Protected Areas in Bulgaria

     Bulgaria has a long tradition of nature conservation and protected areas creation and management. At present, Bulgaria has three National Parks: Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan. They have a total area of 193,049 hectares and comprise more than one-third of all protected areas in Bulgaria. Within Bulgarian national parks, unique samples of natural habitats and elements of ecosystems are preserved within strictly protected reserves.
     The national protected areas system also includes the following categories: Nature Parks (10), Reserves (55), Maintained Reserves (35), Natural Landmarks (457) and protected localities (175).

National parks

     Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan are among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. They contain some of Europe's remaining, extant, wild regions. Identified as Category II protected areas by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the Parks are managed in accordance with the latest conservation principles and approaches. The Management Plans for Rila and Central Balkan are the first modern conservation management documents of their kind in the Balkans. The National Parks belong to the state. They are public property. They are managed and administered by Directorates, operating under the Ministry of Environment and Waters.

     Central Balkan National Park lies in the heart of Bulgaria, nestled in the central and higher portions of the Balkan Range. The Park contains rare and endangered wildlife species and communities, self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity, as well as historical sites of global cultural and scientific significance.
     The Central Balkan National Park was established in 1991 to conserve the unique natural scenery and heritage of this area and protect the customs and livelihood of the local population.
     The Park terrain includes large high-mountain meadows, vertical rock faces, precipices, deep canyons, waterfalls, as well as numerous peaks, of which some 20 are situated at altitudes of 2,000 meters and over. The Central Balkan National Park is a favorite spot for tourists, naturalists, and scientists alike.
     Centuries-old forests of beech, spruce, fir, hornbeam, and durmast cover most of the Park. More than half of the flora of Bulgaria has been identified within the Park, and of these, 10 species and 2 subspecies are endemic, and are found nowhere else in the world. Over 130 higher plants and animals encountered in the Central Balkan National Park are listed in the Bulgarian and the World Red Book of Endangered Species. There are 166 known species of medicinal plants, law protects 12 of them. In addition, there are 229 species of moss, 256 species of mushrooms, and 208 species of algae. The central portion of the Balkan Range is home to 70% of all invertebrate organisms and 62% of all vertebrate animals in Bulgaria. There are 224 separate species of birds, making the Central Balkan National Park an important, international bird refuge.
     The EU-funded CORINE BIOTOPS Project created a habitat classification methodology and 49 of the CORINE classified types of habitats are represented in the Central Balkan National Park. Of these, 24 are included on the List of Endangered Habitats, requiring special protection measures pursuant to the EU Convention on Habitats.
     The Central Balkan National Park is one of the largest and most valuable of the protected areas in Europe. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has listed the Park as Category 2. The Park and eight of its nature reserves are on the UN List of Representative Protected Areas, and four of its nature reserves are included in the World Biosphere Reserves Network under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program.

     Rila National Park, the largest national park in Bulgaria, is located about 100 km. south of Sofia, in the central and highest regions of the Rila Mountains. The Park contains rare and endangered wildlife species and communities, self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity, as well as historic sites of global cultural and scientific significance. Some of the largest rivers in the Balkan Peninsula originate here. The name Rila is derived from the Thracian word roula, meaning 'lots of water.
     The Park was established on February 24, 1992 to conserve the natural heritage of the Rila Mountains as well as the local traditions, culture, and livelihoods linked with the area. The National Park Directorate, a regional body reporting to the Ministry of Environment and Waters, manages the Park. The Directorate engages local organizations and volunteers to pursue its goals.
     Rila National Park is one of the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe-listed as Category 2 by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The Park and all four of its nature reserves are on the UN List of Representative Protected Areas. The Parangalitsa Reserve and the former Marichini Ezera Reserve (now incorporated in the territory of Central Rila Reserve) are part of the World Biospheric Reserves Network under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program. Central Rila is the largest nature reserve in Bulgaria and covers a total area of 12,393.7 hectares. Parangalitsa, designated in 1933, is one of the oldest Bulgarian nature reserves.
     Most of Rila National Park is covered in thick forests-primarily spruce, white fir, and Macedonian pine. The higher plant species identified thus far, within the park, constitute 38.35% of the higher flora of Bulgaria. There are:

• 57 endemic species (of limited geographic range)
• 105 relict species (survivors from past geological ages), of which 74 dating from the Ice Age, and 31 from the Tertiary Age.
• 98 are listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria (13% of all those listed).

