The Eastern Rhodopes Mt is known to shelter the densest and compact tortoise population in Bulgaria due to low level of the agricultural intensification, great habitat heterogeneity, milder climate and specific plant associations. The region is therefore considered as very important tortoise reservoir for the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula.

Population density of tortoises at national and regional level is continuously decreasing over the last decades due to:

Habitat change (deterioration and destruction). Impact of the fires over the habitats and tortoises’ population is virtually unknown and field data are thus urgently needed to access the significance of this factor.

Illegal collecting for consumption, trade or pet keeping due to low nature conservation awareness of the local people and lack of long-term effective cooperation between the controlling bodies.

By carrying a field research we will access the impact of fires as a factor for habitat destruction. The results will be used to propose biodiversity friendly measures for the restoration of the burned areas. By organizing seminars, lectures and media campaign we will raise the regional awareness for the conservation of tortoises. Field checks will be carried to train controlling officers on how to enforce the species protection legislation.