BG002
Western Balkan


Site description (2000 baseline):

Site location and context
Old-growth coniferous, broadleaved and mixed forests on the slopes of the western Balkan mountains at 1,400-2,004 m, near the border with Serbia. Nearly 10% of the area is covered by high mountain grasslands, rocky outcrops and pastures, as well as some bogs. The forests are dominated by Picea, Abies, Fagus, Acer and Betula. Human activities are forbidden within the strict nature reserve.



Key biodiversity
The area is important for Alectoris graeca. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (max. 3 pairs breeding). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Hieraaetus pennatus (1 pair), Bubo bubo (1 pair).



Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Illegal recreation and hunting are threats (the Midzhur hunting area is nearby).



Protected areas
National High International Partial1,440 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Tchuprene, 1,440 ha). 542 ha of IBA covered by Buffer Zone (Tchuprene, 542 ha). 1,440 ha of IBA covered by Biosphere Reserve (Tchuprene, 1,440 ha).




Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Western Balkan. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/western-balkan-iba-bulgaria on 19/03/2024.