     Of the 141 species of medicinal plants, 20 are listed in the Red Data Book, while 8 are protected under the Environmental Protection Act. In addition, Rila National Park is home to 282 species of moss, 233 species of mushrooms (11.6% of all identified in Bulgaria), and 130 species of freshwater algae.
     This part of Rila Mountain is home to 2,934 invertebrate and 172 vertebrate species of the Bulgarian fauna. There are 99 species of nesting birds (30% of all known in Bulgaria), of which all but 5 are protected. Many of the vertebrate species within the Park are protected:

• 121 species are listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria
• 24 are on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List
• 158 are on lists under the Bern Convention.

     Of the invertebrate fauna, 41 organisms are included in world or European lists of endangered species.
     The EU-funded CORINE BIOTOPS Project created a habitat classification methodology and 60 of the CORINE classified types of habitats are represented in the Rila National Park. Of these, 29 are included on the List of Endangered Habitats, requiring special protection measures pursuant to the EU Convention on Habitats and Resolution.
     Rila National Park is located in the Rila Mountains, between 41° 53' and 42° 19' north latitude and 23° 07' and 23° 55' east longitude, in the southwestern region of Bulgaria. It comprises the treeless areas along the mountain ridge and sections of the coniferous forests below it. Its territory occupies 30% of the entire mountain. The mountain peaks along the main ridges rise to an average height of 2,700 meters above sea level and includes the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula: Mussala (2,925 meters).The Park contains large meadows, over 100 peaks rising above 2,000 meters, as well as a variety of rock faces, precipices, caves, deep canyons, and waterfalls. Its territory is dotted with about 120 lakes-70 date back from the Ice Age.

     Pirin National Park is the biggest in Bulgaria, spanning an area of 26 480 hectares. It is situated between the regions of Predela and Todorova poljana and includes parts of the Pirin Mountain which are above 1000m above sea level with unique ecosystems, areas with specific geomorphology, a large number of Bulgarian and Balkan endemics and relicts.
     Typical for the Pirin Mountains are the Alpine type glacier forms. There are 50 marble and granite peaks over 2500 m and more than 180 circus lakes at the foot of the peaks that are between 1260 and 2720 m high. 119 of them were created by glaciers. The most famous of these are: the "Popovo" lake, "Kremenskite" lakes, "Valiavihkite" lakes, "Vlahinskite" lakes, "Bunderishkite" lakes, "Vasilashkite" lakes.
     Over 60% of park surface are covered with forests. There are a few trees declared to be natural heritage, including the "Baikusheva" white fir, more than 1200 years old, 16m high and with a circumference of 5.70m. The park also contains many caves, waterfalls, majestic abysses and cliffs. The areas of natural beauty include the Bunderishki caves, Kazana, Kioshkata, the rock formation Pirostiata, the Demianishki Skok and Iulenski Skok waterfalls.
     The park takes in the nature reserve Bayuvi Dupki - Djindjiritza, and the biosphere reserve Julen. The Reserve Bayuvi Dupki - Djindjiritza covers an area of 2 873 hectares situated between the peaks Pirin and Banski Suhodol. There are circuses, diversity of about 500 species of higher plants, 55 endemics, etc. The Reserve Julen is designed for preserving forest, sub-alpine and alpine ecosystems developing on silicate rocks and rare examples of endemic animal and plant species. The reserve includes several lake complexes: Vasilashkite, Tipitzkite, Strazhishkite, Polezhanskite and Disilishkite lakes.
     There are venerable white fir, pine-tree, spruce, fir-tree and dwarf pine forests. There are over 700 species of higher plants, 44 out of which are included in the Bulgarian Red Book, like Pirin National Park is divided into 6 park districts - Vihren, Kamenitza, Bezbog, Sinanitza, Bayuvi Dupki and Trite Reki.
     Pirin Mountain is almost impassable. Roads have been made from Bansko, Sandanski, Gotze Delchev etc.
     Noting the uniqueness of the park and its global significance, UNESCO included it in the World Register of Natural Heritage in 1983.

