Krumovitza (423)
Bulgaria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Krumovitsa
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.5320, Longitude: 25.7322
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 168 to 806
Area of KBA (km2): 111.93205
Protected area coverage (%): 99.70
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The valley of the Krumovitza river and the Diushun river in the eastern Rhodopi mountains, together with the surrounding low mountain slopes. The rivers flow through deep canyons and open valleys, with the vegetation along the riverbanks dominated by Alnus, Salix, Populus, Rubus, Rosa and Tamarix. Dry grassland, scrub and broadleaved forests cover the neighbouring hills. The forests are dominated by Quercus, Carpinus and Mediterranean tree species. Juniperus is predominant in the sclerophyllous scrub. Land-uses are extensive rearing of sheep and cattle, hunting and forestry, but the area is becoming progressively depopulated due to local emigration.
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 one of the most important areas in Bulgaria for breeding Ciconia nigra and Neophron percnopterus. Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Circaetus gallicus (1 pair), Bubo bubo (1-2 pairs), Hippolais olivetorum (2-5 pairs).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (80%) | fisheries/aquaculture (5%) | forestry (5%) | hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Grassland | 15 | |
| Forest | 10 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 45 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The rural depopulation has led to decreases in available food resources (livestock carrion) for vultures in the region. Uncontrolled hunting and fishing are further threats.