Wetlands importance for the waterfowl species (order Anseriformes) wintering in Bulgaria, based on the Mid-Winter Waterbird Census data

Wetlands along Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast, large inland reservoirs, and the Danube River are identified as the most critical wintering grounds for waterfowl species (Anseriformes), hosting the highest abundance and diversity of these birds. This finding is based on a 45-year analysis (1977–2021) of mid-winter waterbird census data from 75 waterbodies across Bulgaria, covering 32 species—24 common and eight rare. The study employed conservation value indices and biodiversity metrics like the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson indices to quantify the ecological significance of these sites for protected, rare, and dominant species. These insights are vital for targeted conservation efforts within Natura 2000 networks, aiming to protect both species populations and their habitats.

Stanchev, R., & Nikolov, B. (2025). Wetlands importance for the waterfowl species (order Anseriformes) wintering in Bulgaria, based on the Mid-Winter Waterbird Census data. Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society, 52, 79–92. https://doi.org/10.3897/jbgs.e144247