Western Balkan (413)
Bulgaria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Zapaden Balkan
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.4667, Longitude: 22.8267
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 191 to 2168
Area of KBA (km2): 1468.17441
Protected area coverage (%): 99.93
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Old-growth coniferous, broadleaved and mixed forests on the slopes of the western Balkan mountains at 1,400-2,004 m, near the border with Serbia. Nearly 10% of the area is covered by high mountain grasslands, rocky outcrops and pastures, as well as some bogs. The forests are dominated by Picea, Abies, Fagus, Acer and Betula. Human activities are forbidden within the strict nature reserve.
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 area is important for Alectoris graeca. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (max. 3 pairs breeding). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Hieraaetus pennatus (1 pair), Bubo bubo (1 pair).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (27%) | not utilised (73%) | tourism/recreation (27%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 3 | |
| Grassland | 1 | |
| Forest | 96 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Illegal recreation and hunting are threats (the Midzhur hunting area is nearby).