Apparently it is not much different than the sheep grazing in meadows and mountains across Bulgaria but this sheep breed has its hidden advantages. Unfortunately, it is at risk of extinction. This is the Central Balkan Mountain sheep (Srednostaroplaninska sheep). In the past, the breed was widespread in the central part of Stara Planina, where now the Balgarka Park is situated. It turns out that this endangered breed is extremely valuable for balance in nature. That is why a group of environmentalists have taken seriously the task of its protection.

The sheep are small, but surprisingly agile, allowing it to cope perfectly with the steep rocky terrain of Stara Planina. Furthermore, the fat content of the milk is much higher than the average. Not to mention the wool that in some cases reaches 20-22 cm of length. But most importantly, the Central Balkan Mountain sheep has a highly developed instinct for self-preservation and in terms of its resistance to colds, this breed is unrivalled. The problem is that with the decline of livestock breeding in this country this breed that used to be so popular in the past disappeared from the meadows of the mountain. Now environmentalists from the management of the Balgarka Nature Park together with experts from WWF - Bulgaria have been working on a project for its return in local pastures. But why reintroduction of this species in this part of the mountain is so necessary? "Because meadows become overgrown with shrubs and coniferous forests gradually conquer them,” says Rayna Popova of WWF-Bulgaria and adds:

"These pastures are actually home to species such as the ground squirrel that need these habitats to survive. Grazing sheep keep the meadows clean from shrubs and do not allow for these habitats to disappear.”

Currently, ten lambs of the unique breed bleat in the meadows near the village of Glutnitsite. The name of the village means “wolf packs,” but environmentalists say the predators that used to attack the cattle in the village in the past are long gone. The lambs were bought in November 2014 and a protocol proves their breed. They are all earmarked.

"The lambs were born in January and in May we transferred them to a farm in the area of ​​the Balgarka Park in the village of Glutnitsite”, Raina Popova says. “We are partners with a local NGO organization that has signed an agreement with a farmer. Purchased lambs were provided for free to the farmer who guarantees that the purity of the breed will be preserved. If everything goes as it should, we hope that milk and wool from these sheep would reach consumers in the near future.”

Currently environmentalists organize a campaign to raise funds. The money will be used for buying more lambs of this breed that would join the flock. "We rely on natural processes that would eventually lead to the growth of the herd, and hence the restoration of grasslands in the area", Rayna Popova says in conclusion.

English version: Alexander Markov