Conservation and Sustainable Management of These Resources Could Be a Challenging Task Requiring Scientific Knowledge and Proper Management

1 Page

Content

Introduction 4 The Programme „Man and Biosphere“ of UNESCO and participation of Bulgaria 5 in the world network of biosphere reserve. Current status of the biosphere reserves. Aims of the study 6 Materials and methods Results and discussions 7  Biosphere reserve “Alibotush” 8 Study area 8 Geographic situation 8 Climate 8 Studies on the flora and vegetation of Slavyanka Mountains 9 Results and discussions 10  Biosphere reserve “Bayuvi Doupki – Dzhindzhiritza” 25 Study area 25 Geographic situation 25 Climate 25 Studies on the flora and vegetation of Pirin Mountains 25 Results and discussions 26 References 42

2 Page

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Peter Zhelev for his invaluable help throughout all studies, both in field studies and in analysis and discussing the results. Special thanks are due to my mother Elka Aneva, for her constant support and for joining me in most of the field trips in the biosphere reserves.

3 Page

Introduction

One of the main tasks of biosphere reserves is to provide examples for sustainable and long-term use and conservation of nature and natural resources. This task is much more realistic today, after implementing the rules of Seville strategy and establishment of biosphere reserves meeting all modern requirements – with core zone, buffer zone and zone of sustainable coexistence of nature and human population. This is even more important in areas where people’s livelihood strongly depends on the natural resources, like timber, non-timber forest product and agricultural production. Non- timber natural resources are classified into different categories – wild fruits, hay and other fodder plants, bee keeping, and many others, including the other ecosystem services. One category, which is of particular importance in some countries, is that of medicinal plants. Wild-growing medicinal plants are a major renewable resource of Bulgaria (Evstatieva et al., 2007). According to Medicinal Plants Act of Bulgaria (2002), they represent 20 % of the vascular flora of the country. There are long-term traditions in their use in Bulgaria and people keep the traditions in this respect. However, nature conservation activities and protected territories pose some restriction that should be considered. Depending on the status of the protected territory, collecting of medicinal plants could be prohibited, could be under special regime, or for personal needs only. These circumstances provide opportunities for differential study of medicinal plants collection and use in Bulgaria. One of these opportunities is to study the development of process of sustainable use of medicinal plants in biosphere reserves. Such study could provide information, first, about the effectiveness of biosphere reserves, second, about people’s attitude to the limitations resulting from the conservation status of the territory, and third, about the ethnobotanical traditions in the respective region. The study could help also to understand the existing problems related to these resources, and to develop a strategy for their sustainable use and conservation.

4 Page

The Programme „Man and Biosphere“ of UNESCO and participation of Bulgaria in the world network of biosphere reserve. Current status of the biosphere reserves.

The Programme „Man and Biosphere“ (MAB) of UNESCO played an important role in nature conservation through the establishment of the world network of biosphere reserves. At the time of the start of Programme (the early 1970s), the main objective was to improve the relationships between humans and their environment. Bulgaria joined the Programme MAB announcing 17 territories for biosphere reserves, among them “Alibotush” and “Bayuvi Dupki-Dzhindzhiritza”, and became one of the countries with the most represented networks in Europe. In 1982 their number became 16. During the first years of the Programme implementation biosphere reserves were considered representative ecosystems from different biogeographic regions, with the main objective conservation of natural complexes unaffected by the human activities, with valuable genetic resources and providing opportunities for research, education and monitoring. After adopting of Seville Strategy and Legal Framework for biosphere reserves in 1995, the modern biosphere reserves, besides zones for strict conservation, were expected to have also buffer zones, and transitional zones. Implementation of sustainable practices, guaranteeing the economic development of the respective regions and nature conservation was encouraged in the transitional zones. About 2016 the biosphere reserves in Bulgaria did not meet the modern requirements of the Programme, because all they belonged to the category with the strictest protection regime, according to Protected Territories Act of Bulgaria – reserve and maintained reserve. Therefore, activities related to sustainable use of natural resources were not allowed. Bulgaria was due to fulfil its obligations according to Seville Strategy and to propose either excluding the reserves from MAB Programme, or to adapt the existing reserves to the new requirements. In relation to that, eight regions with “first-generation” biosphere reserves were studied, including the places where the two reserves of the present project. It should be 5 noted that an obligatory attribute of the nominations for contemporary biosphere reserves in the Page

