Sofia

Abstract

Sofia exhibits unique geographical characteristics as it is situated in lowland and bordered by mountains, including the high and relatively pristine Vitosha Mountain. Its location at the crossroads of trade and human migrations has established the city’s political and cultural importance for over 3000 years. The past 140 years have marked a significant increase in its territory and population. Still, a relatively diverse vertebrate fauna is present, including a total of 25 fish species, 10 species of amphibians, 10 of reptiles and 56 of mammals (including 13 bat species). The loss of the green corridors linking the outskirts of the city to the central areas, the destruction of riparian and seminatural habitats and the increasing density of urbanization and number of inhabitants are major threats to the future biodiversity in the city. Long-term planning to preserve seminatural areas, interconnection between habitats and the establishment of ‘green’ policies will be highly beneficial for both wildlife and the human inhabitants of Sofia.