Protected areas

The territory of the municipality of Assenovgrad, included within the boundaries of Chervenata Stena Biosphere Park, is characterized by extremely rich biodiversity and for its protection, 13 protected areas have been declared:

• Protected Site ‘Martsiganitsa’;
• Protected Site ‘Chinar dere’;
• Protected Site ‘Ayazmoto’;
• Protected Site ‘Usoikata’;
• Protected Site ‘Lale Bair’;
• Protected Site ‘Karadzhov Kamak’;
• Protected Site ‘Gonda Voda’;
• Protected Site ‘Nahodishte Na Darvovidna Hvoyna’;
• Protected Site ‘Kluviyata – Diva Voda’;
• Protected Site ‘Nahodishte na atinska merendera’;
• Protected Site ‘Anatema’;
• Natural Landmark ‘Belintash’;
• Natural Landmark ‘Peshterata Gargina Dupka’.

 

PROTECTED AREAS IN CHERVENATA STENA BIOSPHERE PARK

PROTECTED SITE ‘MARTSIGANITSA’

Aim of the declaration: 
Protection of remarkable landscape, used for recreation and tourism.

Location:
It is located in the village of Dobrostan, Municipality of Assenovgrad

Short description: 
The site is situated near the Martsiganitsa hut and the Chervenata Stenal Biosphere Reserve. The territory is announced a protected area by Ordinance No. 55 / 29.01.1980 of the CPNE to the Council of Ministers with an area of ​​275 decares at the proposal of the General Assembly of BTU – Plovdiv.

The protected site is managed and protected by the State Forestry-Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv.

The territory of the protected ste is related to the Rhodope Phytogeographic District.

The woody vegetation is predominantly artificial in nature, aiming to achieve a decorative effect in the vicinity of nearby Martsiganitsa hut.

The main forest species are Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), black pine (Pinus nigra), silver birch (Betula pendula), common hornbeam (Caprinus betulus), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), silver fir (Abies alba) and silver linden (Tilia tomentosa). Due to the high density of woody vegetation, shrubs are found mostly on the outskirts of the forest and include only a few taxons – common juniper (Juniperus communis),  dog rose (Rosa canina) and goat willow (Salix caprea).

Grass species are divided into sciofit within the forest, such as geranium (Geranium macrorisum), lesser Solomon’s seal (Poligonatum off.), sanicle (Sanicula europhaea) and mesomorphic, such as Ajuga genevensis, Agrimonia eupatoria, wood forget-me-not (Myosotis silvatica), Heracleum ternatum, elegant deer (Vicia elegans), borage (Rorippa austriaca), thyme-leaved speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) and Primula off.
Reptiles in the protected area are predominantly represented by the green and wall lizard ( Lacerta viridis, L.muralis ).

Of mammals, a significant number is the blind dog ( Spalax lucodon).

The proximity of the area to the Chervenata Stenal Reserve has a significant impact on the ornithofauna. In addition to the bird species breeding here, birds of prey, hunting day and night, can also be observed. The pasture landscapes with shrubs and lesser tree vegetation on the outskirts of the forest are a convenient biotope for nesting ossarkas and wheaters. The ossarkas are represented by the yellow pond and corn bunting (Emberiza citrinella, E. Calandra), and the wheaters – by the northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe). The forest lark ( Lullula arborea) is dominant for these biotopes. The woody vegetation provides conditions for the nesting of the Parus ater, the Garrulis glandarius , the Fringilla coelebs , the Regulus regulus , the Loxia curvirosta .

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the protected site, the following activities are prohibited:

• quarrying, mining and other activities that damage or change the landscape;
• any construction other than that provided for in the development plan of the protected area;
• the grazing of domestic animals in the lands of the forest fund;
• damage to forest vegetation;
• the pursuit of wildlife and the disturbance of their habitats.

PROTECTED SITE ‘DABETO’

Aim of the announcement: 
Protection of the century-old forest of Quercus frainetto and summer oak (Quercus robur).

Location: 
It is located in the village of Novi Izvor, Assenovgrad municipality, Plovdiv region.

Short description:
The Protected Site was announced by Ordinance No. РД-650 / 23.11.2000 of the Ministry of Environment and Water with a total area of ​​10.3 ha, which is managed and protected by State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv. By Ordinance No. RD-852 / 07.11.2006 of the Ministry of Environment and Water, the area of ​​the protected site was updated to 103,383 decares.

