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Photo: Vladivoj Vancura
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Nature
Flora
Rila encompasses some of the most secluded forest ecosystems, virtually sheltered from human impact. About 95% of these are natural forests averaging 90 years in age. The park is among the most significant and resilient sanctuaries for mountain flora and fauna in Europe. The park is home to rare plant species, some of which cannot be found anywhere else, and supports the largest high-mountain population of hamster and chamois. It hosts 105 relics and a large number of native plant species. Given the high number of relics, the park also has the status of being a world center of new species development.
Fauna
Rila National Park’s fauna is extremely rich, comprising 2,934 species of invertebrate organisms and 172 species of vertebrates, most of which form numerous, healthy, and viable populations. Rila has some of the healthiest and most viable populations of predatory birds in Europe. The park is home to the largest Bulgarian populations of Balkan chamois, capercaillia, hazel hens and rock partridges, Tengmalm’s owls and little owls, and martens, as well as the largest high mountain population of the souslik.
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