The insecure future of Bulgarian refugial mires: economic progress versus Natura 2000
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2010 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Oryx |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Ecology |
| Keywords | Bulgaria; diversity; mire; Natura 2000; peatland |
| Description | Bulgarian mires acted as refugia during the dry phases of ice ages and contain a high number of rare and disjunct species. In this study we ranked all known mire and spring complexes in Bulgaria according to the occurrence of rare and threatened plant and mollusc species. This analysis shows a conspicuous concentration of rare species at several sites, and no correspondence between the importance of individual mires for biodiversity and their legal protection. Of the 10 mire complexes of highest priority only one is effectively protected. The remaining unprotected mires have either been destroyed or are threatened by ongoing development. Destruction of mire habitats proceeds faster than the approval of Natura 2000 sites. There is a possibility that unique Bulgarian mires will be lost before the Natura 2000 system begins to perform its role. Only effective and timely protection of the mire remnants, together with appropriate management, will ensure the future of these unique habitats. |
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