Nature parks

     Persina is situated along the Svishtov - Belene lowlands and includes part of the surrounding steep Danube coast around Nikopol and Svishtov and all the Bulgarian islands in that part of Danube River. The park is unique for Bulgaria and is the only on the Bulgarian riverside of the Danube with 21 762,2 hectares area. The reserve includes the largest Bulgarian island - Persin (today Belene) which is 15 km long and reaches 6 km in width. It was designed to conserve and recover the damp zones along the Danube and to preserve the natural condition of the multitude of islands included in the reserve's boundaries. The uniqueness and the importance of these islands became the reason to proclaim 6 898 hectares of the park as the largest Ramseur place in Bulgaria. The most important ecosystems in the park are the over flooded forests and the interior swamps.
     Within the park there are several protected places and reserves, each designed to preserve certain specie's habitat. The dense forests and the islands' marshlands are extremely important for the reproduction, feeding and rest of great number floating and fish-eating birds. The park's treasure is the birds. Over 170 birds have been described. The Belene island complex is knows as one of the 50 ornithological places in Bulgaria. Persina Nature Park is home to endangered birds like pygmy cormorant, red-breasted goose, Aythya nyroca, Crex crex, Pelecanus crispus, Acrocephalus palustris, etc. During the migration and in the post nesting period numerous flights of Pelecanus crispus, Phalacrocorax carbo, greylag goose and mallard occupy the sandy strips between the islands. The Sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla Linnaeus) is the symbol of the park. It is one of the most rarely nesting birds in Bulgaria. At present, only several couples are known to nest in Bulgaria. This eagle is very sensitive to human presence and that is why there are two reserves within Persina Nature Park, where human activity is strictly prohibited. Otter, hamster, deer, wild boar, wildcat, polecat, and fox are among the mammals that commonly inhabit the park. Natrix natrix, grass snake, the lizards Lacerta viridis and Lacerta praticola, Eryx jaculus Linnaeus, and terrapin represent the reptiles.
     Pelobates syriacus balcanicus and Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo, Bombina bombina Linnaeus, Hyla arborea and Triturus cristatus danubialis represent small part of the amphibian diversity. Characteristic of the park are different sturgeon fish, Danube herring, gobies, etc.
     The floral diversity in the park is also impressive. 475 higher plant species, the existence of 162 out of which depends on the water supply, are found in Persina. Together with the dense willow and poplar forests the following endangered species are met: yellow water rose (Nuphar lutea), Trapa natans, Utricularia vulgaris, Salvinia natans, Leukojum Astivum.
     Besides the natural assets, the park encompasses variety of cultural and historical sights. There are 36 archaeological sights dating back to Roman, early medieval and medieval settlements.