Declaration of agreement, issued by the respective municipalities, where the territories of the proposed reserves are. As a result of the project activities, four territories were distinguished, having potential to meet the modern requirements for biosphere reserve, and nomination documents were prepared, in order their transformation into post-Seville biosphere parks. The other biosphere reserves were excluded from the list of MAB Programme. Meantime, in April and May 2017, the municipalities situated close to other five biosphere reserves deposed official letters expressing their interest to provide the necessary territory in order to meet all the requirements to upgrade the “first-generation” biosphere reserves into modern ones. The reserve “Alibotush” was also among them. Therefore, Bulgaria applied for deferment of one year to prepare all the documents necessary for nomination of five modern biosphere reserves, including “Alibotush”. As a result of this initiative, the five biosphere reserves still are a part of the world network and hopefully, they will become “new-generation” biosphere reserves.

Aims of the study

Medicinal plants are among the most important natural plant resources, receiving growing attention worldwide. Conservation and sustainable management of these resources could be a challenging task requiring scientific knowledge and proper management. Resources of medicinal plants could be very important for the livelihood of the local people, and especially in protected areas where the use of timber resources is prohibited or limited. The present project focuses to medicinal plants in two biosphere reserves in Southwestern Bulgaria. The objects of study include two biosphere reserves: “Alibotush”, situated in Slavyanka Mts (Fig. 1), and “Bayuvi Doupki-Dzhindzhiritza”, situated in Pirin Mts (Fig. 2). First reserve is surrounded by territories subjected to management for both economic and conservation purposes, while the second one is situated within the national park “Pirin” and is thus surrounded by protected territories with different regime.

6 Page

Materials and methods

Methods of study consist of field inventory of medicinal plant diversity and quantitative evaluation of resources of the more important species. An assessment of the quantities collected by the people was implemented and the information gathered was used for evaluation of opportunities for sustainable management of medicinal plant resources, for informing the public about the importance of these resources and for designing of management strategy. Full inventory of the plant species was performed and evaluation of population status of model medicinal plants was done. The evaluation is based on the density and population size. Field observations were carried out in sample plots of different size, depending on the species. During

the observations in the field GPS coordinates, altitude, some biotic and abiotic factors have 7 been described. Page

Biosphere reserve “Alibotush”

Study area The reserve Alibotush” is situated in Slavyanka Montains, in Southwestern Bulgaria, close to the border between Bulgaria and Greece. According to the administrative subdivision, the area of Alibotush is within Blagoevgrad province, in the land of the villages Goleshevo (Sandanski municipality), Paril and Nova Lovcha (Hadzhidimovo municipality). The reserve “Alibotush” spreads on an area of 16 381,194 dka , according to the Order № RD- 206/04.03.2013 of the Minister of Environment and Waters of Bulgaria (State Gazette, No 33, 2013) for updating of the protected territory. The reserve „Alibotush“ was declared on 29.06.1952 (with and area of 528,8 hectares). Its objective was to conserve unique relic forests of Bosnian Pine (Pinus heldreichii Christ), Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arn.), King Boris’ Fir (Abies borisii-regis Mattf.), as well as rich plant and animal life with numerous rare and endangered species. On March 1, 1977, the reserve was included in the list of the biosphere reserves, according to the Programme “Man and Biosphere” of UNESCO. In the course of years, it has undergone enlargement of the area (1980, 1985, 1998, 2007) until reaching of 16381,194 dka in 2013. Due to the peculiarities of the geographic situation of „Alibotush” reserve – remoteness, difficult terrain, strict control of human access due to border area regime until 1990s, it remains still insufficiently studied. Special studies dedicated exclusively to the reserve territory are lacking.

Geographic situation The reserve „Alibotush“ occupies the northern slopes of Slavyanka Mountains and its territory covers substantial altitudinal range – roughly from 900 to 2200 m a.s.l.

