Flora

Central Balkan National Park is a habitat of more than 2300 diverse species and sub-species of plants. Among these species, there are 1900 vascular plant species and sub-species, 188 species of algae, 229 species of moss, and 15 species of fern. There are many rare and endangered species, which occur in the park: the yellow gentian, the stemless gentian, savinjuniper and edelweiss are just a few among many.
The national park includes one of the most active species formation centres in Bulgaria. Sure proof of this is that there are 10 local endemic species and 2 sub-species occur in the park.

Fauna

The park plays a major role in the protection of bear, wolf, imperial eagle, and white-backed woodpecker, as well as in the conservation of 8 bat species.
The park is home to 211 different vertebrates species. Of these 6 are fish species, 8 are amphibians, and 14 are reptiles. The park also hosts rich diversity of birdlife. 123 nesting bird species breed in the park such as eagle owl, golden eagle, red-breasted flycatcher, and the white-backed woodpecker.
Within the park boundaries there are 2387 identified species and sub-species of invertebrates. These include 36 species that are on global endangered species lists. Some of the species that are considered to be of high conservation importance, are the calosome beetle, the Rhodopean butterfly, and the purple emperor.

Flagship species: Golden Eagle, Brown Bear, wolf, Chamois, Lynx

Central-Balkan National Park was certified in 2003. The park proved excellence in wilderness protection and showed great achievements in the below fields.*


Habitat management
• PAN Parks wilderness area was created [21 019 hectares]
• pilot restoration project aimed at management of high mountainous treeless habitats was developed
• Central Balkan National Park social-economic survey was conducted [threat pressure for large scale ski development]
• park has succeeded in winning recognition as a leading nature conservation authority in the region
• park finalized debates on formulating the long-term national park’s vision and set the management plan with long-term objectives
• ranger training concept, visitor management, interpretation and language skills were developed


Synergy between conservation of natural values and sustainable tourism
• new visitor infrastructure, trails, information points were developed
• local stakeholder group, STDS and PAN Parks standard for local business partners were created
• 14 local PAN Parks business partners were certified

*It is not easy to separate activities of regular park management and activities accomplished because of PAN Parks requirements. The list of the above activities includes mostly activities accomplished as a result of the PAN Parks process.