Sakar Mountain

Names in the national language

Sakar Planina (Bulgaria)

Location and short description

The Sakar Mountain is located in southeastern Bulgaria, close to the border to Greece and Turkey. Sakar is enclosed by the valleys of the Maritsa, Tundzha, Sokolitsa and Sazliyka Rivers. At the border to Turkey, the Sakar Mountain is followed by the Dervent Heights, that almost reaches the city of Edirne in Turkey.

Special features

The highest peak of the mountain is Vishegrad with 856 m of altitude. Sakar Mountain is one of the richest regions in Bulgaria in terms of endangered birds of prey. For example, it hosts the Lesser kestrel which was previously extinct in Bulgaria.

Main biotop types

Grasslands, mixed forests, freshwater ponds and arable land

Species

• Mammals: Golden jackal (Canis aureus), European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus)
• Birds: Eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), Long legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Black kite (Milvus migrans), Hoopoe (Upupa epops), Lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni)
• Reptiles: European legless lizard (Pseudopus apodus), Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca)
• Plants: Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata), Oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), Pubescent oak (Quercus virgiliana)

Status of protection

Natura 2000 sites (Bulgaria)