Sreburna Biosphere Reserve
The Srebarna Nature Reserve is a freshwater lake adjacent to the Danube river and extending over 600 ha. It is situated 16km to the west of Silistra and is the breeding ground of almost 100 species of birds, many of which are rare or endangered.
The reserve is one of the stops on the international bird migration route, Via Pontica, which explains the large bird population there. The total number of bird species, including those that migrate or take shelter every winter, comes up to 221. Among the most interesting bird species are the Dalmatian pelican, which has its only colony in Bulgaria in Srebarna, the great egret, night heron, purple heron, glossy ibis and white spoonbill. In additional to rare birds, the reserve is populated by 44 mammal, 23 fish, 10 amphibian and 11 reptile species. In turn, its flora is represented by about 300 different types of plants.
The first step for protecting the lake’s flora and fauna was made as early as 1942 when the lake was declared a protected area for its being an important nesting place of waterfowl. In 1948 it was pronounced as a reserve, while cutting of reed was banned. In 1977 Srebarna was included in the “Man and Biosphere” programme of UNESCO and was declared a biosphere reserve, while in 1983 it entered UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The reserve keeps a museum of natural science and an ecological station of the Bulgarian Academy of Science and is open to visitors and birdwatchers.
This is probably the most famous preserve in Bulgaria. Sreburna is situated 16 km west of the town of Silistra and 2 km south of Danube River. It includes a lake by the same name, as well as the surrounding territories. The lake’s depth varies between one and three m and its area is 2 sq km.
Many legends explain how the preserve got its name (silver). One connects it to a Bulgarian khan, another tells about a hidden treasure. The most viable option connects the name to the surface of the lake during full moon. Sreburna’s water reflects the light and resembles a silver plate.
More than 65 plant species can be observed in Sreburna.
The animals inhabiting the preserve include 39 types of mammals, 21 types of reptiles and 10 types of fish.
Sreburna’s biggest treasure is its bird diversity. Nearly 180 types of birds nest there. Migrating birds stop in Sreburna on their way from Europe to Africa. A number of these species are endangered.
The preserve has its museum of natural history, telling more about the animal species living there.
Nearly 40 types of mammals, 21 types of amphibians and reptiles and 10 types of fish inhabit Sreburna, one of the best known preserves in Bulgaria.
Sreburna is situated 16 km west of the town of Silistra. The preserve includes a lake carrying the same name and the surrounding territories.
Several legends explain the name of the preserve. The most believable story connects it to the site of the lake during full moon. Observed then, the water looks like a large silver plate (srebro means silver in Bulgarian).
The diversity of bird species is the biggest Sreburna treasure. More than 180 species nest there, a big number of which endangered or very rare. Fifty-eight species have been included in the Bulgarian Red Book of endangered species. A type of pelican and of heron nest only in Sreburna.
In 1975, Sreburna was named a humid region of international importance. In 1983, it was included in the UNESCO natural and cultural heritage list.
A museum was constructed in the preserve and visitors can learn more about the various animal species living there. The museum offers additional information about the story of the preserve. A video camera allows visitors explore the world of animals in the preserve.
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