Data Zone
Country/territory: Bulgaria
IBA criteria met: A1, A3, B2, B3, C1, C6 (2005)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 146,820 hectares (1,468.20 km2)
Site description (2000 baseline)
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).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Western Balkan (Bulgaria). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/western-balkan-iba-bulgaria on 23/12/2024.