     Rila Monastery Nature Park was established in 2000. It covers an area of 27 370,3 hectares, 13 000 of which are alpine pastures. The park is meant to preserve valuable floral and animal communities as well as the diversity and beauty of these mountainous places. There are plenty of landslides, talusi, and scree cones. The area near Kirilova poliana (Kirilova meadow) is interesting with the stone arc including the peaks Zlia zub, Iglata, Kupenite, Lovnitsa Orlovets and Eleni. The lay is indented by many gullies where avalanches and stonefalls occur, that is why they are known as Zlite potozi (Evil springs).
     Characteristic of the mountain and the park are glacial lakes. Just in the boundaries of the park, there are about 26 lakes. Smradlivoto Lake is the highest alpine lake on the Balkan Peninsula - with 212 decares surface and 24 m in depth.
     Rila Monastery Nature Park is surrounded by 36 peaks over 2000 m above sea level; the highest are Goliam kupen (2731 m), Cherna poliana (2716 m), Rilets (2713 m), Popova kapa m).
     There are over 1 000 high plant species, 71 of which are enlisted in the Red book. The very location of the Rila valley allows a unique combination of plant species at that altitude - oak-tree, beech-tree, fir-tree, spruce, yew-tree, white fir, pine-tree, lime-tree, sycamore, ash-tree, birch, dwarf pine, Siberian juniper, etc. There are over 150 vertebrate species; one can see the alpine triton, tree frog, grass snake, marten, and imperial eagle.
     In 1986 an are of 3 676,5 hectares was declared "Rilomanastirska gora" reserve. The Rila Monastery historical complex - itself announced a UNESCO monument of world culture - is situated within the reserve, which is named after the monastery.

     Nature Park Roussenski Lom is situated in northeastern of Bulgaria, 20 km to the south of the town of Rousse. In the Glacial Period, the 2 500 m thick limestone layers were slowly uplifted and forced the river to cut its bed up to 100 m into the rock. The outcome is a remarkably beautiful meandering gully. The area was pronounced a National Park in 1970. It covers 3 200 hectares of land along the picturesque valley of the Roussenski Lom, the last right feeder of the Danube.
     The vegetation is exuberant and fascinating. The forests consist of mid-European species mainly. It is formed of about 60 kinds of trees and shrubs. In the inner sides of the curves one can find Dwarf Almond, Almond-leafed Pear, Christ Thorn, Mahaleb Cherry, Manna (Flowering) Ash, Turkey Oak, Common Lilac, Sumac. Among the herbaceous species (about 1000), there is an unusual number of southern representatives - Stipa joannis, Steppe Feather Grass, Dwarf Iris, Paronychia capitata, a member of the Pink family and many others.
     The wild life is endless in the diversity of invertebrates. Scolopendras and Carpathian Scorpions live under the stones. Especially impressive are species like Oryctes nasicornis, Lucanus cervus, Cerambyx cerdo and Yellow-headed Scolia. 22 species of fish live in the river. The valley is populated by 9 species of amphibians, 3 species of turtles, 9 species of lizards and 7 species of snakes. The biggest treasures of the Park are the birds. Over 190 species have been registered to dwell in the valley, about 110 of them breeding there. Most interesting are the rock dwellers. Among them are many birds registered as endangered species in Europe, like the Egyptian vulture, the Golden Eagle, the Short-toed Eagle, the Lesser Kestrel, the Ruddy Shelduck, the Great Eagle Owl, the Long-legged Buzzard, the Red-rumped Swallow, the Crag Martin, the Spanish Sparrow. While in mid-Europe the Black Stork builds nests in the trees, in Bulgaria its nests are mainly in rock niches. The Lesser Spotted Eagle, the rare Imperial Eagle, the Black woodpecker, the Towny owl, the Nightjar and many others breed in the forests and the Corncrake in the meadows. Out of the total number of 92 mammals reported in Bulgaria, 62 have been counted in the valley.
     The biggest is the number of bats - 22 species, all the 5 Horseshoe bats to be found in Europe among them and rodents - 20 species, among which are the Ground Squirrel, the wild living Steppe mouse, the Harvest mouse, the Lesser mole rat. The Polecats - weasel, steppe and Marbled polecat and otter, best represent the predators. The forests are also inhabited by wild cats, wolves, jackals and by all kinds of ungulates.
     Traces of human activities of primeval times have been found there, but the remnants of antiquity and of the Bulgarian medieval are appreciated as the heritage of greatest value. The ruins of the medieval castle of Cherven (XIII - XIV century) with one of the few intact turrets in Bulgaria are situated within the park. Great number of hermits and monks settled in the valley in the Late Middle Ages - XII - XIV century and adapted some of the caves into dwelling. There were individual cells as well as whole monasteries some of which exist as historical sights. The mural paintings in the rock churches near Ivanovo - an archaeological reserve - represent a summit of Bulgarian medieval art. The churches are one of the nine sites in Bulgaria in the World Cultural and Natural Heritage under the aegis of UNESCO.