Climate According to the climate subdivision of Bulgaria, Slavyanka Mountains falls within the area

with Continental-Mediterranean climate, region Pirin (Velev, 1997).

8 Page

Studies on the flora and vegetation of Slavyanka Mountains Slavyanka Mountain is one of the most important centers of speciation of the Balkan Peninsula. It has a specific floral composition with many endemic and some relict species in accordance with the strong Mediterranean influence and its relatively high altitude. The flora of Slavyanka Mt has been subject of study since 1921 (Drenovski). Stoyanov (1922) describes the different vegetation zones, which are dominated by coniferous species. Only in the northwestern part of the mountain there are deciduous forests of oak, deciduous shrubs and small formation of Castanea sativa Mill. on limestone. According to the type of its rock and sub-alpine vegetation, Stoyanov (1922) refers Slavyanka Mt to the type of Atlantic - Mediterranean mountains. The author describes the typical limestone hazmophytes: Saxifraga stribrnyi (Velen.) Podp., Viola delphinantha Boiss., Daphne oleoides Schreb., Trachelium rumelianum Hampe and others. He describes 83 plant species and analyses floral elements of subalpine zone. The author makes a comparison between subalpine vegetation of Belasitza Mt and that of Slavyanka Mt. He also highlights the more southern character of vegetation of Alibotush Mt compared to that of Belasitza Mt. He finds 40 taxa of vascular plants new to the flora of Bulgaria. Stoyanov classifies Slavyanka (Alibotush) as belonging to the type of the Atlantic-Mediterranean Mountains. The author reports a total of 329 species of vascular plants for the mountain. Stoyanov (1924) dicovers Malcolmia orsiniana (Ten.) Ten. in Slavyanka Mt. A new contribution to the flora of Alibotush is published in 1931 according to material collected by A. Dryanovski (Stoyanov, 1931). Stefanov and Jordanov (1931) also describe the flora of the mountain. Rechinger (1933) is the first foreign botanists who writes about the flora of Slavyanka Mt. The next one is Degen (1934), who reports 17 taxa of flora of Slavyanka Mt. Then follow the contributions of Dryanovski (1933a, 1934b, 1935, 1936), Drenovsky (1937). The author reports 129 mountain plants, 53 subalpine and 38 alpine species. The contributions of Hermann and Stefanoff (1932, 1935) which report new taxa of Alibotush flora follow chronologically. Georgiev (1935) describes the geological structure of Alibotush (Slavyanka Mt). Popnikolov (1937) characterizes the lichen flora of Alibotush (Slavyanka Mt). Stoyanov (1941) classifies Slavyanka Mt as belonging to the floristic region of Northeastern Macedonia. Kitanov (1943) reportes two new species of the flora of the mountain. Velchev, Bondev, Ganchev and Kochev (1962) also contribute to the flora of the mountain. Penev and Georgiev (1962) study the types of forest in the upper forest-steppe zone of Slavyanka Mt. Toshkov (1971) provides data on reserve “Alibotush.” Georgiev (1978) describes the primitive

metallurgy in Marvashko and the destruction of pine forests in the vicinity Slavyanka Mt 9