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

• Within the boundaries of the protected site, the following activities are prohibited:
• Discharge of all felling, except sanitary;
• Grazing domestic animals;
• Bivouacing and setting up fire;
• Pollution by household and other types of waste

PROTECTED SITE ‘CHINAR DERE’

Aim of the announcement: 
Protection of one of the last natural habitats of eastern sycamore (Platanus orientalis) in Bulgaria.

Location: 
It is located in the area of ​​Chinar dere, to the east of the village of Topolovo, Municipality of Assenovgrad, Plovdiv region.

Short description: 
The Protected Site was announced by Ordinance No. РД-420 /14.11.1995 of ME /SG no.105/95/ with an area of ​​27.7 ha. It is situated along the river Topolovska with a length of 3 km and a width of 30 to 100 m. The Chinar dere Protected Site is managed and protected by the State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water – Plovdiv. By Ordinance No. РД-941 / 28.12.2007 of MOEW the area of ​​the protected site was updated to 445,674 decares.

Chinar dere Protected Site is designated for the purpose of preserving one of the last natural habitats of Oriental plane-tree in Bulgaria. The natural platan forest is of an offshoot type with trees age up to 50-70 years, single and over 100 years and 17-20 m high. The territory of the site refers to the Upper Thracian Phytogeographic District.
The predominant tree species is an Oriental sycamore (Platanus orientalis). The accompanying tree species: white willow (Salix alba), black elder (Samburus nigra), white acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) – are represented by single specimens.

The shrubs (Prunus spinosa) , Blackberry ( Rubus) , Hawthorn ( Crataegus monoginae) and Clematis vitalba are predominantly located on the edge of the forest – on dry and rooted habitats.

The grassy vegetation has a distinctly ruderal character, which is related to the use of the site in the past for landfill and extraction of aggregates. Besides the river bed, species such as Arum macculatum , Chelidonium majos , Poligonum hydropiper , Ranunculus aquatilis and Aristolochia climatitis are observed , while on the stunning terrain on the north coast of the river, there are localities of: Chaerophyllum bulbosum , Rumex acetosa , Nettle ( Urtica dioica) , Geum urbanum , Achilea millefolia and Euphorbia amigdaloides . The significant quantities of Greek Fritilaria graeca, Lamium purpureum and the valuable herb plant Leunurus cardiac are remarkable.

The location of the protected site in an intensive agricultural area, the proximity to a large dam and the river, passing through it, are favorable for a variety of fauna. The river and small swamps around it provide amphibious life and breeding conditions such as Triturus vulgaris , Rana dalmatina, and the Bufo viridis green toad. A dominant species of amphibians is the large water frog (Rana ridibunda). The tree frog (Hila arborea) is also often found.

The predominant reptiles are the green lizard (Lacerta viridis) and the wall lizard (L.muralis . The Crimean Lizard (L.taurica) is often found on the outskirts of the protected area.

The ornithofauna is predominantly represented by rain forests and birds of prey.

The gray heron (Ardea cinerea) and the night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) accommodate on the branches of the trees at night. In addition to the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), nesting in the area, the protected site is regularly visited by Ciconia nigra for feeding. The Upupa epops and the Jynx torguila are common as well as the rapeseed common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and the common kestrel (Falco tinunnculus ). Dominant species are the Pica pica, the Luscinia megarhynchos, the Fringilla coelebs, and the Sylvia articapilla.

 

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the protected site, the following activities are prohibited:

• Construction, quarrying, seizure of inert materials, correction of river beds and other activities that change the natural appearance of the site or its water regime;
• Reconstruction felling and afforestation with extraneous tree species;
• Damage, eradication and destruction of natural vegetation, picking flowers for bouquets, collecting herbs;
• Grazing of goats;
• Contamination with household, industrial and construction waste.

PROTECTED SITE ‘AYAZMOTO’

Aim of the announcement: 
Protection of the habitats and populations of endangered, rare, and protected bird species.

Location: 
It is located in the village of Konush, Assenovgrad Municipality, Plovdiv Region

Short description:
The Protected Site was announced by Ordinance No. РД-897/22.11.2001 of the Ministry of Environment and Water with a total area of ​​37,131 decares. The territory is managed and safeguarded by the Municipality of Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW – Plovdiv.

