Dragoman Marsh

Karst wetland

42°55′54″N 22°57′42″E / 42.93167°N 22.96167°E / 42.93167; 22.96167Area14,967 ha (57.79 sq mi)

Ramsar Wetland

Official nameDragoman Marsh Karst ComplexDesignated2 November 2011Reference no.1970^[1]

The Dragoman Marsh is the biggest natural karst wetland in Bulgaria. It is situated only 35 km north-west from Sofia and covers a valley between the limestone hills Tri Ushi and Chepan.

Ecology

The marsh is a protected sanctuary for birds. Over 200 species have been recorded in the area. Some of them have a high conservation status. The marsh is also home to more than 140 plant species.^[2]

Among the over 200 species of birds, the following species can be seen in the marsh:^[3]

Eurasian bittern
Western osprey
Purple heron
Short-toed eagle
Peregrine falcon
Long-legged buzzard
Black stork
Ferruginous duck
Black-winged stilt
Common raven
White stork

The area is often visited by nature lovers and environmentalists, who can use the watchtower and eco-route provided at no cost.

History

For years, the Dragoman Marsh has played an important role in flood control and agriculture in the surrounding areas.^[4]

In the 1950s, the Dragoman Marsh was drained to make room for agricultural development. However, drainage activities were halted in the early 1990s and the marsh began to revert to its original state.^[5] Currently, threats to the marsh include pollution by untreated wastewater.^[6]

The Dragonman Marsh was proclaimed a Ramsar site on February 2, 2012. At 14967 HA, it is the second biggest such site in Bulgaria after Belene Islands.^[7]

References

^ "Dragoman Marsh Karst Complex". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
^ "The Dragoman marsh (Town of Dragoman)".
^ "The Dragoman marsh (Town of Dragoman)".
^ "Dragoman Marsh Karst Complex | Ramsar Sites Information Service".
^ "Драгоманско блато и Чепън планина | Балкани".
^ "Dragoman Marsh Karst Complex | Ramsar Sites Information Service".
^ "Dragoman Marsh". 10 March 2017.