| Bulgarka Nature Park | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
 Bulgarka Nature Park | |
 | |
| Location | Gabrovo Province,Stara Zagora Province,Bulgaria |
| Nearest city | Gabrovo |
| Coordinates | 42°49′N25°20′E / 42.82°N 25.34°E /42.82; 25.34 |
| Area | 22,000 hectares |
| Established | August 9, 2002 |
| Governing body | Bulgarka Natural Park |
TheBulgarka Natural Park (Bulgarian: Природен парк ″Българка″) is aBulgarian nature park on the northern slopes of theBalkan Mountains (Stara Planina), occupying 22,000hectares of territory in the central and eastern part of the mountains between the cities ofGabrovo andKazanluk.[1]
Located between the steep topography of the Central Balkan and the significantly lower and sloping eastern part of Stara Planina, the region is characterized by significant diversity in terrain. This supports a rich diversity in flora and fauna. Further, due to the area's position in a section of the Balkans that served as a crossroads for the region for centuries, the park is home to many historic sites.[2]
The area's historical and biological significance lead to the establishment of the Bulgarka Natural Park on August 9, 2002.[1]
In terms of zoology, the park is in the Balkan region of European fauna.[2]
Many wild animals, such as theEurasian wolf, fox, thegolden jackal,Eurasian brown bear, wild boar,red deer, roe deer, hare, eastern hedgehog, squirrel, badger, mink and others inhabit the forested lands of the Bulgarka Park. Birds include thegolden eagle, thecommon kestrel, rock dove, great spotted woodpecker, black woodpecker, green woodpecker, cuckoo,common buzzard, owl, white wagtail, turtledove, jay, magpie, raven, hooded crow, blackbird, starling, nightingale, oriole, great tit and others.[2]
Reptiles native to the park lands include three species of snakes as well as lizards and others. Amphibians include several frogs, salamander; invertebrates include snails, tritons and many kinds of insects. Fish include trout, black fish, and others.[2]
Forests cover about 80.2% of the park area, or 17,461 hectares. Varieties ofbeech constitute the largest portion of the forest, at 65%. Other deciduous trees include oaks, water locust, birch hornbeam, linden, elm, acacia, aspen, maple, ash, wild cherry, holly, rowan, birch and others. Coniferous trees found in the park include white and black pine, spruce, fir, white fir and others.Gymnosperm plants covers about 0.6 ha.
This botanical uniqueness — which occurs only in this part of Bulgaria and has includes special combinations of beech, yew, and laurel — makes the park a significant conservation habitat. In Bulgarka Park, designated areas are established to promote greaterhabitat conservation.[2][3]
Nearly 70% of the officially recognized medicinal plants in Bulgaria may be found in Bulgarka Park.[2]
At least 360 plant species including 31 species listed as threatened or endangered, may be found in the park. This includes yew, wild ticket silivryakgesneriaceae, mountain maple, Bulgarian types of orchids, medicinal tweeter, mountain onioncytisus, mountain vetchastragalus, among other. However, as one of the youngest nature parks in Bulgaria, a full classification of all the types of flora and fauna is yet to come.[3]
Sites of cultural heritage inside Bulgarka Park include theShipka Pass, the location of theBattle of Shipka Pass which was pivotal in gaining Bulgarian independence from theOttoman Empire. TheShipka Memorial commemorates the battle.
Also in the park are theEtar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex, theSokolski Monastery andDryanovo Monastery.[4][5][1]
The park is home to theUzana area, a large mountain meadow high in the Balkans which is a popular winter resort. Uzana has been home to winter sports since the 1930s and has 15 hotels, which provide recreational opportunities year-round.[6]
