site.btaBulgarian Chapter of World Wildlife Fund’s Subscribe to Nature Campaign Highlights Deforestation, Climate Threats

The primary threats to many animal species in Bulgaria stem from habitat destruction and the growing impact of climate change, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Bulgaria said Thursday, as part of their Subscribe to Nature campaign, which began in early November.

Riparian forests are among the most valuable habitats in Bulgaria, renowned for their exceptional biodiversity, often likened to that of equatorial jungles, WWF-Bulgaria said. These preserved natural ecosystems provide crucial shelter and food for mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. However, deforestation continues to devastate these habitats, leaving many species unable to adapt to the resulting changes, leading to their decline.

"[The forest] is a complete organism, whose parts are inextricably linked and interact on different levels," senior forestry expert at WWF Kostadin Valchev said. "The presence of a variety of species is crucial for the resilience of forests. Biodiversity is a key indicator that the forest is developing in a balanced way," he added.

WWF also drew attention to the extensive destruction of riparian forests in the past, often cleared to create pastures, arable land, and residential areas. In response, the organization has initiated reforestation campaigns, covering 200 hectares along the banks of the Danube and Maritsa rivers.

Climate change poses an additional significant threat to wildlife, WWF noted. Scientists predict that rising temperatures will drive shifts in forest vegetation zones, disrupting the habitats of many species. To address this, WWF is actively working to adapt forests in Southwestern Bulgaria to evolving climate conditions. This effort includes regular monitoring of birds, insects, and bats, with special focus on woodpeckers, which play a crucial role in forest ecosystems, Valchev explained.

WWF encouraged individuals to support conservation efforts through donations.