Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
PARANGALITZA |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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Telephone | (359.73) 80537 | |||
Fax | (359.73) 23560 | |||
nprila@infonet.techno-link.com |
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n.a. |
Last updated: 04/04/2002 |