Srebarna Nature Reserve

In 1977, the Srebarna Nature Reserve of northern Bulgaria was designated as a World Birding Biosphere Reserve. UNESCO designated the site as a World Heritage Site in 1985. The reserve is a 600-hectare natural lake near the Danube. It is the seedbed for nearly 100 bird species, most of which are endangered bird species. Every winter, more than 80 other bird species from different regions migrate to this nature reserve and seek refuge there. There is a water-bound oasis in a primarily agricultural area with a handful of incredible species. It is home to the only seabird of two important Bulgarian species, the Glossy Ibis and Dalmatian Pelican. There are also Great White Pelicans and various other birds such as the Black-crowned Night-Heron, Spoonbill, and White-tailed Eagle.

Location of the Srebarna Nature Reserve

The Srebarna Nature Reserve, situated in northern Bulgaria, protects the wetland ecosystem and a small lake near River Danube. It is home to a collection of stuffed species of 173 bird species, among which nine are listed as endangered bird species, and  78 species are of European conservation concern. The Ferruginous Duck, Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Corncrake, Red-breasted Goose, and White-tailed Eagle are globally threatened species. 

The Srebarna nature reserves are a unique wetland, including floating reed islands, willow poplar and flooded willow, riverine forest belts and wet meadows with significant old White Willow trees. The Danube River and its waterways are characteristic of the Danube flood region atmosphere that originated along the river before dykes were built to control flooding during the last century. The wetlands of Srebarna are now artificially maintained by transporting water from the Danube river through an artificial channel.

What Species Can be Found in Srebarna Nature Reserve?

The reserve was established essentially to safeguard the rich diversity of wildfowl, which account for half of Bulgaria’s avifauna. Red-necked ducks, a variety of geese and ducks, Mute Swan, two of the three European marsh tern species, and bearded tit are among the endangered bird species found in Srebarna. Otters are occasionally sighted in reserve. Wintering species include the white-fronted goose, red-breasted goose, and blue throat.

The Srebarna Nature Reserve of Bulgaria is home to 67 plant species, including water lily and several rare marsh plants. Reeds cover two-thirds of this natural reserve, forming a dense barrier around the lake. They include reed-mace islands where birds nest.

Environmental Characteristics of Srebarna Nature Reserve

Srebarna Nature Reserve promotes abundant biodiversity. A total of 2,748 infrageneric taxa and 1,166 genera have been found in this region, accounting for 57.5 percent of Bulgarian ornithoid fauna. 90 of these species belong to European Conservation Concern, 27 amphibians and reptile species; 11 plant species from the Bulgarian Red Data Book; and 23 fish species, accounting for 18.1 percent of Bulgarian fishes of freshwater.

One thousand four hundred thirty collections of stuffed species have been observed. Srebarna Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot for Bulgaria and a national part of the continental biogeographic area.

Many birds use the wetland for Staging, breeding, and wintering. It is the only rearing spot for Pelecanus Crispus in Bulgaria. 

Socio-economic Characteristics of Srebarna Nature Reserve  

There have been no financial activities within the core area. Forest and Agriculture activities are traditionally practised in the neutral territory. Grazing fields are used less frequently as the count of domestic animals has decreased significantly in recent years.

Within the biosphere reserve, there is no tour and travel agency. Nonetheless, tourism is developing in neutral territory. Tourist facilities have been built, along with tourist routes and path facilities. Apart from the museum, there is an information centre as well. There are a number of small inns available to stay in in the nearby small town of Srebarna. A huge number of tourists has remained consistent in recent years who seek pleasures amidst nature. The Nature Museum is situated in Srebarna town, and the tourist paths alongside the reserve are the main attractions.

Conclusion

It has been researched for several years, primarily to determine the various types of bird species and the ecological conditions needed for their long-term survival. The Central Laboratory has a field station in Srebarna village that keeps track of the marshland ecosystem. The Committee of World Heritage has proposed establishing a transboundary within the Danube River World Heritage site with Romania, including islands and river banks. The Management Plan for the nature reserve was issued in the year 2000. The management plan is well researched and documented, detailing all 24 categories of natural resources and treatment recommendations. It maintained the total number of the Dalmatian pelican population and the reserve’s gradual recovery.