The Protected Site Ayazmoto covers the mouth of Konush dam, which is located near the village of the same name, 15 km northeast of the town of Assenovgrad. During the different periods of the year, 114 species of birds were found in the Konush dam, of which 21 species were included in the Red Book of Bulgaria (1985). Of the occurring species, 42 are of European Nature Conservation (SPEC) (BirdLife International, 2004). Three species are endangered in the SPEC1 category, and 9 species are endangered in Europe in the SPEC2 category, in SPEC3 – 31 species. The dam is a site of international importance for the small cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus), occurring regularly during migration and in winter. Individual pairs of small cormorants remain here until late in the spring, which is why they are likely to remain nesting if they are not disturbed and persecuted.

Other two globally threatened species are also found in the dam – the white-eared whip (Aythya nyroca) during migration and the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) in the winter.

Inside the protected site is one of the largest in the country nesting heron nests (Nycticora nycticora) mixed with a small egret (Egretta garzetta). Konush dam is one of the most significant places in the country of importance to the European Union for the conservation of these two species.

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the protected site, the following activities are prohibited:

• Harvesting, damaging and eradicating woody and shrubs vegetation, other than sanitary felling, according to the management plan;
• Destruction of bird nests;
• Setting up Fire;
• Hunting and hunting economic activities;
• The penetration of humans and domestic animals and the disturbance of birds during the breeding season (15 February – 15 August)
• Fallowing for the period from 15 February to 30 October;
• Pollution by waste;
• Any construction;
•  Discovery of quarries, removal of aggregates, correction of river beds and other activities that change the natural appearance of the site or the water regime;
• Grazing domestic animals;
• Afforestation of the locality with non-native tree and shrub species.

PROTECTED SITE ‘USOIKATA’

Aim of the announcement:
Preservation of one of the rare natural deposits of Pinus nigra in the Rhodopes, over 200 years old.

Location:
It is located in the Usoikata area, land of the village of Dobrostan, Municipality of Assenovgrad, Plovdiv region.

Short description: 
The natural locality of black pine in the Usoikata area is declared a protected site by Ordinance No.468 / 30.12.1977 of CPNE to the Council of Ministers with an area of ​​4.0 ha. According to the requirements of the Protected Areas Act, the nature landmark has been reclassified as a protected site by Ordinance No. RD-334/31.03.2003 of MOEW.  The territory is managed and protected by the State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv. By Ordinance No. РД-541 / 12.07.2007 of the Ministry of Environment and Water, the area of ​​the protected site was updated to 45,271 decares.

The territory is related to the Rhodope Phytogeographic District. The tree species are represented by two taxons – black pine (Pinus nigra) and common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).
Shrubs are limited in appearance – Juniperus communi, Chamaecytisus hirsutus, Rosa rogosa and Viburnum opulus .

The grass cover is more varied and is represented by shingle-like species such as Lilium martagon , Galeobdolon luteum , Sanicula euhopaea , Teucrium chamaedrys and Frutilaria pontica as well as by mesophytes Polygala rhodopaea, Cerastium caespitosum, wood forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) , Euphorbia helioscopia , Alchemilla flabellate and others. It is also worth noting the wide presence of Orchis and Cephalantera.

Among the birds here can be seen the Parus ater, the Fringilla coelebs , the Regulus regulus , the Turdus philomelus, the Oenanthe oenanthe, the Lanillus collurio , the Turdus merula, yellow oatsar ( Emberiza citronella) , gray oatsar ( E. sia).

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the protected site, the following activities are prohibited:

• Cutting out, except sanitation;
• Damage to tree vegetation;
• Grazing and bivouacing of domestic animals;
• Setting up fire;
• Waste pollution;
• Construction;
• Demand for or exploration and extraction of underground resources.

PROTECTED SITE ‘LALE BAIR’

Aim of the announcement: 
Conservation of the natural locality of Rhodope tulip (Tulipa rhodopaea) – Bulgarian endemic and protected species.

Location: 
It is located in the Lale Bair area on the territory of Assenovgrad, Assenovgrad municipality.

Short description: 
Lale Bair is declared a natural landmark with Ordinance № 534/25.09.1978 of the CPNE to the Council of Ministers, with an area of ​​20 decares. According to the requirements of the Protected Areas Act, the natural landmark has been reclassified as a Protected Site by Ordinance No.РД-335/31.03.2003 of the MOEW.

