
The site is a natural monument in the Příbram district of the Central Bohemian Region, covering the Velký and Malý Raputovský (Leletický) ponds and a former sand quarry. The sources give no founding date or designation year, so the history of the ponds and quarry is not documented here.
The pond attracts frogs, dragonflies, and waterfowl that visitors can observe throughout the year, particularly during warmer months. The shallow banks and reed zones provide shelter and food for numerous animal species.
The site is accessible from Hvožďany via marked trails with informational signs about protection rules and features. Visitors should keep to designated paths to avoid disturbing sensitive shoreline areas and the wildlife that inhabits them.
The protected area also takes in a former sandstone quarry beside the two ponds, so the reserve covers both water and dry excavated ground. The quarry is not described in the sources beyond its existence, and the amphibians named for the site include the spadefoot toad, tree frog, newt and yellow-bellied toad.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,325 contributors worldwide.