Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Many larger animals are elusive and live in
the hills and mountains, some way from urban
centres, but if you are keen to see some natural
fauna, join an organised tour. Alternatively,
hike in the Strandzha Nature Park; the Ru-
senski Lom Nature Park, home to 67 species of
mammal (about two-thirds of those found in
Bulgaria); the Rila National Park; or the Pirin National Park, where 42 species of animal,
such as European brown bears, deer and wild goats, thrive.
Bird lovers can admire plenty of our feathered friends at Burgas Lakes, the largest wet-
land complex in the country, and home to about 60% of all bird species in Bulgaria; the
Ropotamo Nature Reserve, with more than 200 species of bird; Lake Srebârna, also with
over 200 bird species; the Strandzha Nature Park, with almost 70% of all bird species
found in Bulgaria; and the Rusenski Lom Nature Park, home to 170 species of water bird.
White storks, black storks, Dalmatian pelicans, sandpipers, corncrakes and pygmy cor-
morants are some of the species that can be seen in these areas.
Common and bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises live in the Black Sea - though,
sadly, in decreasing numbers.
The Balkani Wildlife Society (
www.balkani.org
)
is
active in environmental conservation programs
around the country and in raising public awareness
of wildlife issues.
NATIONAL PARKS & NATURE RESERVES
NATIONAL PARK
OR RESERVE
FEATURES
ACTIVITIES
BEST TIME
TO VISIT
Central Balkan Nation-
al Park
mountains, forests, waterfalls & canyons; wolves,
otters, wildcats, rare birds & bats
hiking, caving &
horse riding
May-Sep
Pirin National Park
mountains & lakes; bears & birds
hiking
Jun-Sep
Rila National Park
alpine forests & pastures; deer, wild goats & eagles hiking
Jun-Sep
Ropotamo Nature
Reserve
marshes & sand dunes; rare birds
boat trips & hiking Apr-Jul
Rusenski Lom Nature
Park
rivers, valleys & mountains; rare birds; rock
churches
birdwatching &
caving
Jun-Sep
