Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan - part - usaid

February 2004
European, and 151 of national conservation significance. About 53 species inhabiting
Rila Monastery Nature Park form in it populations of conservation significance.
In Bulgaria, a total of 164 animal species are protected under the Biological Diversity
Act. Of those, 58 are listed in Annex # 2 to the Act; 123, in Appendix # 3, and 16, in
Appendix # 4 to the Act. For more details on the conservation significance and status
of vertebrate animals, see Appendix 20 to the Management Plan.
Endemic species. There are 5 endemic vertebrate taxa in all in RMNP.
Fishes. Of all fish species in the Park’s territory, only the Maritza barbel (Barbus
cyclolepis) is a Balkan endemic.
Birds. There are two sub-species of birds identified as common only for the Balkan
Peninsula. These are Eremophila alpestris balcanica and (Prunella collaris
subalpina).
Mammals. Two sub-species of mammals can be regarded as endemic to the Balkans:
the weasel (Mustela nivalis galinthias) and the Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra
balcanica).
Relic species. A total of 12 relic species have been identified in Rila Monastery
Nature Park, as follows:
Fish. Of all fish species in the Park’s territory, only the Balkan trout (Salmo trutta) is
a glacial relic.
Amphibians. Of the reptilian species found in the Park, two are glacial relics: the
alpine newt (Triturus alpestris) and the mountain frog (Rana temporaria).
Reptilians. Two species of reptiles living in RMNP are glacial relics: the viviparous
lizard (Lacerta vivipara) and the viper (Vipera berus). Both are relatively widespread
throughout the Park. The viviparous lizard can be seen at favorable areas of habitation
between 1,400 and 2,700 m above sea level, while the viper prefers the higher
altitudes of the sub-alpine and alpine zones, rarely descending below 1,400-1,500m
asl.
Birds. There are five recorded relic species of bird in RMNP: the capercaillie (Tetrao
urogallus), two owls (Glaucidium passerinum and Aegolius funereus), and two
species of woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordii, and Picoides trydactilus).
Mammals. Two of the species of mammals that are found in the Nature Park are
glacial relics: Chionomys nivalis and Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica.
Endangered species. A total of 173 vertebrate species inhabiting Rila Monastery NP
are considered endangered on a national, European or world scale. They belong to the
following groups:
Rila Monastery Nature Park
Management Plan -Draft
2004 - 2013
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