     In order to preserve and save the valuable plant and animal species, the characteristic plateau-like landscape, and the diversity of sites, 3 395,8 hectares of the area of the Shoumen plateau have been established as a protected natural territory. Since 1998 the park has been categorized as a Natural park.
     The Shumen plateau is the most typical and highest one among the residual plateaus in Northern Bulgaria. Its highest point is 502 m above sea level and is situated in the site "Turnov tabia". The average altitude of the plateau is 350 m. The relief is plateau-like. The ridge is plain and hilly, and the slopes are precipitous, with characteristic valley incisions ('boazi' - gorges) in certain places. The typical karst relief is represented by various surface and underground forms. There are over 60 caves. The most attractive one is the cave "Bisserna". There are no rivers running on the plateau surface, but many karst springs empty at its foothills.
     Over 550 higher plant species grow on the plateau. They are from 245 genera and 64 families. 90% of the area is covered with tree species. Mixed deciduous forests predominate. They include Miziyski beech, Hornbeam, Turkish oak, Durmast oak, Maple, Oriental hornbeam and others. The original vegetation consisted of Miziyski beech (Fagus silvatica moesiaca). In order to preserve this tree specie, in 1980, the "Bukaka" reserve was established. There have been registered 9 protected species, 3 endangered species and 12 rear plant species in the park.
     More than 109 species of vertebrates inhabit the park. There are 28 species of mammals, 61 bird species, 14 species of reptiles и 6 species of amphibians. The mammals are represented by: royal stag, deer, boar, fox, badger, hare, squirrel, and others. From the birds, there could be seen: great tit, chaffinch, song thrush, cuckoo, buzzard, and others. Several lizard species, viper, grass snake and others represent the reptiles. The amphibians are represented by frogs, salamander, etc. The park gave shelter to 11 protected animal species.
     Naturally fortified and protected, the Shoumen plateau has been settled for many years. There have been many fortresses, settlements, monks' dwellings, rock churches and monasteries. The most significant historical and archaeological site is the Shoumen fortress. There are relics from several Thracian settlements (4th - 2nd c. BC) in the park as well. Many preserved rock monasteries, churches and monk's dwellings, scattered about the slopes of the plateau, are connected with the religious and cultural life of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
     The Shoumen Fortress - "Staria Grad" - is situated 3 km to the west of Shoumen. It covers the area of 28 decares and takes the shape of a polygon. The fortress is an elaborate complex of dwelling, religious, and defense buildings, which give evidence that the fortress was overbuilt many times during the ages. Today, the fortress is a well-studied, preserved, and partly restored archeological reserve.
     The Monument "The Founders of the Bulgarian State" rises in the southeastern part of the Shoumen plateau. It was built in honour of the 1300th anniversary of the establishment of the Bulgarian State. It was designed by the artist Krum Damjanov and unveiled on September 28, 1981. It tells stories about the most important moments from the First Bulgarian Kingdom, the historical progress of the Bulgarians, their awakening as a united people, and about the establishment of their state organization.