(Alibotush) during Ottoman rule. Page

Six new species of this floristic region are reported from Kitanov, Koeva-Todorovska and Stoyanov (1983). Kitanov (1986) describes the vegetation of Slavyanka Mt. Two new taxa of the flora of this floristic region reports Delipavlov (1988). Data on the south side of the mountain (in Greek territory) appear in Strid (1986), Strid and Tan (1991). Delipavlov (1990) describes the new for the science species Pastinaca argyrophylla Delip. New 61 species of vascular plants belonging to this region are contained in the article by Pashaliev and Dimitrov (1995). Dimitrov and Gussev (1995) report 5 new taxa for this floristic region. Pashaliev (1995) reports two new taxa for the flora of Slavyanka Mt. Five new taxa for the flora of Slavyanka Mt are reported by Dimitrov (2002). Goranova and Vassilev (2006) report two new species for the flora of the mountain with the aid of the spore-pollen analysis. A new species Sesleria robusta Schott., Nym. and Kotschi is reported by Velchev and Vassilev (2002). A new species for the flora of this region is reported by Hajek, Hajkova and Apostolova (2005). Dimitrov (2010) reports 18 new higher plant species. Ninety-one Bulgarian and seventeen Balkan endemic specie are reported for the flora of Slavyanka Mt by Petrova and Vladimirov (2010). Investigations on the vegetation of the mountain are made by Karakiev and Tzonev (2011). The ecological and floristic characteristics of Sideritis scardica Griseb. populations in Slavyanka Mt are described by Aneva et al. (2013). Five guidebooks of Slavyanka Mt. have been published: Kisselov (1968), Pancheliev (1966, 2002, 2005, 2008). Information on the flora of the mountain can be viewed in scientific and popular articles of Dimitrov (1984, 1990 and 1999).

Results and discussions The studies revealed that territory of the reserve includes forest, shrub and grass ecosystems, with forest ones dominating on more than 90 % of the area. The most widely represented forests were these of Bosnian Pine (Pinus heldreichii), Black Pine (Pinus nigra) and Beech (Fagus sylvatica). These forests represent the highest biotope diversity. Other interesting forest communities are these of King Boris’ Fir (Abies borisii-regis) and Pubescent Oak (Quercus pubescens), but they occupy smaller areas. Due to the diverse conditions specified by the altitude, the herbaceous ecosystems demonstrate high biotope diversity. The study on the vegetation resulted in identification of fourteen habitat types according to EUNIS classification, and 12 of them have conservation status, as being included in the

Appendices to the Biodiversity Act of Bulgaria (2002) and Directive 92/43/ЕЕС. КThe habitats

with conservation importance cover more than 99% of the reserve’s territory and are a natural 10

component of the vegetation cover of Bulgaria. Page

Differences in the vertical profile, characteristics of the orography, climatic and soil conditions determine the species diversity of forest tree vegetation in the region of the reserve. The main tree species are Bosnian Pine (Pinus heldreichii), Black Pine (Pinus nigra), King Boris’ Fir (Abies borisii-regis). They form different combinations in mixed forests. The only vegetation in the subbelt of the low-mountain forests of Durmast Oak, Beech and Fir consists mainly of pure and mixed stands of Black Pine, Beech and Bosnian Pine. In the subbelt of the middle-mountain forests of Beech, Fir and Spruce, the vegetation is represented by pure and mixed stands of Bosnian Pine. In the subbelt of montane Spruce forests, the forest vegetation is represented only by stands of Bosnian Pine. No forest plantations of tree species have been established on the reserve territory. Total 1661 species of vascular plants have been recorded on the territory of Slavyanka Mts, belonging to 576 genera and 105 families (Aneva et al., 2015). The scope of “Alibotush” Biosphere reserve covers mostly the forest part of the mountain, and the number of the vascular plants recorded is 683 species, belonging to 227 genera and 63 families. Substantial part (more than 30%) are medicinal plants, included in the Medicinal Plants Act of Bulgaria. Many species are not under auspices of the Medicinal Plants Act, but are used as such - Micromeria dalmatica, Hypericum linarioides, Hypericum olympicum, Hypericum tetrapterum, Inula oculus-christi, Thymus thracicus, Thymus pannonicus, Rosa myriacantha. Two species of medicinal plants are protected, included in the Appendix 3 of the Biodiversity Act – Himantoglossum caprinum (Fig. 3) and Taxus baccata. Five species are endangered to a different extent, according to the Red List of Bulgarian vascular plants (Petrova & Vladimirov 2009) – 2 species with the category „Endangered“ (EN) (Sideritis scardica; Taxus baccata); 2 species – „Vulnerable“ (VU) (Arctostaphylos uva ursi; Himantoglossum caprinum) and 1 species – „Near Threatened“ (NT) (Carum rigidulum subsp. bulgaricum). Eight species have special regime of protection and use in 2014 (According to Order №RD-83 of 03.02.2014 for the special regime of protection and use the medicinal plants in 2014) – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Asplenium trichomanes, Carlina acanthifolia, Valeriana officinalis, Frangula alnus, Primula veris, Sedum acre, Sideritis scardica.

