Strandzha

Names in the national language

Strandja (Bulgaria)

Istranca (Turkey)

Special features

In Turkey, the highest peak is Mahiada (1,031 m) and in Bulgaria Golyamo Gradishte (710 m). The major rivers in the mountain massif are Veleka/Kocadere with 147 km and Rezovska/Mutludere with 112 km in length. The area holds the biggest share of protected areas in Bulgaria, making up one percent of the total country area. The “Via Pontica” bird migration route traverses the mountain massif, and this determines the high ornithological diversity in the area.

Main biotop types

Oak forests with undergrowth of evergreen sclerophyll shrubs

Species

• Mammals: Grey wolf (Canis lupus), Marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)
• Birds: Black stork (Ciconia nigra), Short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Lesser spotted eagle (Clanga pomarina), Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus)
• Reptiles: European ratsnake (Zamenis situla), Blotched snake (Elaphe sauromates)
• Plants: Tree heath (Erica arborea), Butcher's-broom (Ruscus aculeatus), Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum), Green olive tree (Phillyrea latifolia), Cistus incanus, Sage-leaved rock rose (Cistus salvifolius)

Status of protection

Strandja Nature Park, Nature Reserves, 14 other protected areas (Bulgaria)

Iğneada Foodplain Forest National Park (Turkey)