Studen Kladenets (405)
Bulgaria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Studen kladenets
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.6250, Longitude: 25.5320
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 159 to 867
Area of KBA (km2): 159.91839
Protected area coverage (%): 99.95
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A dam in a rocky gorge of the Arda river, east of the town of Kardjali. The numerous rocky cliffs and banks are covered by sub-Mediterranean vegetation, mainly forests of Quercus with Carpinus, Fraxinus and Mediterranean tree species. Juniperus, Jasminum and Paliurus are predominant in the sclerophyllous shrubland. Dichantium and Poa predominate in the grasslands. Human activities include hunting, forestry, fishing, and extensive rearing of sheep and cattle.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: The site is important for its assemblage of Mediterranean-restricted species, and for its high numbers of breeding Ciconia nigra, Neophron percnopterus (the best site in Bulgaria) and Bubo bubo. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus (1-2 pairs), Falco naumanni (3-5 pairs). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Circaetus gallicus (1-3 pairs), Aquila pomarina, Hieraaetus pennatus (1 pair).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (11%) | fisheries/aquaculture (14%) | forestry (56%) | hunting (60%) | water management (12%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 4 | |
| Grassland | 7 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 14 | |
| Forest | 57 | |
| Shrubland | 12 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 6 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: One problem is rural depopulation, which has led to a decrease in food resources (livestock carrion) for vultures in the region. A BSPB project for eastern Rhodopi mountains (the IBA is part of this region) is ongoing under the Bulgarian-Swiss Biodiversity Conservation Programme.