11 Page

Page

After an inquiry performed among the people inhabiting the villages close to the Biosphere reserve “Alibotush” (Petrovo, Katunci, Gaitaninovo, Goleshevo – Fig. 4), representative species were selected for study on the status of their localities and populations.

The most collected medicinal plant species in Slavyanka is Sideritis scardica. Therefore it was selected as one of the representative species. Until 2016 it was allowed for collecting for personal needs only. However due to the critical status of its natural populations it was prohibited for collecting since 16.03.2016 (Order of the Ministry of Environment and Waters of Bulgaria). For that reason this species was the main focus of the study. Other medicinal plants used traditionally by people are: Micromeria dalmatica, Hypericum perforatum, Clinopodium vulgare, Centaurium erythrea and that’s why they were included in the study. The species of genus Geranium and some ferns like Asplenium trichomanes are not very popular in this region but they have a potential and their populations are stable (Figs. 5, 6). Some medicinal plants are poisonous and should not be collected (Fig. 7).

13 Page

14 Page

15 Page

16 Page

Sideritis scardica Griseb. (Lamiaceae) S. scardica (Fig.8) is a Balkan endemic and therefore, the conservation of its natural localities is a pripority and important task. This task is important also due to the fact that the species is a valuable and desired medicinal plant with numerous pharmacological activities. Its natural localities are subjected to strong anthropogenic pressure, which resulted in worsening of their status. It is popularly known as Mountain Tea, Mursalitza Tea, Pirinski Tea or Alibotushki Tea. S. scardica Griseb. is a perennial herb that grows in alpine belt. It is a drought- resistant species and it is found on rocky slopes from 1000 to 2200 meters above the sea level. The species has a very restricted distribution in Bulgaria limited to a few localities in Pirin Mountain, Rhodope Mountains and Slavyanka (Alibotush) Mountain. S. scardica is protected by the Medicinal Plants Act (2000) and is included in Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria in the category of Endangered plants (EN) (Evstatieva, 2011). Due to its valuable therapeutic properties, S. scardica has been an object of interest for a long time. Its populations are threatened and extremely vulnerable. S. scardica is highly light-demanding species and most part of its population covers the roof part of Slavyanka Mts. Two localities (subpopulations) were established in the Biosphere reserve “Alibotush” – in the foothills of Shabran peak and in the locality called Dolen Koynar. (Fig. 9).

Page

The subpopulation in the foothills of Shabran peak includes five habitat types, according to the Anex 1 of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 (Habitat Directive): 4060, 4090, 6170, 9530 and 95А0 (Fig. 10).

The following habitats were recorded on the reserve territory: 9530 (EUNIS classification: G3.5:

Black pine (Pinus nigra) woodland) and 95А0 (EUNIS: G3.6: Subalpine Mediterranean pine 18 woodland). The whole area of the subpopulation on the foothills of Shabran peak Page

(41°38'69.95"N 23°60'73.09"E) is 19 ha. Since the individuals are scarcely distributed, at large distances from one another, an experimental plot of 1.4 ha, with the highest density, was selected for monitoring observations. The field studies were performed on this area with two experimental plots 20x50 m (1000 m2 or 0.1 ha) each. The species chracteristics allow precise recording of the number of individuals. Total 115 individuals (population density 0.115 ind./m2) were recorded in the experimental plot 1, and 48 individuals (population density 0.048 ind./m2) – in experimental plot 2. Population density on the whole area selected for monitoring observations, was on average 0.0815 ind./m². In the remaining part of the area the species is represented by single individuals and the density reaches maximum 20 individuals per hectare, which is 0.002 ind./ m². The mean density of the subpopulation on the foothills of Shabran peak is 0.0062 ind./m². The total area of individuals is 41 600 cm2, or 4.16 m2. Related to the whole experimental plot (1000 m2), it means projective cover of 0.416%. The mean projective cover of the two experimental plots is 0.646%. Due to the fact that the studied plots are selected in the places with evidently the highest densitu, this value is valid only for the experimental plot of 1.4 ha. The remaining 17.6 ha contained, on average, 20 ind./ha, which means 0.024% projective cover. Thus the total mean projective cover of S. scardica in the whole area of the locality is 0.07%. Concerning the area of locality, the subpopulation close to Shabran peak is the larger one (19 ha). Despite the favorable conditions, related to the considerably lower slope inclination and availability of soil cover, projective cover of S. scardica is comparatively low (0.07%). The main reason for that is the anthropogenic pressure. The locality is easily accessible, because in the closest proximity (about 300 m) there is a dirt road, passable by mountain cars. During the flowering phase (still from bud formation – the middle of June) the herb collectors start to come (by cars or by horses) and tenths of people come to the locality every day (Fig. 11). They come mainly from the adjacent villages Katuntzi, Petrovo, Yanovo, and Goleshevo. Except collecting of flowering stems and preventing the natural regeneration, many plants are being eradicated or trampled.

