Walking & Wildlife in Bulgaria

Two More Rare Fungi Found in Blagoevgrad Region

2011-10-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

Two rare species of fungi have just been discovered growing near the village of Pokrovnik in the Blagoevgrad region. The first, Nail Fungus (Poronia punctata) is found exclusively on old dung, usually of donkeys and horses. It produces a greyish disc about 15 mm in diameter on the surface of the dung. Many individual fruit-bodies are embedded in the disc, each with an exit channel for its spores. The tops of these channels appear as tiny black points on the disc surface. Where vehicles have replaced donkeys and horses, populations have declined, making this fungus extremely rare in some parts of the world, particularly Europe. To compete with fungi already present on old dung, Poronia punctata produces antibiotics. Unfortunately, it too is sensitive to non-natural products, such as additives in the food of animals producing the dung, which is an additional factor in its decline. The fungus is now strongly associated with herbivores on unimproved grasslands, particularly hay meadows, and its conservation therefore requires additive-free food for those herbivores, and protection of the unimproved grasslands where they live. The second species, Dung-loving Bird's Nest Fungus (Cyathus stercoreus) is also, as its name suggests, closely associated with the dung of herbivores. The fruiting bodies resemble tiny goblet-shaped 'bird's nests' filled with little black 'eggs' which are in fact the pendioles.

New Site for Thracian Milkweed (Astracantha thracica) Discovered

2011-10-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

A new site for Thracian Milkweed (Astracantha thracica), a threatened Balkan endemic species listed in the Bulgarian Red Data Book, has been discovered in the Stambolovo region of the Eastern Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains.

New Eco-Trail in 'Shumensko Plato' Nature Park

2011-10-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today a new 19km-long eco-trail will be officially opened in the 'Shumensko Plato' Nature Park. The trail sets out to link up in one route all the rock monasteries found within the Shumensko Plato region.

Meeting to Discuss Dolphin Deaths in the Black Sea

2011-09-20T01:54:00.000-07:00

Today the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Food are today holding a meeting with experts to discuss what what are the reasons for the large number of dolphins found dead this year along the Bulgarian coast of the Black Sea. Currently the evidence suggests the deaths have been caused directly and indirectly through the actions of those involved in the fishing industry.

Rare Fungus found growing in Blagoevgrad

2011-09-20T01:45:00.000-07:00

A rare species of fungus listed in the Bulgarian Red Data Book has been found growing in Blagoevgrad. The species, known as Dyeball (Pisolithus arrhizus), looks rather like a rugby ball when young. Its common name refers to the fact that it was traditionally used as a source of dye.

International Vulture Awareness Day

2011-09-03T02:10:00.000-07:00

Today is International Vulture Awareness Day, the aim of which is to publicise the conservation of vultures to a wider audience and highlight the important work being carried out by the world’s vulture conservationists. In Bulgaria events connected with the International Vulture Awareness Day are being coordinated by the Green Balkans Federation.

Satellite-tracked Imperial Eagle dies in Turkey

2011-08-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

An Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) known as 'Drago' which hatched in the Western Strandzha in April 2010 and which was fitted with a gps satellite-tracking device by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds in July 2010 has unfortunately been found dead in Turkey beneath an electricity pole. To see a map showing the course of his wanderings during the previous year can be found here: http://78.90.16.151:8001/birdtrackingreport/1628/map/

A Population of Hermann's Tortoise Discovered on Vitosha

2011-08-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

A hitherto unknown population of Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) has been discovered on the territory of the 'Vitosha' Nature Park. This isolated population, comprising 5 males and 5 females, is the first record of tortoises on the Vitosha Mountains, a region which has always been assumed unsuitable for them. Within a 100km radius there are only known a couple of other populations in the Golo Bardo and Zemen regions.

Reintroduction of European Souslik in the 'Vitosha' Nature Park

2011-08-06T01:13:00.000-07:00

Today sees the start of a project to reintroduce a new colony of European Souslik (Spermophilus citellus) in the 'Vitosha' Nature Park. Formerly there were thousands of European Souslik living on the western and southern slopes of Vitosha, but today only one stable colony of European Souslik still survives on the mountain. It is located above the village of Kladnitsa, but the population is just 20 individuals so greatly threatened. The reintroduction project seeks to re-establish a second viable population by transferring another 20 individuals from a colony on the southern slopes of the Stara Planina near Kremikovtsi. These individuals will be resettled in the region of Chuypetlovo village and the foot of Mt. Kupena.

Joint Bulgarian-Romanian Investigation of Danubian Bird Colonies Begins

2011-06-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

Today begins a one week joint Bulgarian-Romanian expedition under the auspices of the WWF to investigate the nesting colonies of birds along the banks of the River Danube. The expedition will begin at Srebarna and take in Important Bird Areas such as Kalimok-Brushlyan, Mechka Fishponds,Belene, and all the other Bulgarian and Romanian islands and wet zones, before finishing at the island Kutovo near Vidin.

