Harsovska Reka (440)
Bulgaria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Harsovska reka
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.9092, Longitude: 27.3787
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 23 to 243
Area of KBA (km2): 354.26788
Protected area coverage (%): 99.92
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An arid river valley with rocky massifs, covered by broadleaved forestand dry grassland on the ridges of the hills. Forests are dominated by Quercus, Carpinus and Acer.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: The area is one of the most important breeding sites for Tadorna ferruginea and Buteo rufinus in the country. Gyps fulvus and Aquila chrysaetos used to breed in the area many years ago. Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Neophron percnopterus (1 pair), Circaetus gallicus (1 pair), Aquila pomarina (1 pair), Hieraaetus pennatus (1 pair), Bubo bubo (3 pairs).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (25%) | forestry (70%) | hunting (60%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 70 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 10 | |
| Grassland | 15 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main problem is disturbance of nesting birds (by treasure-hunters).