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The three Bulgarian National Parks protect mountain ecosystems that contain some of the country’s most important watersheds and natural resources.
Water
More than 300 lakes and numerous waterfalls grace Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan Parks. Some of the largest rivers in Bulgaria and the Balkans originate in the three Parks. The Parks play a key role in the formation of water resources in southeastern Europe, and are an essential source of drinking water for much of the country, particularly in the major urban centers. While occupying just 1.83% of the country’s territory, the National Parks provide 7.3% of the country’s freshwater resources.
Flora
Bulgaria ranks fifth in Europe in the diversity of plants found within its territory, with 3,567 species. Two-thirds of all plant species are represented within the Parks and, of these, one-sixth are of high conservation significance:
23 are local endemics, 48 species are endemic to Bulgaria, and 143 are endemic to the Balkans;
105 are relicts – left over from the ice age and earlier;
179 species are found in the Bulgarian Red Data Book;
92 species are protected under Bulgarian law; and
56 species are protected under international law.
In addition, 750 medicinal plant species can be found in Bulgaria. Three-fourths of these can be found in the combined territories of the three Parks, and are protected by the National Parks’ management system.
Over 250 species, or one-eighth of all mushroom species in Bulgaria, grow in the National Parks. Eighteen of these are edible, including several varieties of bolete, chanterelle, and parasol mushrooms.
Forests
The natural forest ecosystems in Bulgaria’s National Parks are unequaled in Europe. National Park forests are great natural air filters, oxygen producers and water conservers. They provide habitat for countless species of wild plants and animals.
96% are all natural - they’ve not been planted;
The average age of the trees is 90 years; almost two-thirds are 100 years or older;
The deciduous forests of the Central Balkan National Park are unique for Europe. These are large, all-natural forests, covering 86% of the Park’s wooded area;
Coniferous forests cover 93% of all wooded areas in Rila and Pirin National Parks;
High-mountain meadows are found at altitudes of 2,000-2,500 meters in Rila and Pirin and at 1,500-1,850 meters in Central Balkan National Park. More than 70% of all protected, rare or endemic species of plants in Bulgaria can be found in these high mountain environments.
Fauna
Bulgaria has more animal species within its territory than any other country in Europe. The three National Parks encompass habitats and natural environments necessary for the survival of many of these species.
Bulgaria’s National Parks are home to more than 4,000 invertebrate  species, a quarter of which are of high conservation significance.
Over 300 vertebrates reside in Rila, Pirin and Central Balkan National Parks. Some of the most significant populations of large mammals in Bulgaria and Europe live here. These include the Balkan chamois, brown bear, wolf, and red deer. Twenty-five species of smaller mammals also live in Park territory.
Over 200 vertebrate species are protected under both Bulgarian and international law:
67% of all species of fishes, amphibians and reptiles are of high conservation significance.
90% of all bird species are of high conservation significance.
Bulgaria has 30 bat species (the second largest number in Europe); 60% of these are found within Bulgaria’s three National Parks and all are protected under Bulgarian and international law.
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