White-tailed Eagles Start Breeding

2011-05-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

According to the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, 19 pairs of White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)have established territories within in Bulgaria and 18 of these are already breeding.

White Pelicans on 'Studen Kladenets' Reservoir

2011-05-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

More than 500 White Pelican (Pelicanus onocrotalus) have unexpectedly landed on the 'Studen Kladenets' Reservoir in the Eastern Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains. It is assumed they have decided to rest here on their migration north towards the Danube Delta.

Record Number of Griffon Vultures in the Eastern Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains

2011-03-17T22:32:00.000-07:00

Recent monitoring of the Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) in the Eastern Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains undertaken by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds between 3-13 March 2011 has discovered that the population of Griffon Vulture in the Eastern Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains has increased this year to 48 pairs, of which 33 pairs are known to be breeding. Thanks to a number of conservation measures implemented by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, including regular monitoring, feeding and the declaration of new protected territories, the Griffon Vulture population in the Eastern Rodopi (Rhodope) has seen a steady increase from just 10 pairs registered in 1991 to 35 pairs in 2005 and now 48 pairs in 2011!

If you would like to visit the Eastern Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains to observe the Griffon Vultures and many of the other birds of prey, then Balkan Trek organize birdwatching tours in the region including a specialized 'Raptors of the Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains' Tour.

Saker Falcon Conservation Project

2011-03-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

A new four year-long European LIFE+ Nature project entitled 'Conservation of Falco cherrug in Northeast Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia' has got underway, building on knowledge gained from a similar earlier LIFE+ project, 'Conservation of the Falco cherrug in the Carpathian Basin', which was focued in Hungary and Slovakia, a region which is home to some 47% of the European population (about 450 pairs).

This earlier project provided important new information about the risks, survival rate, migration and roaming patterns of juvenile Saker Falcon (Falco Cherrug). It was found that juvenile Saker Falcon ranged over a very wide area from Spain to Kazakhstan. Particularly significant was the fact that young Saker Falcon spend proportionally more time in Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia, where there are more, less densely populated, suitable habitats. It also suggests that these habitats could be potential expansion areas for the core population of Saker Falcon if enough suitable nesting places were available and if threats were eliminated.

The new project aims, therefore, to stabilise and further strengthen the core European populations of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) by implementing best practices for conserving the species in Bulgaria and Romania. In addition, it is hoped that threats in the Saker Falcon’s core area can be eliminated to help further strengthen its conservation status. The ultimate goal of the project is that by 2014 there will be at least 10 pairs of Saker Falcon in Romania, 5 pairs in the Dobrudzha region of Bulgaria, 200 pairs in Hungary, and at least 35 pairs in Slovakia, with an overall trend towards gradually increasing numbers.

Numbers of Roosting Red-breasted Goose Reducing

2011-03-02T05:50:00.000-08:00

The latest roost counts for Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) undertaken on 29 January 2011 as part of the Safe Ground for Redbreasts project show that numbers of Red-breasted Goose have decreased by about 60% to just over 3000 birds during the fortnight following the mid-winter waterbird census that took place in the middle of January. It is believed that a combination of unseasonably mild weather and the constant disturbance by hunters in the region has pushed many of the Red-breasted Goose further north. Those Red-breasted Goose which have remained currently seem to prefer Lake Ezerets as their main roosting area, with some 2415 Red-breasted Goose choosing to roost there. This contrasts with last month when the majority of the Red-breasted Goose preferred to roost on the sea.

If you would like to visit the Dobrudzha region and observe Red-breasted Goose along with a great variety of other interesting waterbirds, then Balkan Trek can organize specialized itineraries and birdwatching tours in the region.

Spring Alive 2011!

2011-03-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

Today sees the start of the annual Spring Alive survey, a European project which encourages children all around Europe to keep track of the arrival of spring by recording their first sightings of 5 species of returning migratory birds. The species chosen for the survey are White Stork, Swift, Barn Swallow, Cuckoo and, new for this year, European Bee-eater. Aimed at children aged 8-12 years, the campaign Spring Alive is an easy and fun way for children to become involved in a better understanding of the miracle of spring migration in Europe. Bulgaria is one of 36 countries taking part in the project.

Decreasing Numbers of Waterbirds Wintering in Bulgaria in 2011

2011-02-28T03:30:00.000-08:00

Results of the 2011 mid-winter census of waterbirds conducted last month by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds as part of the International Waterbird Census organised annually by Wetlands International show that the number of waterbirds wintering in Bulgaria during 2011 totalled over 312,000 individuals. This number highlights again the year on year decline in wintering waterbird populations in Bulgaria which over the last 10 years have dropped by about 50%. The most widely held theory for the decline in wintering waterbird numbers in Bulgaria is global warming. However, certain individual species of waterbird have actually appeared more regularly and in greater numbers in Bulgaria over the last 10 years. Also there are interesting regional differences; for example, numbers of waterbirds in the Dobrudzha region of north-eastern Bulgaria have shown an increase in recent years.

