Plovdiv

Abstract

The chapter reviews the species composition and habitat distribution of the vertebrate fauna (Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia and Mammalia) in the city of Plovdiv (south Bulgaria) and its relationship with the level of urbanization. The species-richness of each vertebrate group was represented, along with a spatial gradient denoted by three zones, representing low, moderate and high levels of urbanization (urban, suburban and rural). We recorded no visible general pattern of decrease in the total species-richness in all the studied vertebrate groups from the rural zones to the city centre. Some differences in species-richness along the urban–rural gradient apparently exist among the taxa. The only vertebrate group that showed a decreased pattern in species-richness from the rural to urban zones was of amphibians. A similar pattern was recorded in the reptiles, except for the suburban zone, where a slight increase in species-richness was observed. Fish and mammals showed a peculiar distribution pattern along the urban– rural gradient with the highest species-richness in the suburban zone. Possible explanations of these patterns are discussed.