Biodiversity of Marishki Izvor

Red Deer /Cervus elaphus/

The red deer is a large herbivore that inhabits forests and open meadows. It is most active at dusk and dawn when it comes out to graze. During autumn it can often be observed during the mating season, known for its distinctive roaring calls.

Beech Marten /Martes foina/

The beech marten is an agile predator from the mustelid family, living in forests, rocky areas, and sometimes near settlements. It is mainly active at night and at dusk, when it hunts small animals. In winter it can be recognized by its lighter coat.

Chamois /Rupicapra rupicapra/

One of the most iconic inhabitants of the Rila Mountains is the chamois. It is perfectly adapted to steep and rocky terrain and moves confidently across difficult mountain slopes. Its presence indicates a well-preserved alpine environment.

European Wildcat /Felis silvestris/

The wildcat is a secretive and solitary predator that inhabits dense forests and rocky areas. It is most active at night and at dusk when it hunts small mammals. Encounters with it are rare due to its cautious nature.

Pine Marten /Martes martes/

The pine marten is a swift predator from the mustelid family, living in old forests with dense vegetation. It is mainly active at night and at dusk when it hunts small animals. Observing it in the wild is rare due to its elusive lifestyle.

Squirrel /Sciurus vulgaris/

The squirrel is a small and agile rodent living in deciduous and coniferous forests. It is active during the day, especially in the morning and afternoon when it gathers food. It can often be seen in trees or park areas.

Brown Bear /Ursus arctos/

The brown bear is the largest predator in the region and inhabits forested and mountainous areas. It is most active at dusk and during the night, especially in spring and autumn when searching for food. It can occasionally be observed in remote and quiet areas.

Ground Squirrel /Spermophilus citellus/

The ground squirrel is a small rodent living in open grassy areas and pastures. It is active during the day, particularly in warm hours, when it can be seen standing near the entrance of its burrow while watching for danger.

Marbled Polecat /Vormela peregusna/

The marbled polecat is a rare and protected predator inhabiting open grasslands and riverside areas. It is mostly active at dusk and during the night when hunting rodents. Sightings are rare because of its secretive behavior.

Grey Wolf /Canis lupus/

The grey wolf is a large predator inhabiting forests and mountain regions. It is most active at night and in the early morning hours when it hunts in packs. It is rarely seen, mostly in remote and quiet areas.

Roe Deer /Capreolus capreolus/

The roe deer is a graceful herbivore living in forests and meadows. It is most active at dusk and dawn when it comes out to feed and can sometimes be observed in open areas near forest edges.

Bechstein’s Bat /Myotis bechsteinii/

Lives in old deciduous forests, especially oak and beech. Active at night. It can be seen at dusk hunting insects among the branches. During the day it hides in woodpecker holes. It is recognizable by its very long ears and slow flight.

Brown Long-Eared Bat /Plecotus auritus/

Inhabits forests, parks, and gardens. Active at night. It can be seen at dusk flying slowly among the tree crowns. During the day it sleeps in tree cavities or buildings. It is known for its extremely large ears which it folds under its wings while sleeping.

Northern Bat /Eptesicus nilssonii/

Mostly inhabits old coniferous forests and mountain regions. Active at night. It can be seen at dusk hunting insects above forest clearings or water bodies. During the day it hides in tree cavities or rock crevices.

Barbastelle /Barbastella barbastellus/

Inhabits old forests and mountain areas. Active at night. It can be seen at dusk hunting high above the forest canopy. During the day it hides under tree bark or in rock crevices. It has a characteristic short snout and large ears.

Western Capercaillie /Tetrao urogallus/

Inhabits old coniferous mountain forests. Active during the day. In spring it can be seen at lekking grounds at sunrise when males are most active. A very shy and rare species that hides in dense vegetation and high trees.

Hazel Grouse /Bonasa bonasia/

Lives hidden in dense coniferous and mixed forests. Active during the day. It can sometimes be seen on the ground or on low branches but is very shy. It feeds on buds and forest berries.

Booted Eagle /Hieraaetus pennatus/

Found in deciduous forests and mosaic landscapes. Active during the day, hunting above open meadows. It can be seen flying or perched on dry branches. A migratory species that stays in Bulgaria mainly during summer. It has both light and dark color forms.

Golden Eagle /Aquila chrysaetos/

The golden eagle is a powerful bird of prey inhabiting mountainous and rocky areas. Active during the day, it soars above open landscapes searching for prey and can often be observed in clear weather in high mountain areas.

Peregrine Falcon /Falco peregrinus/

The peregrine falcon is a fast and extremely agile bird of prey living in cliffs and open landscapes. It hunts in the air during the day and can often be seen above high places and open terrain.

Three-Toed Woodpecker /Picoides tridactylus alpinus/

Inhabits old coniferous forests, especially spruce. Active during the day. Often found on dead trees where it peels bark to search for insects. A calm and secretive species. The male has a distinctive yellow cap instead of red.

Eastern Imperial Eagle /Aquila heliaca/

The imperial eagle is a large and majestic bird of prey inhabiting open landscapes and mountain regions. Active during the day, it soars high while searching for prey and can sometimes be seen in clear weather above open terrain.

Black Woodpecker /Dryocopus martius/

Inhabits old beech and coniferous forests. Active during the day. Recognizable by its powerful drumming on hollow trees and its loud calls. It searches tall tree trunks where it excavates large rectangular holes looking for ants and larvae.