One fact that becomes clear from these figures is just how vitally important the annual mid-winter waterbird census is. Data gathered from the International Waterbird Census alerts scientists to changes in populations, and allows them to investigate further the reasons behind those changes.

Year of the The Bat!

2011-02-03T04:24:00.000-08:00

For the Chinese, today marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit, but for conservationists worldwide, 2011-2012 has been designated as Year of the Bat! Year of the Bat is a a global campaign to promote conservation, research and education about the world’s only flying mammals. Year of the Bat is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species and EUROBATS, as well as many other partner organizations around the world.

Worldwide, there are over 1200 species of bat, nearly a quarter of the world's mammal species. Bats fulfill a crucial ecological role both as pollinators and as controllers of insect pests. Unfortunately, many species of bats worldwide are now vulnerable and endangered. The Year of the Bat campaign aims promote bat conservation, research and education around the globe, with a special focus on the ecological benefits that bats provide. The key objectives of the Year of the Bat campaign include:

1) raising public awareness about the need for bat conservation, threats faced by bats and bats’ important role in global eco-systems;

2) improving the public perception and image of bats;

3) highlighting the links between bats and biodiversity;

4) encouraging individuals, organizations and governments to participate in bat conservation and educational activities;

5) encouraging national initiatives related to bat conservation, education and research;

6) promoting international cooperation on bat conservation, research and cross-border projects;

7) and facilitating the creation of a global bat conservation and research network.

Of Europe's 53 species of bats, some 33 species of bat are found in Bulgaria, making it one of the most important countries in Europe for bats.

If you would like to find out more about the bats of Bulgaria and to visit some of the main bat caves and habitats in the country, then Balkan Trek can organize specialized itineraries to get to know the bats of Bulgaria.

World Wetlands Day 2011: 40th Anniversary of Ramsar Convention!

2011-02-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

On 2 February 1971, on the shores of the Caspian Sea in the Iranian city of Ramsar, the international Convention of Wetlands was officially adopted. Better known as the Ramsar Convention, this intergovernmental treaty provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for 'the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.'

The Ramsar Convention came into force for Bulgaria on 24 January 1976. Bulgaria currently has 10 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, covering a total area of 20,306 hectares. The Bulgarian Wetlands of International Importance are:

Atanasovsko Lake
Belene Islands Complex
Durankulak Lake
Ibisha Island
Lake Shabla
Poda
Pomorie Wetland Complex
Ropotamo Complex
Srebarna
Vaya Lake

If you would like to visit any of the Bulgarian Wetlands of International Importance, then Balkan Trek can organize specialized itineraries and birdwatching tours in the region.

Stable Population of Balkan Chamois in 'Central Balkan' National Park

2011-01-24T06:24:00.000-08:00

The Directorate of the 'Central Balkan' National Park have announced that the results from monitoring Balkan Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) in the 'Central Balkan' National Park during 2011 have shown that the population seems to be stable at around 250 individuals. One important and very encouraging trend is that the Balkan Chamois in the 'Central Balkan' National Park shows signs of re-occupying former territories from which they have been previously lost.

If you would like to go on a mammal tracking tour and try to observe Balkan Chamois in the wild in the 'Central Balkan' National Park, then Balkan Trek can organize specialized mammal tracking itineraries and wildlife observation tours in the region.

January Roost Count for Red-breasted Goose

2011-01-23T06:12:00.000-08:00

During this year's mid-winter waterbird count which was carried out along the Dobrudzha coast on January 15 2011, ornithologists from the Safe Ground for Redbreasts project also carried out their monthly monitoring of Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) roosts in the region. Despite the fact that overall numbers of Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) and Greylag Goose (Anser anser) recorded in the region were at their highest for seven years, the number or Red-breasted Goose recorded was relatively low for the middle of winter at 7070 birds, probably due to the mild weather this winter which allows the Red-breasted Goose to stay at locations further north. The majority of the Red-breasted Goose roosting in Bulgaria were found to do so on the sea, in particular along the coast between between Nos Shabla and Kamen Bryag.

If you would like to visit the Dobrudzha region and observe Red-breasted Goose along with a great variety of other interesting waterbirds, then Balkan Trek can organize specialized itineraries and birdwatching tours in the region.

60 Brown Bear in the 'Central Balkan' National Park

2011-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Analysis of the results of Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) monitoring in the 'Central Balkan' National Park undertaken last autumn suggest that there are about 60 Brown Bear currently inhabiting the 'Central Balkan' National Park.

