Parangalitsa 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).
Description
Map
Surface : 1,509 ha
- Core area(s): 1,509 ha
- Buffer zone(s): N/A
- Transition zone(s): N/A
Location: 42°15'N; 23°15'E
Administrative Authorities
Rila National Park Directorate
12 B Bistritsa Str., P.O. Box 56
Blagoevgrad 2700
Bulgaria
Tel.: +359 73 88 05 37
E-mail: office@rilanationalpark.bg
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Ecological Characteristics
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).
Socio-Economic Characteristics
Parangalitsa is strict nature reserve (1st category protected territory according to Bulgarian legislation and IUCN classification) and in it are allowed only scientific research, education and passing through the reserve only on marked trails.
Rila National Park provides very good opportunities for tourism development. The chalets in the park and the network of well maintained tourist paths are a good precondition for hiking tourism.
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Last updated: May 2019