15H3
Pyramids of Trias sandstones (Belogradchik rocks)
Relationships with habitat classifications. EUNIS: H3.1В Bare siliceous inland cliffs; PAL. CLASS.: 62.42 Siliceous bare inland cliffs; HD 92/43: 8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation.
Conservation status. BDA, HD.
Category. Vulnerable [VU – A1, 2 B2 D2 H2 I J].
General characteristics. The Belogradchik rocks are a system of rock groups and single rocks. They are situated along the Belogradchik fault in West Forebalkan on an area that is 30 km long and up to 3−5 km wide. These are natural rock formations, sometimes up to 200 m high that have been shaped for hundreds of millions of years. They consist of sediment rocks (sandstones) and various, often large, rock pieces covered with limestone sediments. The water erosion, winds and temperature fluctuations have shaped diverse figures resembling mythical creatures, silhouettes of humans, animals and birds. People have given different names to the rock shapes. The colourful picture is achieved by the red colour that is a result of the iron oxides and hydroxides completed by the grey and creamy limestone. The crests, vertical rock walls, abysses, and rock columns surround natural fortresses that were used by people in the past. More than 100 caves exist in the sandstones and the limestone. The vegetation on the rocks is poorly developed. The following vascular plants occur: Alyssum saxatile, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Asplenium septentrionale, Campanula lingulata, Carpinus orientalis, Centaurea affinis, Cerastium arvense, Diplotaxis muralis, Draba murabilis, Festuca drymeja, Koeleria macrantha, Melica ciliata, Minuartia verna, Petrorhagia illyrica, Plantago subulata, Scleranthus perennis, Sedum album, S. hispanicum, Sempervivum marmoreum, Symphyandra wanneri, Syringa vulgaris, Viola aetolica,etc.
Characteristic taxa.
- Vascular plants: Alyssum saxatile, Asplenium septenrionale, Carpinus orientalis, Plantago subulata, Scleranthus perennis, Sedum album, S. hispanicum, Symphyandra wanneri, Syringa vulgaris.
Distribution in Bulgaria. West Forebalkan, along the Belogradchik fault from Vedrenik peak (1124 m alt.) to Belotintsi village; 400−1124 m alt.
Conservation importance. Nature phenomenon and a unique habitat type.
Threats. Construction of tourist facilities and infrastructures
Conservation measures taken. Belogradchishki Skali Nature Monument has been established on an area of 598,70 ha.
Conservation measures needed. Regulated tourist accession along specified routes.
References. Popov 1970.
Authors: Veska Roussakova, Dimitar Dimitrov
