Publications
Integrated Remote Sensing for Mapping and Monitoring Srebarna Lake Ecosystem, Bulgaria.
Srebarna Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar wetland of international importance, faces significant ecological challenges including eutrophication, invasive species proliferation, and climate-induced desiccation. Despite these pressures, conservation efforts in 2022–2023—such as sediment excavation, canal unblocking, and reed harvesting—aimed to restore water quality and habitat heterogeneity. Advanced remote sensing techniques, including UAS-based LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry during low-water seasons, along with sonar bathymetry, were employed to monitor these interventions. The study generated high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthomosaics, enabling precise tracking of hydrological changes, sediment dynamics, and vegetation shifts across the 981.5-ha lake and floodplains. These methods provide a robust framework for assessing restoration effectiveness and long-term ecosystem resilience.
Long-Term Changes in the Breeding Success of the Dalmatian Pelican Colony in the Srebarna Nature Reserve (NE Bulgaria) and Conservation Measures Over the Years
A long-term study (1955–2024) of the Dalmatian pelican colony in Srebarna Nature Reserve, Bulgaria, reveals a significant improvement in breeding success over decades despite recent declines. The number of nests fluctuated between 7 and 150, with a notable downward trend in the last five years. Conservation measures, such as raised wooden platforms and protective fences, have proven effective in maintaining the colony's viability. However, external factors like human disturbance, predation by invasive species, and competition from alternative nesting sites pose growing threats. The study underscores the need for continued conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of this vulnerable population.
It is raining bugs: summer dispersal of aquatic bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera: Nepomorpha) in Srebarna Nature Reserve (Bulgaria)
A study on the Srebarna Nature Reserve, a wetland of significant conservation value, reveals that aquatic bugs, particularly Corixidae (water boatmen), exhibit peak dispersal activity during the first hour after sunset. The research, conducted over 11 nights using UV light traps, collected 4589 individuals, including 13 species not previously recorded in the reserve. This finding sheds light on the dispersal behavior of these insects, with female dominance observed in the most abundant species. Environmental factors such as air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed were found to influence the dispersal activity of Sigara striata, a common species. The study provides critical data for future research on the phenology and fauna of aquatic bugs in this unique ecosystem.
Terrestrial gastropods of Srebarna Nature Reserve, North-Eastern Bulgaria (Gastropoda)
A pioneering investigation into the terrestrial gastropod fauna of Srebarna Nature Reserve, North-Eastern Bulgaria, revealed 27 species, with 23 representing new observations for the site. This study marks the first comprehensive assessment of land snails in this UNESCO-listed wetland, providing critical data on biodiversity within a protected area. Researchers employed extensive field surveys across 23 localities to document species diversity and distribution patterns. The findings highlight the reserve's ecological significance as a habitat for diverse gastropod communities, contributing valuable baseline information for conservation efforts.
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