In order to limit the harvesting of the Rhodope tulip and its damage by animals, the protected site is separated by a metal net. Outside the fence, there is plenty of Rhodope tulip. A number of other rare and protected species have also been identified in these areas – alpine pasque flower, Dianthus stribrnyi Velen, Fritillaria graeca, Daphne laureola, etc.Therefore, by Ordinance No. RD-344/21.12.2004 of the MOEW, the area of the protected sie is increased by 49,075 decares. The territory is managed and protected by the State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv.

From the representatives of the plant kingdom, the most typical species is the tulip (Tulipa rhodopaea) – Bulgarian endemic and protected plant species (included in Annex No. 3 of the Biological Diversity Act).
The Protected Site refers to the Upper Thracian Phytogeographical District, the south-west side of the slope, where Lale Bair is situated. The stony soil, with a very shallow profile, is in a direct correlation with the poor wood and shrub fond. The latter is represented by single specimens of the parent (Fraxsinus ornus), common juniper (Juniperus communis) and lilac (Siringa vulgaris).

The grassy vegetation is composed of xerophyte species and ephemeral plants. Stonecrops are represented by Sedum, Campanula macrostachia , Theucrium polium , Cychorium intibus , Stipa capillata and Tragopogon majos . The ephemeral plants are predominantly represented by wild onion (Allium cupanii) and grass lily (Ornitogalum umbelatu).  At the northern part of the protected site, there are separate specimens of Sideritis momntana, Menta piperita, Potentila reptans, Convolvulus arvense and Euphorbia ciparisias. Single jasmine tufts (Jasminum fruticans) are mostly in the vicinity of the forest, where the air humidity is higher.

Over the past few years, the amount of the Rhodope tulip has remained the same. However, a displacement of the population boundary in the north and west is observed.

The most common species of the animal world are the Vipera ammodytes, the Lacerta muralis, the Oenanthe oenanthe, the Aegithalos caudatus and the Emberiza cia.

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the protected site, the following activities are prohibited:

• Plowing and digging;
• Grubbing up of tree and shrub vegetation;
• Grazing and bivouacing of domestic animals;
• Setting up Fire;
• Pollution by waste;
• Construction;
• Search or exploration and extraction of underground resources;
• Hunting economic activities.

 

PROTECTED SITE ‘KARADZHOV KAMAK’

Aim of the announcement:
Conservation of the habitats of rare and protected animal species.

Location:
The protected site, which includes the rock complexes Karadzhov kamak and Haidushki kamak, is located in the villages of Mostovo and Sini vrah, Assenovgrad municipality.

Short description:
The Protected Site was announced by Ordinance No. РД1015 / 06.08.2003 of the MOEW. It is located in the lands of the villages Mostovo and Sini Vrah, Municipality of Assenovgrad and has a total area of 1331 decares. By Ordinance No. РД-566 / 12.07.2007 of the Ministry of Environment and Water the area of the protected area is updated to 1297,500 decares.

Karadzhov kamak and Haidushki kamak represent a series of rock plots at 1100-1500 m. with a total length of about 2500 m and a height of 40-50 m. The two rock complexes are situated at a distance of about 600 m apart. Karadzhov Kamak is located on the land of the village of Mostovo while Haydushki kamak falls on the land of the village of Sini Vrah, west of Riakata neighborhood. The rock phenomena are made up of volcanic tuffs (volcanic sedimentary rocks). As a result of the specific weathering of the rocks, picturesque forms have been formed, which, combined with the forest, give to the place a very peculiar appearance. The territory is managed and guarded by the Municipality of Assenovgrad and State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv.

Typical for the territory of the protected site are the pioneer rock plant clusters on the rock quarries which are prevailing in the area, the rare old beech forests on steep and precipice terrain and small forest meadows and pastures among the forest and rock massifs.

The floral richness of the protected area is immense. A number of protected and rare plant species such as: Marrubium friwaldskyanum , Silene velenovskiana , Pulsatilla halleri , Atropa belladonna, and  Haberlea rhodopensis have been identified.

The natural character of the habitats and the low anthropogenic pressure is a prerequisite for the region of Karadzhov kamak to possess a species-rich fauna. The area is important for the rare and protected species, nesting there – Ciconia ciconia , Aquila chrysaetos , Buteo rifinus , Neophron percnopterus , Falso peregrinus , False tinnunculus , Apus melba , Delichon urbica , Hirundo daurica , Ptyonoprogne rupestris , Phoenicus ochruros , Tichodroma muraria , Raven (Corvus corax).