     In the Balkan Range, above the town of Sliven, over an area of 7 094 hectares is situated the Sinite kamani Nature Park (means blue stones). It is named after the bluish-grey to violet rock cliffs mounting over 1 000 m above sea level. The park includes the peaks Big and Small Chitalka, Bulgarka, Kutelka, the lake in Karandila, the natural rock phenomena Kuminite (Chimneys), Kuklite (Dolls), Rakavichkata (Glove).
     This beautiful Balkan region has an enormous cultural and historic heritage. In the regions Hisralaka, Daula, Dzendema, Djuleva reka, Mollova kurija can be seen ruins of walls and coverings from the fortress Tuida, the settlements Marichino and Marinino, healing springs and ancient roads.
     The Park is famous for its nature landmarks. "Halkata" (the Ring) an arc-shaped stone garland, "possessing" magic force, is one of the symbols of the town of Sliven. The forms that nature has sculptured in the cave Zmeevi dupki (Dragon's holes) - Zmejat (the Dragon), Orelat (the Eagle) and Vladishkija tron (the Bishop's throne) are amazing.
     The specific climate of the nature park determines the great diversity of flora and fauna. The plant species are more than 1000, about 900 of which are representative of higher species. The endemic species are 48 and the tertiary relict species are 2. The invertebrate animals are represented by 235 species - 8 species of fish, 9 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles, 165 species of birds and 34 species of mammals. The lay is typically mountainous. The wind called "bora", famous also as "the wind of the town of Sliven" and the night breeze are typical for the region.
     The forests in the region comprise of oriental beech, hornbeam and pubescens oak. Widely distributed are the hazel, smoke-tree, barberry, and juniper. On the cliff rocks and in the valleys, in the forests and bushes can be seen protected species - Fritillaria graeca, Fritillatia pontica, balcan noontide, davidov meadow-saffron, wood anemone, soldier orchid, haleri pasque flower, urumow tulip, Arabic stone-cress.
     Rabbits, deer and wild cats could be seen in the region of the park. In the oak forests lives the biggest bug in Bulgaria - stag beetle and the beautiful beetle part of the long horns family - Rosalia alpina. Bats inhabit the caves and over the cliff rocks fly numerous birds. The most striking are the day and night birds of prey - Egyptian vulture, eagle owl, goshawk, golden eagle, Hobby, sparrow hawk, long-legged buzzard, rough-legged buzzard and red-footed falcon.

     Strandja Nature Park occupies the central part of Bulgarian Strandja Mountain. It is situated to the south of Burgas on the way to Malko Turnovo and to the east it borders the Black Sea between the towns of Ahtopol and Sinemorets. It spreads over 11 600 hectares. The park relief is hilly, low mountainous, very indented with rounded ridges and deeply indented steep gorges. The two clearest rivers run through the park Veleka and Rezovska. The climate is warm and mild, and combined with rains and dampness has preserved some relict species, characteristic for the Pontian - Evxin evergreen flora. The symbol of the park is the Stranjan periwinkle (Rhododendron ponticum).
     Over 75% of the park's territory is taken by oak and beech forests. There are Caucasus, Central European and Mediterranean floral representatives. There is specific ecological environment in the park, due to which two different forest regions have been formed - a seaside one to the south of Tsarevo and internal Strandja. Thus there are dense forests, dunes and swamps near the sea shores and beech and oak forests in the internal part.
     The flora in Strandja Nature Park represents a conglomerate of diverse species. There are 1665 high plant species, 3 Bulgarian endemics, 7 Balkan endemics, 32 relict species, 56 rare and 110 endangered species. Precious floral representatives are the Strandjan periwinkle, Strandjan oak - tree, Caucasus cowslip, St. John's wort, Strandjan whortberry, etc.
     There are 32 amphibian and reptile species, among which are: Malpolon monspessulanus, Ophisaurus apodus Pallas, Elaphe situla, Salamandra maculosa, etc. In the rivers, there are over 40 fish species - trout, barbell, Danubean herring, wild carp, etc.
     Strandja Nature Park is also famous ornithological area. It is situated on the migration way Via Pontica and there are 261 birds, 124 nesting there, 17 of which are included in the Red book: Egyptian vulture, Black stork, owl, Imperial eagle, Kingfisher.
     Among the 54 mammals in the park are 6 species of marten, polecat, otter, and weasel. The wolves count 20 and the jackal population reaches 2000.
     Within Strandja Nature Park, there are 5 reserves, 12 protected places, 9 natural sights and a number of venerable trees.
     Silkosia is the name of the first reserve in Bulgaria announced in 1933. Today it covers 396,5 hectares encompassing 260 high plant species, over 50 animal species, 16 relict and 3 endemic plant species. Impressive are the pure beech forests.
     The Ouzunboudjak Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 2 581.5 hectares. The name "boudjak" has Turkish origin and means nook, still place - thus the Turks called the meanders that Rezovska river forms. The shores are steep with interesting stone formations and caves. This is forest reserve including 200 years old durmasts.
     Among the protected areas are the place Veleka, including the upper stream of the river with the karst rocky banks; the place Paroria where legends of medieval monastery live; and the place Marina river - very small area with 15 tree species, over 10 bush species and almost all evergreen species - a natural botanic garden.
     Among the natural phenomena are the caves and springs of Mladezhka river - 8.3 hectares of karst springs, caves and one underground lake and Kamaka place (the Stone), which represents a complex of stone forms that were used by the Thracians as sanctuary.

