Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The Tisata Nature Reserve

Bulgaria has the largest natural juniper forest in Europe

published on 10/17/24 7:50 AM

Photo: pirin.bg

"Exactly 75 years ago, in 1949, the largest natural stand of Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa) in Europe, the Tisata, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, was declared a nature reserve.

Greek juniper is a southern protected relict species of Anatolian origin. It can reach a height of 10-15 metres, and in some places the trunks of old trees can reach a diameter of 1 metre. Another endangered species listed in the Red Book of Bulgaria in this area is the European yew. It is an evergreen, extremely slow-growing tree that can reach a height of 30 metres. Its needles contain the alkaloid taxine, which is poisonous to humans and some animals.

The area has a great ornithological diversity - 109 species of birds nest here, 30% of which belong to the southern (Mediterranean) complex - the Blue Rock Thrush, the Western Orphean Warbler, the Sardinian Warbler, the Eastern Subalpine Warbler.

"The area is characterised by its immense ornithological wealth - 109 bird species nest here, 30% of which belong to the southern (Mediterranean) complex, including the Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius), the Orphean Warbler, the Lesser Grey Shrike and the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Sylvia hortensis, Sylvia melanocephala, Sylvia cantillans).

The Tisata is also famous for its rich herpetofauna. Of the 16 species of snakes found in Bulgaria, 11 live in this reserve.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria News 75 years ago greek juniper nature reserve tisata

More from category

An increasing number of Bulgarians travel abroad, Greece is the most-preferred destination

In August 2025, the number of trips abroad made by Bulgarians totalled 1,078,900, which is a 19.4% increase compared to August 2024, according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The largest numbers of trips abroad by Bulgarians..

published on 9/29/25 2:20 PM

Arrests at Automobile Administration for attempt to get bribe from Robbie Williams’ team

Two employees of the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration” have been detained for 72 hours. They were arrested by the Sofia Police because they demanded a bribe from four truck drivers who were transporting equipment for the..

published on 9/29/25 11:46 AM

Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov

Bulgaria can be gateway for American gas to Europe

Bulgaria and the EU's phase-out of Russian natural gas is linked to a very long process. This was what Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov told bTV. "Back in May, European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen launched an initiative according to..

published on 9/29/25 10:27 AM

1
2
3
4
5
6
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Overcast, rain
Min: 9 | Max: 15

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

MOST VIEWED

Minister of Social Affairs is against raising taxes in 2026

I do not think that any taxes should be raised, Minister of Social Affairs Borislav Gutsanov has told BNT. “The situation of people..

published on 9/29/25 8:50 AM

Bulgaria to buy anti-drone system with EU loan

Bulgaria will have its own anti-drone systems. They will be purchased by the Ministry of Defence with a loan under the European SAFE..

published on 9/29/25 9:25 AM

Bulgaria can be gateway for American gas to Europe

Bulgaria and the EU's phase-out of Russian natural gas is linked to a very long process. This was what Minister of Energy Zhecho..

published on 9/29/25 10:27 AM

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking