Habitats
Habitats
By applying the CORINE (Palearctic Classification) methodology, it is determined that there are 60 types of mountain and High Mountain habitats on the Park’s territory. The habitats belong to three different conservation groups, as subject to the following definitions: EC Resolution #4 (December 1996), endangered natural habitats in need of special conservation measures - 11 habitats. Annex # 1 to Directive 92/43 (May 1992) of the EC Council - 18 habitats. Both Resolution 4 and Directive 92/43 -11 habitats. As we can see, 51.66% of all habitats have conservation status. The diversity of habitats determines Rila National Park’s an important place within the NATURA 2000 European Ecological Network.
DIVERSITY OF HABITATS
The diversity of plant species and communities is result directly from a variety of ecological factors, which together determine the living conditions in the area. Thus, by applying the “Coordination of Information on the Environment” (CORINE) methodology of describing and classifying habitats (developed within the framework of the CORINE Biotopes Project of the EU Commission), even untrained eyes can distinguish between the 60 types of mountain and high mountain habitats within Park. These make up about 15% of all habitats in Bulgaria, an immense and unique wealth of interest not only to biologists but also to the public at large.
The habitats belong to three different conservation groups, as subject to the following definitions:
- EC Resolution #4 (6 December 1996), endangered natural habitats in need of special conservation measures: 11 habitats- Annex # 1 to Directive 92/43 (May 1992) of the EC Council: 18 habitats
- Both Resolution 4 and Directive 92/43: 11 habitats. Of all habitats in Rila National Park, 51.66% have high conservation status. This diversity determines Rila National Park’s prominent place within the NATURA 2000 European Ecological Network.
There are determined some habitats, which do not have analogue in the CORINE system and they are not included in the different groups. Typical example for such a habitat is Primula deorum, which grows on the melting snow-drift, near brooks and peat places. This habitat can be found only in Rila Mountain.