     In 1934 the National Park of Vitosha was proclaimed - the first one in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula totalling 6 401 hectares. The territory of the park was changed several times and presently it comes up to 26 6060.6 ha as 24 078.6 ha belong to the forestry fund. Vitosha is situated in the centre of South-west Bulgaria between Stara Planina Mountain and Rila-Rhodope massif. It is the only hilly mountain in the country and the ridge has been formed by the highest neighbouring peaks - Cherny vrah and Reznyovite.
     Stone rivers are typical for the mountain and they were formed by rock evaporation and their slow movement to the valleys in result of flowing water gravitation.
     The mountain is extremely rich of water sources - numerous springs and torrents that give the beginning of many rivers. The biggest Vitosha's river is Struma River which runs into White Sea. Even the drought months can not dry up the rivers because they are fed by the peats.
     The active human activities down the ages influenced the mountain nature vegetation. During the last 400 years up to the foundation of the park, a young forest at the foot of the mountain has been exterminated. For about 250 years, a big part of the coniferous forests in the highest parts were cut down or fired. For about 150 years the oak and beech forests turned into bushes.
     Despite its nearness to the million City, the park keeps the necessary conditions for a number of animal species existing. One can meet about 600 kinds of invertebrates. Amphibian representatives are 10 kinds and reptiles come up to 12 kinds. There about 150 kinds of birds and many other that are threaten, such as little hawk and black woodpecker, finding their home there.
     There are about 50 kinds of mammals among which one can meet bear, deer, doe, wild boar, badger, marten and so on.
     There are two reserves within the park - "Bistrishko branishte" and "Torfeno branishte".

     Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park has a territory of 28 844 hectares of karst lime stones. The park is unique for quite a number (over 500) of beautiful caves and precipices. Ledenika cave, Temnata dupka, Zmejova dupka, Haidushka propast, Kalnata propast, Nevestina propast, Gardujuva dupka and Sokolova dupka deserve special interest.
     Along the northern stone cliffs of Vrachanska mountain, the Reserve Vrachanski Karst is situated. It covers an area of 1453.1 hectares. Other nature landmarks and protected territories in the park are Vratzata - the highest vertical lime stones on the Balkan Peninsula, the cave Ledenika with the first registered cave inhabitant "Pheggomisetes bureshi", Ritlite, Skaklja - the highest waterfall in Bulgaria (141 m), Lakatnishki rocks - with the richest cave fauna in Bulgaria.
     On the territory of the park, about 950 species of higher plants have been registered, of which more than 80 are rare species. Very interesting species are the groups living in the caves (vertebrates and bats) and the day birds of prey. There are 214 registered species of vertebrates in the park.
     The territory of the reserve is inhabited by the rare and endangered species of Egyptian vulture, peregrine falcon, short-toed eagle, long-legged buzzard, 8 species of bats etc. On the territory of the park there are also remnants of cultural monuments.