180 Brown Bear in the Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains

2011-01-16T09:07:00.000-08:00

Analysis of the results of last autumn's monitoring of the population of Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) in the Bulgarian part of the Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains suggests that there are about 180 individual Brown Bear inhabiting the region. Of these 180 Brown Bear, it is believed that some 95-105 Brown Bear are located within the Smolyan district.

If you would like to go on a bearwatching tour and try to observe Brown Bear in the wild in the Rodopi (Rhodope) Mountains, then Balkan Trek can organize specialized mammal tracking itineraries and bearwatching tours in the region.

GPS Collars Fitted to Red-breasted Goose

2011-01-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

As part of the Safe Ground for Redbreasts project, ornithologists from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds have for the first time successfully caught and tagged with special mini-gps collars six wild Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis).

The satellite transmitters will give vital data about both movements at their wintering grounds and also the migratory pathways of the Red-breasted Goose. The GPS transmitters will provide several location fixes every day thus giving very accurate information as to where the birds are going, which roost sites they use, which fields they feed in, their flight paths and whether they are regularly disturbed and forced to fly due to disturbance by hunters thus using up valuable supplies of energy.

During its migration the Red-breasted Goose passes through five countries but the exact route is little known, so it is vital to learn more about where exactly it flies, so that more steps can be taken to protect it.

The 2011 Mid-Winter Waterbird Census Begins

2011-01-14T02:54:00.000-08:00

The annual mid-winter census of waterbirds in Bulgaria begins today. This is part of the International Waterbird Census organised annually by Wetlands International. The International Waterbird Census, which was established in 1967, not only estimates the size of waterbird populations worldwide, but also plays a vital role as a global waterbird conservation tool. The International Waterbird Census makes it possible to monitor changes in waterbird numbers and distribution, to improve knowledge of little-known waterbird species and wetland sites, to identify and monitor sites that qualify as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, to provide information on the conservation status of waterbird species, and to increase awareness of the importance of waterbirds and their wetland habitats at local, national and international levels.

Co-ordinated by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, the mid-winter waterbird census in Bulgaria aims to monitor populations at 50 key wetlands throughout the country. Bulgaria is globally important as a wintering place for a several species of waterbirds including Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis), Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus), White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala), Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) and Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus).

If you are interested in a mid-winter birdwatching holiday in Bulgaria and would like to observe some of the globally threatened waterbirds that can be found during winter at the Bulgarian wetlands, then Balkan Trek can organize specialized winter birdwatching itineraries.

'Central Balkan' National Park Visitor Numbers Increase

2011-01-07T05:10:00.000-08:00

Year on year figures show that the popularity of the 'Central Balkan' National Park as a tourism destination is steadily increasing. Over recent years the number of visitors to the 'Central Balkan' National park has increased from 45,700 in 2003 to 70, 939 in 2010. Data collected by the Directorate of the 'Central Balkan' National Park show that in 2010 the favourite months for visiting the 'Central Balkan' National park were August, July, September and October, and that the most popular attraction was the 'Byala Reka' eco-trail near Kalofer.

This year, 2011, Balkan Trek in conjunction with the leading Dutch eco-tourism company Sawadee Reizen and the PAN Parks Foundation, have launched an exciting new walking and wildlife holiday in the Bulgarian Pan Parks which includes several days in the 'Central Balkan' National Park and a walk on the 'Byala Reka' eco-trail.

Safe Ground for Redbreasts

2011-01-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) in partnership with the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has recently launched an important new four-year LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity Project, named 'Conservation of the Wintering Population of the Globally Threatened Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis in Bulgaria'.

The project, one of the largest and most ambitious initiatives aimed at the conservation of a threatened wildfowl species to be conducted in Europe, is focused on protection of the Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis), one of the most spectacular yet sadly most threatened species of goose in the world, currently classified as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.

The Red-breasted Goose breeds in Arctic Russia, but in mid-September starts its south-westerly migration. Having passed through Kazakhstan, the majority of birds head towards the Caspian Sea and then travel on towards the western coast of the Black Sea, arriving in Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria from November-December onwards . Indeed in most years 80-90% of the world population of Red-breasted Goose winter in the Dobrudhza region of Bulgaria and Romania. Birds roost on the coastal lakes, but then feed inland on the fields of winter cereals such as wheat and barley.

The aim of the new project is to help provide safe wintering grounds in Bulgaria for the Red-breasted Goose, by encouraging beneficial land management practices in the region and ensuring safer foraging and roosting sites for the birds.

More information about the Safe Ground for Redbreasts project can be found at the official project website.

If you would like to visit the Dobrudzha region and observe Red-breasted Goose along with a great variety of other interesting waterbirds, then Balkan Trek can organize specialized itineraries and birdwatching tours in the region.