A number of other bird species, protected by the law, such as the Accipiter gentiles , the Accipiter nisus, the Aegypius monahus , the Buteo buteo , the Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus , Hieraaetus pennatu, Pernis apivorus , Falso naumanni , Falco subutteo , Columba livia livia , Bubo bubo , Strix aluco), black woodpecker ( Dryocopus martius) and others can be found within the site.
Because of the natural inaccessibility and the favourable nourishment sources, the area offers excellent conditions for chamois ( Rupicarpa rupicarpa) . All year round, brown bear(Ursus arctos), European wildcat (Felis silvestris), European wolf (Canis lupus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), and Маrtes martes, Martes foina, Mustela nivalis, Meles meles inhabit the rock complex

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

 

PROTECTED SITE ‘GONDA VODA’

Aim of the announcement: 
Conservation of a natural old black pine forest (Pinus nigra).

Location: 
It is located in the village of Bachkovo, Municipality of Assenovgrad, Plovdiv region.

Short description:
The land of Gonda Voda is declared as a historic site by Ordinance No. 24/03.01.1970 of the IGGP with an area of ​​74.1 ha. According to the requirements of the Protected Areas Act, the Historic Site is re-categorized as a Protected Site by Ordinance No. РД-328/31.03.2003 of the Minister of Environment and Water.  By Ordinance No. RD-549/12.07.2007 of the Ministry of Environment and Water the area of ​​the protected site was updated to 746,001 decares.

The territory is managed and protected by the State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv.

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the protected site, the following activities are prohibited:

• Felling removal;
• Damage to tree vegetation;
• Grazing and bivouacing of domestic animals;
• Setting up fire;
• Pollution by waste;
• Construction;
• Searching, exploration and extraction of underground resources.

 

PROTECTED SITE ‘NAHODISHTE NA DARVOVIDNA HVOYNA’

Location: 
It is located in the village of Bachkovo, Assenovgrad municipality, Plovdiv region.

Short description: 
Protected Site Nahodishte Na Darvovidna Hvoyna was announced by Ordinance No. RD-1465/12.12.2003 of MOEW with a total area of ​​132 decares. By Ordinance No. РД-853/07.11.2006, the area of ​​the protected site was updated to 132,003 decares.

The Juniperus excelsa is a rare species protected by the Biological Diversity Act. It is a tertiary relic, a representative of the evergreen Mediterranean flora in Bulgaria and is included in the Red Book of Bulgaria as a species endangered by extinction.

On the territory of the protected site, the Juniperus excelsa is unevenly distributed – singly or in clusters. Within the protected area, there are also many other rare and protected plant species such as: Haberlea rhodopensis, Sempervivium velenovskyi , Adiantum capillus-veneris , Ruscus aculeatus , Pistacia terebinthus and others.

The territory is managed and protected by the State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv.

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the protected site, the following activities are prohibited:

• Destruction and damage to tree juniper;
• Discharge of all felling, except sanitary;
• Afforestation with species not specific to the region;
• Grazing domestic animals;
• Camping and bivouacing of domestic animals;
• Setting up fire;
• Demolition and seizure of rock masses;
• Any construction and other activities that alter the natural appearance of the site;
• Contamination by waste.

 

PROTECTED SITE ‘ANATEMA’

Aim of the announcement: 
Preservation of localities and habitats of rare and protected plant and animal species.

Location: 
It is located in the Anatema ridge, the land of Assenovgrad, Asenovgrad municipality, Plovdiv region.

Short description: 
Protected site ‘Anatema’was announced by Ordinance No. RD-1201/18.11.2004 of the Ministry of Environment and Water with a total area of ​​1218,585 decares.

On the territory of the protected site, there are localities and habitats of rare and protected plant and animal species, which are included in the Red Book of Bulgaria as: Merendera rhodopaea Merenderasobolifera, Fritillaria graeca, Haberlea rhodopensis, Daphne laureola, Alkanna stribrnyi, Pulsatilla halleri, Dianthus stribrnyi, Crocus olivieri; Batio rufinus, Falco peregrinus, Monticola solitarius, M. saxatilis, Accipiter nisus, A. gentilis, Dryocopus martius, Turkish boa (Eryx jaculus).

The territory is managed and protected by the State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv.