     "Zlatni piasatsi" Nature Park was proclaimed protected area in 1943. It is located 17 km northeast of Varna and to the west of the resort Zlatni piasatsi (Golden Sands). It cover 1 320,7 hectares along the sea shore; the lay is hilly, with typical land sliding and terrace-like character.
     The forests within the park cover 90% of the park's territory and represent the largest massif on the northern Black Sea coastline. the trees are typical for Bulgaria's lowlands - oak-trees, hornbeam, maple, lime-tree, intertwined with liana - traveller's joy, ivy, etc. There are dense forests and rocky hills where lilac-shrubs, jasmine and thorny bush grow. Among the herbaceous plants in the park there are 17 protected species; 40 orchid species enrich the forests' splendour.
     Natural habitats of numerous wild animals can be found in the park. The forests are the shelter for the wild-boar, deer, squirrel, fox etc. Among the reptiles inhabiting the park 5 species are protected - the European pond turtle, Hermann's and green tortoise and two species of snake. 80 bird species inhabit and pass over the park during the spring and autumn migration of birds. It is situated on Via Pontica - the birds' migration route.
     "Pobiti kamani" (fossil forest) is the first natural phenomenon in Bulgaria that was declared a sight in 1937. On 253,3 hectares 14 groups of stone pillars with irregular, cylindrical or cone shaped forms spread among grey sands. The pillars reach 7 m in height and 3 m in diameter. The shapes has formed some 50 million years ago probably on the bottom of an ancient sea.
     Pobitite Kamani is the only place in Bulgaria where Arenaria rigida grows. The natural sight is habitat to 6 endangered and 8 protected plant species. The rabbit, fox, hamster and viper inhabit the area. The wheatear, babbler and owl are part of the 114 bird species that could be seen there.
     The historical and cultural heritage of the territory of the park dates back to late Medieval times. Not far away from the seashore in the southwest of the park, the medieval rock monastery Aladja Monastery is situated. It was built in 13th and 14th centuries and was named by the local people "aladja" (colourful). This name comes from the rock it is dug into. Even nowadays, the visitors at the foot of the monastery's remnants can enjoy the wonderful sight because of the sunlight playing over the lime rock.

     Bulgarka Nature Park is located on the north slopes of Central Stara Planina Mountain, above the towns of Gabrovo and Tryavna. Its area is characterized with diverse relief and ground forms: real mountains; river valleys; hills. Its central position in Bulgaria and the specific of both relief and climate have been attracting peoples' attention since ancient times. The historical datum shows that strategic important roads had run trough these places and have connected North to South, and the ridge of Stara Planina Mountain was considered as natural frontier. This determines the very rich historical heritage of the region.
     The specific character of the mountain, the transition from the high central Balkan, more ductile round forms of Eastern Stara planina Mountain and the related natural landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage were the reasons to be established Bulgarka Nature park.
     Bulgarka Nature Park was established on 09.08.2002 under order №WD-775, by Ministry of environment and water. Its aim is to protect beech-tree forest ecosystems, flora, fauna and cultural-historical heritage of the region. The park's territory includes the springs of Yantra River and its upstream tributaries. Park's total area is 21772,2 ha and includes portion of the areas of nine communities in both Tryavna and Gabrovo Municipalities. Natural Park also includes: part of the National-park museum "Shipka-Buzludja"; "Etara" open air museum; protected areas "Sokolsky Monastery", "Mahchenitza-Yovovtzi".
     Park's territory includes the ridge part of Shipka and Tryavna mountains.