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

Georg Georgiev

Sanctions against Russia prove their effectiveness, says Bulgarian foreign minister

Any peace agreement must be sustainable and fair, respecting the principles of international law. This was stated by Foreign Minister Georgy Georgiev in a videoconference meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. On August 11, the Council discussed..

published on 8/12/25 9:13 AM

Varna exhibition traces the footsteps of Bulgaria’s endangered species

Until 29 August 2025, residents of Varna and visitors to the Black Sea city can explore the travelling exhibition, 'Traces of Disappearance', at the local Natural History Museum. The exhibition is part of a campaign dedicated to protecting Bulgaria’s..

published on 8/12/25 8:15 AM

Maximum daily temperatures expected to drop by 3-4°C

On Tuesday, minimum temperatures will range from 18 to 24°C, cooling to 19°C in Sofia. It will be mostly sunny during the day, with a light breeze. After noon, cumulus clouds will develop over the mountains, but there will only be isolated showers..

published on 8/11/25 7:05 PM

1
2
3
4
5
6
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Clear
Min: 21 | Max: 33

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

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

MOST VIEWED

The Holy Trinity church in Madison is hosting its sixth annual Bulgarian festival

The Holy Trinity Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Madison, Illinois, is hosting the Sixth Annual Bulgarian Festival and invites the local Bulgarian community..

published on 8/11/25 4:33 PM

President blocks last-minute State Property Act amendments

President Rumen Radev has returned amendments to the State Property Act to Parliament for further discussion, the President’s press office announced. The..

published on 8/11/25 1:23 PM

Electricity export from Bulgaria increases in the summer

For the first 7 months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, electricity exports from Bulgaria have been growing. This was..

published on 8/11/25 11:57 AM

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking