EAF ProjectsBulgariaDragoman Fen

Dragoman marsh

Sofia valley is located in Western Bulgaria straddling the main river in the region, the Iskar, a tributary of Danube. In the past, the Sofia valley used to be covered with large marshes, temporarily flooded riparian territories, wet meadows and fens - an important part of the "Via Aristotelis" migratory route which is the second largest in the Balkan peninsula. During the period 1920 - 1960, almost all of the wetlands were drained or converted into fishponds and quarries. Despite the severe deterioration of the habitats, many birds still use this flyway. Nowadays the only few natural patches of wetlands are preserved in the complex of karst marshes and wet meadows in the north-western part of the valley (2500 ha) - Dragoman marsh (the project site), Aldomirovsko marsh, Rayanovci wet meadows, Opicvet and Bezden karst springs, all at an altitude of 650-700 m.

Part of the project area (two sites) is included in the European Programme of CORINE as habitats of European Importance - CORINE Site Chepun (including Dragoman marsh) and CORINE Site Aldomirovsko marsh. The wet meadows from Dragoman marsh to Rayanovci village have been declared an Important Bird Area.

The characteristic vegetation of the wetlands in the project area consists of Carex spp., Schoenoplectus spp., Juncus spp., Poa pratensis, P.sylvicola, Lolium perenne, Phragmites australis, Typha latifolia, Typha angustifolia. Particularly for the wetland area in the karst region, there are several species of orchids as well as some species from the Bulgarian Red Data Book Viola pumila, Elatine alsinastrum, Fritillaria meleagroides etc. The karst hills are the location of endemic plants - Eryngium palmatum, Tragopogon balcanicus, Tulipa urumoffii, Astragalus wilmottianus, Jurinea tzar-ferdinandii, and Ferula henffelii.

Some species of amphibians and reptiles such as Triturus cristatus, Hyla arborea, Bufo viridis, Emys orbicularis, Ablepharus kitaibellii, Elaphe longissima, Vipera ammodytes are present there.

Globally threatened birds occur in the area: in the valley 5 % of the Bulgarian population of corncrake (Crex crex) are breeding and the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) is also breeding here; pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) is wintering, and the aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) is a regular migrant. During migration pallid harrier (Circus macrourus), purple heron (Ardea purpurea), black stork (Ciconia nigra), white stork (Ciconia ciconia) (flocks of up to 500 birds), some hundreds of glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), ruff (Philomachus pugnax) (flocks up to 7000 birds), black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa) (flocks up to 2000 birds) have been observed. These wetlands are of particular importance for the white stork population in the region. Otter (Lutra lutra), wolf (Canis lupus) and polecat (Vormela peregusna) also inhabit the region.

Problems related to the project site in the past and nowadays.

• The construction of a drainage system of canals to obtain more land for the agriculture.
  In the beginning of this century, the marshland covered an area of about 450 ha. Currently, in spring not more then 100ha are flooded. Removing water from Dragoman marsh by an artificial channel to a cave system is an additional problem for the site.
• Pumping of water.
  Dragoman is being actively drained by a pumping station.
• Pollution.
  The main water supply canal in Dragoman marsh is polluted by household wastewater and petrol derivatives from the town of Dragoman. As a result, eutrophication and deterioration of the habitat is increasing
• Plugging of drained wetlands and meadows.
  There is a limited area of arable land in the karst area due to the semi- mountainous landscape.
• Mowing and burning of vegetation during the breeding season.
  The population of corncrake is mainly damaged by this practice.
• Overgrazing and trampling of pastures.
  The breeding ground of some rare water birds during the nesting period is being harmed.
• Planting of non-native tree species like hybrid poplars, etc.
  These species are not suitable for nesting of many bird species and have a short life cycle.
• Loss of biodiversity
  The water regime changes have led to habitat loss and extinction of many species. The project area used to be the only location in Bulgaria for plants such as Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Caldesia parnassifolia. and birds such as the crane (Grus grus), great bustard (Otis tarda), little bustard (Tetrax tetrax), etc.
• Disturbance, collection and direct persecution of wildlife.
  Hunting pressure is very high due to the large number of hunters and restricted areas for hunting near Sofia. Poaching is an additional negative factor.
• Lack of experience and awareness.
  In Bulgaria there is not enough experience in wetlands restoration and management and the general public and politicians are not aware of the values of wetlands.

Project description

Investigations were carried out in order to prepare Protected Area Proposal documents and an Area Management Plan according to Bulgarian legislation. This included an inventory of the fauna - mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. There is ongoing research on density and spatial distribution of the bird species in the area of the marsh. An inventory of the flora and full mapping and description of plant communities according to Braun-Blanquet approach is also being done. The primary productivity of the representative plant communities is also being measured.

The Balkani Wildlife Society has managed to buy three parcels of land from private owners in the territory of the marsh. The size of the parcels are 0.38 ha, 0.59 ha and 0.50 ha The purchase of private land in the marsh is important but the process is very slow and consumes a lot of time and funds. Furthermore, some of the land could not be bought. The biggest owner in the marsh is the Municipality of Dragoman, possesses circa 70 ha. For a period of 10 years, the territory is being "temporary managed" by the Municipality. During that period the land cannot be sold or leased for periods longer than one year. There are discussions with the Mayor of the Municipality and The Municipal Board members for the land property of the marsh and opportunities to manage it.

Activities planned

1. Improvement of the water regime of the wetlands
2. Preparation of a technical plan for restoration;
3. Construction of a canal-lock for regulation of the run off from the marsh.
4. Putting an end to the water pumping
5. Construction and building of a waste water purifying device.
6. Development of a management plan for the wetlands in the karst region of Dragoman with the participation of local stake holders including the purchase of land and compensation fir the owners
7. Working out proposals for the establishment of new protected sites.
8. Working out and implementation of a strategy for sustainable tourism in the karst area in the surroundings of Dragoman marsh (e.g. installation of atower for bird-watching, establishment of an information centre)
9. Awareness raising activities (media campaign, printed materials (brochures, stickers, posters, etc.)