Bulgaria appears to be a unique biological reserve, preserving extremely rare representatives of wild fauna, whose existence is put at serious risk by anthropogenic factors and climate changes.
Among the most remarkable endangered representatives, several key animal species stand out that require special attention from the nature conservation community:
The Balkan population of the lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) represents a critically endangered predatory subspecies that inhabits extremely hard-to-access mountain terrains in the Central Balkan. These elegant predators are literally on the edge of survival, with an extremely small number of individuals.
The brown bear maintains relatively stable populations only in the mountain massifs of Rila, Pirin, and the Rhodope Mountains, where specialized nature conservation programs guarantee its partial preservation.
Among the most dramatic examples of endangered ornithological fauna are the Egyptian vulture and the Imperial eagle. The Egyptian vulture, defined as the fastest disappearing predatory bird on a European scale, is found only in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains with about ten nesting pairs. The Imperial eagle, meanwhile, numbers less than 30 breeding pairs, concentrated around the areas of Sakar and Western Strandja.
Aquatic ecosystems are not far behind with unique representatives such as the Dalmatian pelican - the largest European pelican, which nests exclusively in the Srebarna Biosphere Reserve and the lakes around Burgas.
The bat population is extremely interesting, with around 33 species established in Bulgaria's caves, many of which possess specific characteristics and are of exceptional importance for European biological diversity.
Steppe inhabitants such as the great bustard and European ground squirrel are among the most endangered species, whose habitats have been severely reduced as a result of intensive agriculture and urbanization.
The National Parks of Rila, Pirin, Strandja, and Central Balkan are the last refuges for these rare animal species. The state undertakes targeted conservation measures for their protection, creating protected territories and introducing strict regulations to preserve biological diversity.
The future of these unique representatives of Bulgarian fauna depends entirely on our contemporary nature conservation efforts and our ability to preserve the fragile ecological balance.