19 Page

The subpopulation situated in the easternmost part of the mountain – the locality Dolen Koynar (41°40'88.99"N 23°64'89.38"E) is in the best status. The area occupied is evaluated to 14.4 ha. Two experimental plots, 0.1 ha each, were selected in the places with the highest density. Total 146 individuals were recorded in the first plot, and 172 – in the second one. The relatively good cover of Sideritis scardica is due to the fact that the locality is hardly accessible. The starting point is the village Paril, with few inhabitants (permanent inhabitants are about 10, mostly old people). There is no road to the locality and the closest one is 6 km apart, accessible only to off-road cars. As a result, only 2-3 collectors per day were recorded.

20 Page

Micromeria dalmatica Benth. (Lamiaceae) Micromeria dalmatica Benth. (Fig. 12) is a Balkan endemic species occurring only in Bulgaria, Greece, Crete and Montenegro (Petrova & Vladimirov, 2010). It is a perennial plant growing on dry and sunny habitats on the mountain slopes. Its natural distribution in Bulgaria is restricted mainly to southern part of the country. The species is used traditionally as a medicinal plant and herb. Phytochemical composition of the species and biological activity of its extracts provoked substantial interest (Tomas-Barberan et al., 1991; Marin et al., 2001; Slavkovska et al., 2005; Kostadinova et al., 2007; Karousou et al., 2012; Bukvicki et al., 2015; Nikolova et al., 2016).

M. dalmatica is widely distributed in Slavyanka Mts. The total area of its population is about 20 ha and the population size is evaluated of 600 – 800 individuals. The altitudinal range of the population is from 800 to 1740 m. The sample plot selected for monitoring purposes is 400 m2 (coordinates: 41°24'28.38"N 23°36'37.66"E). The predominant species in the plant community are:

Asplenium ruta-

muraria L. Trinia 21 glauca (A. Kernex Page

Janch.) H. Wolff., Achillea millefolium L., Inula aschersoniana Janka, Inula oculus-christi L., Alyssum montanum L., Dianthus petraeus Waldst. & Kit., Herniaria glabra L., Helianthemum numularium (L.) Mill., Sedum acre L., Sedum anopetalum DC., Astragalus monspessulanus L. The field studies in the natural localities revealed that the populations of M. dalmatica are characterized by large population size and good health status. No serious threats were identified and prospects for their development are optimistic. M. dalmatica is collected as medicinal and aromatic plant. It is known as “Mountain mint” or “White mint” and is used as sedative and against gastric disorders. It is gaining popularity among plant collectors and even could be found in the market. However, no cultivation of the species exist currently in Bulgaria. Therefore there is an increasing necessity of monitoring of the natural localities. Also some steps towards cultivation of the species must be initiated.