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the protected site, the following activities are prohibited:

• Destruction and damage to the localities and the habitats of the protected plant and animal species;
• Cutting out, excluding sanitary and inspection;
• Afforestation with species not specific to the region;
• Grazing of domestic goats;
• Camping and bivouacing of domestic animals;
• Setting up fire;
• Demolition and seizure of rock masses;
• Any construction and other activities that alter the natural appearance of the site;
• Contamination by waste.

 

NATURAL LANDMARK ‘BELINTASH’

Aim of the announcement: 
Conservation of the remarkable rock formation.

Location: 
It is located in the village of Sini vrah, Assenovgrad municipality, Plovdiv region.

Short description:
The Natural Landmark ‘Belintash’ was declared by Ordinance No. RD-1464/12.12.2003 of the Ministry of Environment and Water with a total area of ​​23 decares.

The natural landmark is a 750 m long plateau rock formation, 30 to 50 m in width and 35 m in height. It is made of volcanic sedimentary rocks (volcanic tufts). As a result of the specific weathering of the rock, scenic shapes were formed. In the upper part of the rock massif, there are two wells, filled with water, a number of channels to them and other traces of an ancient Thracian sanctuary.

The rock complex is a nesting place for alpine swallow, red-billed swallow and kestrel.

The natural landmark is managed and safeguarded by the Municipality of Assenovgrad and State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv.

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the natural landmark, the following activities are prohibited:

• Carrying out excavations, demolition and seizure of rock masses;
• Construction and other activities that change the natural appearance of the site;
• Destruction and damage to natural vegetation;
• Hunting and hunting activities during the period from 1 May to 31 July;
• Bivouacing of domestic animals;
• Rock climbing, mountaineering, paragliding, hang gliding and moto-hang gliding;
• Setting up fire;
• Waste pollution;
• Goats grazing.

 

NATURAL LANDMARK ‘PESHTERATA GARGINA DUPKA’

Aim of the announcement: 
Conservation of habitats of protected and rare species of bats.

Location: 
It is located in the village of Mostovo, Assenovgrad municipality, Plovdiv region.

Short description: 
The natural landmark ‘Peshterata Gargina Dupka’ was declared by Ordinance № РД-1005/04.08.2003 in the land of Mostovo village, Assenovgrad municipality, Plovdiv region.

The cave is a karst formation with two entrances. The upper entrance is dry and a small river runs out from the bottom one. The cave is registered in the Bulgarian Federation of Speleology under № 407011. Its total length is 524 m, the shiftis +38 m. Gargina Dupka is the longest cave in the area of ​​Mostovo-Oreshets, which is a part of Dobrostan cave region. The altitude at the lower entrance is 905 m.

The cave has been known as the haunt for thousands of bats since about 50 years ago. It is one of the most important hibernation and breeding havens for the bats in the Western Rhodopes. The cave is inhabited by the following types of bats:

• greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum)
• lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros)
• greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis)
• lesser mouse-eared bat (Myotis blythii )
•  long-fingered bat ( Myotis capaccinii )
• common bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii )

The species long-fingered bat is included in the Red Book of Bulgaria in the category “rare”. All bats, described above, are protected under the Biological Diversity Act and are included in the Berne Convention, Directive 92/43, the Bonn Convention and the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats. It was found that during the breeding period (May-July), the number of the colonies of the cave long-fingered and bent-wing bats reach 4000, and in the winter between 1000 and 2000 specimens.

Permanent inhabitants of the cave are also about 20 species of invertebrates – representatives of the cave fauna.In the rocks above the cave there is a habitable nest of Corvus corax – a protected species of bird according to the Biodiversity Act.

The Gargina Dupka Cave is included in the National Strategy for the Conservation of Biological Diversity in the list of the 13 most important bat caves in Bulgaria. It is of paramount importance for the existence of bats in the country.

The natural landmark is managed and safeguarded by the State Forestry – Assenovgrad under the control of RIEW-Plovdiv.

Legal Statute and Regulations for the Protected Site

Within the boundaries of the natural landmark, the following activities are prohibited:

• Entry into the cave of humans and animals and all activities therein during the breeding period of the bats from 1 May to 10 August and during the wintering period from 1 November to 15 March;
• Bivouacing of people, burning fire, and using open fire for illumination or other purposes in the cave;
• Any activities in the cave and around its entrances that can interrupt and/or restrict the access of bats in it or change its microclimate;
• Digging, destroying rock formations, and any activities that damage the natural appearance of the cave;
• Use of the cave for business purposes;
• Construction of facilities, except for drinking water intakes;
• Contamination.