Valchi Dol, Nature reserve in Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria.
Valchi Dol is a nature reserve in the Eastern Rhodopes with mixed broadleaf forests, open meadows, and rocky cliffs. The area provides different habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife.
The government established this protected area in 1980 to safeguard griffon vulture populations in this mountainous region. This decision acknowledged early on the importance of these highlands for endangered bird species.
Local communities have long used the meadows and pastures for raising livestock and farming. These everyday practices continue to shape how the landscape looks and how people relate to this place.
The area is accessible via a network of marked trails that guide visitors through different landscapes. Spring and fall offer the best conditions for hiking, when the weather is mild and bird watching is particularly rewarding.
The area forms part of a cross-border ecological corridor connecting Bulgaria and Greece. This continuous pathway allows bird species to move across larger distances and supports one of the largest vulture populations in Southeast Europe.
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