Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria
The Rhodopes Mountains are a mountain range in south east Europe. They are spread over 5689 square miles of which 4723 square miles are located in south Bulgaria and the remainder in north Greece.
The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula.
The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge.
The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections:
The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes.
The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture.
The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude.
In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian).
Date: 25th May 2018
Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria
The Rhodopes Mountains are about 149 miles long and about 62 to 75 miles wide with an average altitude of 2575 feet. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 7188 feet and is situated 12 miles to the west of Smolyan. In geomorphological terms, the Rhodopes Mountains are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula.
The Rhodopes Mountains give their name to the terrestrial eco-region Rodope montane mixed forests that belong in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The area is particularly notable for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans plus its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms such as the Trigrad Gorge.
The Rhodopes Mountains can be sub-divided in to 3 sections:
The Western Rhodopes are spread over 66% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and they are higher, the most infrastructurally developed and the most visited part of the mountains. The highest and best known peaks are located in this section with more than 10 over 6562 feet high including the highest peak, Golyam Perelik (7188 feet). Some of the deepest river gorges in the Rhodopes Mountains are located in the west as well as several large lakes.
The Eastern Rhodopes are spread over a territory of about 34% of the area of the Rhodopes Mountains in Bulgaria and are much lower in height. The large artificial dams of Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets are located in this part of the mountains. Almost every species of European bird of prey nests in the Eastern Rhodopes including 3 species of vulture.
The Southern Rhodopes are the part of the mountain range that is located in Greece and they are characterized by numerous peaks of relatively low altitude.
In the Eastern Rhodopes, the Madzharovo Special Protection Area located between village of Borislavtsi and the town of Madzharovo is one of the most popular destinations for birding in Bulgaria. The area covers a part of the narrow valley of the River Arda and is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes, rock massifs, rocky pinnacles, dry scrub and wooded hillsides. The unique micro-climate and the diverse relief are the reason for the wealth of bird species which can be found here. Around 175 bird species have been recorded of which 40 have been included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered species in the country), 78 are of European environmental protection significance and 6 are globally endangered. The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has established a Nature Conservation Centre in Madzharovo which provides an exhibition, conducts educational programs and provides information for various routes and landmarks. It particularly focuses on the many birds of prey which can be found in the area, especially the 3 species of vulture (Griffon, Black and Egyptian).
Date: 25th May 2018
Location: River Arda valley and Kovan Kaya near Madzharovo, eastern Rhodopes Mountains, Haskovo Province, Bulgaria
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Also in: Bulgaria
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