Chuprene Biosphere Reserve
In 1973 in the villages Chuprene, Replyana, Gorni Lom and Stakevtsi was created the forest reserve "CHUPRENE". In 1977 UNESCO included it in the list of protected areas as an integral part of the international network of biosphere reserves.
Chuprene is one of the largest biosphere reserves in Bulgaria. It is situated on the ridge and the northeastern slopes of Chiprovska Mountain, West Balkan Mountains, in the village of Chuprene.
In the reserve can be observed: beech, fir, spruce, mountain peony and Vitoshko tulip and animal species such as- snake viper crossbill, grouse, deer, wolf and more. In the biosphere reserve of "Chuprene" has remained the only population of capercaillie.
Forests occupy nearly 90% of the reserve.
Some of the forests are spruce-fir and beech-spruce-fir. The biggest plantations are of spruce, which forms forests aged over 1 century. They are important for the study of spruce forests in Bulgaria. There are common maple, aspen, mountain alder, mountain maple and elderberry.
The amphibians are: salamander, Greek leggy frog, a large toad. Reptiles: grass snake, adder, smooth snake. Mammals: fox, wolf, marten, mink, wildcat, squirrel.
There are 68 species of birds. Among them are capercaillie, black vulture, owl, eagle, woodpecker, thrush, hawk, kestrel, skylark, quail, nutmeg, and more.
"Chuprene" is the only Bulgarian reserve continuously inhabited by wolves.
Transport:
The nearest motorway is "Hemus" highway, binding site is Botevgrad city - 140 km southeast.
The nearest railway station is Oreshets (Vidin region) on the line Sofia-Vidin. The station is 30 km away from Chuprene village. Transport there is via bus.
The bus transportation is provided by private firms. There are daily connections to Belogradchik and Vidin on the weekdays. The bus connection of Chuprene is with neighboring villages and the town of Belogradchik.
Accommodation:
"Gorski rai" hut- with an altitude of 1,450 meters. Located near the Biosphere Reserve "Chuprene". It has 38 beds, indoor bathrooms, kitchen, bar, dining room, hot water unit.
A tourist hostel- located in the village center. It has modern facilities with 15 beds, party hall, dining room, conference room, internet access and cable TV.
Sources: http://www.chuprene.com,
Photos: http://www.chuprene.com, http://bg.wikipedia.org.
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