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      Biosphere Reserve Information
     

Bulgaria

PARANGALITZA

 
       
  General Description   Parangalitza Biosphere Reserve is situated on the southwestern side of the Rila Mountains in the Blagoevgrad region in western Bulgaria. The reserve was established in 1933 to protect the undisturbed primary forests, particularly the Norway spruce (Picea abies) and various pines. It was declared a biosphere reserve in 1977. It covers an area of 1509 hectares from 1400 to 2485 meters above sea level and includes about 400 hectares of the oldest conifers in Bulgaria (150-350 years old). Other habitats include sub-alpine and alpine vegetation. The flora is represented by more than 290 species of vascular plants. Some of the rare and endemic plants are Angelica pancicii, Aquilegia aurea, Geum bulgaricum, Primula deorum, Senecio pancicii and Trollius europaeus. The fauna includes brown bear (Ursus arctos), red deer (Cervus elaphus), wild cat (Felis silvestris), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), pine marten (Martes martes) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).
The area has been little affected by man. It is entirely included in the Rila National Park. This biosphere reserve is currently under revision.
  Major ecosystem type   Mixed mountain and highland systems
  Major habitats & land cover types   Coniferous forests (Picea abies, Pinus mugo); alpine grasslands; rocky places
  Location   42°15'N; 23°15'E
  Area (hectares)    
  Total   2,768
  Core area(s)   1,509
  Buffer zone(s)   1,258.7
  Transition area(s) when given  
  Altitude (metres above sea level)   +1,400 to +2,485
  Year designated   1977
  Administrative authorities  
 
  Brief description   Floristic (including bryoflora) and phytosociological studies
Vegetation and ecological changes for the last 4000 years
Investigation into the microclimate in highly productive Picea forests
Investigations on the soils and rains
Faunistic studies (insects, nematodes, chiropterological studies)
Microbiological activity of soils
  Specific variables...    
  Abiotic   Climate, meteorology, soil.
  Biodiversity   Biology, ecology, fauna, flora, forest systems, invertebrates/insects/spiders, phytosociology/succession, vegetation studies/plant cover.
  Socio-economic   n.a.
  Integrated monitoring   n.a.
 
  Contact address    
Rila National Park
12 B, Bistritza Str., P.O. Box 56
2700 Blagoevgrad
Bulgaria
  Telephone   (359.73) 80537
  Fax   (359.73) 23560
  E-mail   nprila@infonet.techno-link.com
 
  n.a.


Last updated: 04/04/2002

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