Nature protection center of the eastern Rhodopes

Madzharovo Special Protection Area (SPA) includes a section of the deep, narrow valley of the Arda River along with the surrounding mountain slopes and rock masses. It is located in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains between Borislavtsi village and the town of Madzharovo.

The diverse relief composed of rock complexes, rocky screes and land determines the mosaic distribution of trees, bushes and grass. The arable land is located mostly on the higher grounds of the valley. Among the animals here can be seen: great toad, European blind snake, Turkish sand boa, Hermann’s and spur-thighed tortoises, rufous-tailed rock thrush, rock nuthatch, peregrine falcon, wild cat, hare, wolf, wild boar et al.

There are 174 bird species in the region; 40 of them are included in the Bulgarian Red List, and 78 have conservation significance on a European level.

The area is globally significant as a representative site of the Mediterranean biome. Here is one of the two colonies of the griffon vulture in Bulgaria. Madzharovo is among the most important sites in Bulgaria for the protection and conservation of birds of prey, in particular the globally threatened Egyptian vulture.

Due to the depopulation of the area the number of extensively bred livestock is in decline. Thence the food sources for the vultures diminish, and the pastures become overgrown; this leads to a loss of biodiversity. Other problems: poaching, potential disturbance of the nesting birds, fires, investment plans for small water plants and wind turbines.

About 7% of the area is protected by law under national legislation. Patronka Protected Area is declared to protect the colony of griffon vultures. In 1997 the area was declared Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Speaking of biodiversity, the east part of Rodopes mountain is one of the richest places in Europe with its 4329 animal species, 278 of which are bird species. This nature treasure is presented to the visitors by the new information plates, pictures, drawings and graffiti. The interactivity of the exhibition makes everybody feels as a part of the nature of this amazing Bulgarian region.

In the middle are the most popular wild inhabitants of the region – the vultures. The four vulture species that can be seen in Bulgaria are Egyptian vulture, Griffon vulture, Cinereous vulture and Bearded vulture. Every of them has its own “identity card” with the most important information about its life. Egyptian vulture and Griffon vulture nest in the vicinity of town of Madzharovo. Cinereous vulture is just a guest from Greece. Bearded vulture is one of the rarest bird species in Bulgaria, so you must be very lucky to see it alive in the region. But you will surely see it in the exhibition of the center.

Continuing your “walk” through Eastern Rodopes you will learn many facts for the unique biodiversity in the region. The information is presented on a plate. Special drawings and text reveal how the wild nature is gradually recovering with the help of people. Authors of the incredible paintings in the hall of the Center are the graffiti artists from 140 ideas.

There are changes around Vulture center also. The dark room in the oak forest is repaired so in the darkness can be “heard” and “seen” some of the inhabitants of the valley of Arda river. From here you can observe and take pictures of warblers. There are special birds feeders for the goal. Around Vulture center there are special places, where you can observe the wild inhabitants of the region. The best places are the bridge above Arda river and the specially build cover.

The Center opened in 1998 and is being visited by more than 2000 Bulgarian and foreign tourists every year.