Читать книгу Walking in Bulgaria's National Parks. Pirin, Rila and Central Balkans National Parks онлайн

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Finally, you should always keep an eye on the sky overhead where, as well as being able to spot red-rumped swallow (Hirundo daurica), crag martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba), raven (Corvus corax) and alpine chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus), there is always a chance of glimpsing a bird of prey. Possible raptors that could be seen in the national park include common buzzard (Buteo buteo), long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and peregrine (Falco peregrinus), as well as the occasional foraging imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca).

Mammals

There have been 63 species of mammal recorded within the national park, including 22 species of bat. There are also 17 species of large mammal, of which 13 species are carnivores. Data from 1999 suggests there are about 60 brown bears (Ursus arctos) roaming within the national park, as well as nine packs of wolves (Canis lupus) totalling about 25 to 30 individuals. Deer are very important prey for the latter, and the national park is home to about 1000–1200 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 400 red deer (Cervus elaphus), although unfortunately the red deer population is declining badly due to poaching. The same is true for the Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra ssp. balcanica), which now numbers less than 80 individuals. Wild boar (Sus scrofa), on the other hand, seem to be doing well, with a population of 350–400 animals.