An open, rocky area on the bank of the Maritza river in the south-west Sakar mountains. There is sclerophyllous scrub (Paliurus, Jasminum, Nigella) and scattered broadleaved deciduous forest of Quercus and Carpinus. Human activities are mainly extensive stock-rearing and agriculture.
Key biodiversity
One of the most important sites for breeding Buteo rufinus in the country. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Phalacrocorax pygmeus (min. 8 on passage), Crex crex (max. 1 on passage), Otis tarda (max. 9 on passage). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Ciconia nigra (4 pairs), Neophron percnopterus (1 pair), Aquila pomarina (2 pairs).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Problems include the disturbance and persecution of nesting raptors by local people (and treasure-hunters), illegal hunting, and wild-fires during the summer. A part of the site is proposed as a protected area.
Protected areas
National None International None
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Radinchevo. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 30/03/2023.
