UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Ouzounboudjak
General information
Ouzounboudjak Biosphere Reserve is situated in Strandzha Mountain on the left bank of the Rezvaya River at the Turkish border. Located only about 20 km from the Black Sea, the climate has maritime influences.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1977
Country
Bulgaria
Total population
3699
Area
Surface
78,425.00 ha
Total terresterial area
78,425.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 42.069 - Longitude: 27.518
Ecological Characteristics
The reserve was established in 1956 to protect the specific flora and vegetation represented by pontic, mediterranean and central-european ecological types. The area was declared a biosphere reserve in 1977. It comprises forests with more than 200 year old oaks (Quercus polycarpa, Q. frainetto) and beeches (Fagus orientalis). The understorey of the forest includes Rhododendron ponticum, Daphne pontica, blueberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos) and Mespilus germanica, some of which only grow naturally in Europe in this area (Strandzha Planina). The rich fauna includes wild boar (Sus scrofa), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild cat (Felis silvestris), badger (Meles meles), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and pine marten (Martes martes), while wolf (Canis lupus) occasionally come from Turkey.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Parts of the area was selectively logged in the past. Today, all economic activities are prohibited in the area. The reserve is included in the Strandzha Nature Park. This biosphere reserve is currently under revision.