Clinopodium vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) Clinopodium vulgare L. (Fig. 13 ) is a perennial herb 30-80 cm. Its typical habitats are dry grassland and heathland, usually on limestone or chalky soils (on calciferous rocky outcrops), but it is frequent for open forests areas. On the reserve territory it was found at the edge of Pinus heldreichii and Pinus nigra forests – habitat types 9530 (EUNIS: G3.5: Black pine (Pinus nigra) woodland) and 95А0 (EUNIS: G3.6: Subalpine Mediterranean pine woodland), and also on dry meadows within the forests, at altitude 900 – 2000 m a.s.l. C. vulgare has long been used in Bulgarian traditional folk medicine for treatment of wounds due to its hemostatic and antibacterial properties. It is also used for treating warts due to virus infection. Recent investigations proved its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (Opalchenova & Obreshkova, 1999). Aqueous extract of C. vulgare showed strong antitumour activity (Dzhambazov et al., 2005). The inquiry performed with the inhabitants of the adjacent villages revealed that people collect the plant and use it for strengthening the immune system. The collected quantities cannot pose a

threat to the species status in its natural localities.

The populations of C. vulgare in BR „Alibotush“ 22

are in stable status, they are characterized by high Page

population size and high vitality. The species occurs on open meadows in groups of 50–60 individuals or along forest paths and dirt roads.

Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) is a perennial plant (30-120 cm) with cosmopolitan distribution. Documented pharmacological activities, including antidepressant, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, provide supporting evidence for several of the traditional uses stated for St John's wort (Barnes et al., 2002). In Bulgaria it is traditionally used for gastric diseases such as ulcer and colitis. The inquiry performed with the local people revealed that they use it as oil extract (sunflower or olive oil) of flowers and stem parts of H. perforatum. The extraction takes place for 40 days, when the small-sized cut parts of the plant are in the oil in a glass bottle in a sunny place. The extract is appropriate both for external (skin problems) and for internal use (one spoon before meals) in the case of stomach ulcer and colitis. Other nine closely related species of genus Hypericum occur in the region of “Alibotush” biosphere reserve, such as H. maculatum, H. tetraprerum, H. linarioides, H. olympicum. Even though these species contain active substances similar to these in H. perforatum and could be used for medicinal purposes, their collecting is not recommendable because some of them have limited distribution and are important from conservation point of view. During the inquiry and conversations with local people we explained the typical and differentiating traits of H. perforatum (leaves with transparent dots). H. perforatum is commonly found in well drained and dry, gravely soils, open forest fields, pastures. Seedlings emerge during the warm summer months and may require several years to reach reproductive maturity. Seedlings grow slowly and therefore compete poorly with established vegetation. A typical feature of H. perforatum is the fluctuation in its cohort and population size. It was illustrated by our observations in Biosphere reserve “Alibotush” where thu number of individuals in experimental plots in 2016 was considerably higher (31 individuals per 100 m2) than that in 2017 (18 individuals per 100 m2).

Centaurium erythraea Raf. (Gentianaceae) Centaurium erythraea (Fig. 14) is highly estimated medicinal plant in this region. It is traditionally used for improving digestion and for stimulating the appetite and increasing bile production.

It is annual/biennial herb (20-30 cm) which grows in open woods, meadows and dry grasslands. 23

It grows in scarcely distributed single individuals or small groups. Therefore collecting of this Page

species requires covering significant area by walking. Due to its specific occurrence its resources were evaluated by transect method. On average, about 20 individuals could be found per 1 km transect.

24 Page

Biosphere reserve “Bayuvi Doupki – Dzhindzhiritza”

Study area The reserve was declared by Decree № 1388 / 29.01.1934 of the Ministry of Agriculture and State Property. In 1977 the reserve “Bayuvi Doupki” was included in the list of Biosphere reserves of the UNESCO Programme “Man and Biosphere”. As a result of a Decree № 976 of 26.12.1979 of the Committee for protection of natural environment of the Bulgarian Government, the territory of the former reserves “Bayuvi Doupki” and “Malka Dzhindzhiritza” were merged in a united reserve “Bayuvi Doupki- Dzhindzhiritza”, with a total area 2873.0 ha. The reserve is within the territory of Pirin National Park, named after Pirin Mountains. Pirin National Park was included in the list of UN of national parks and equivalent reserves under № 225/09.12.1982. It was included also in the Convention concerning protection of world cultural and natural heritage, with an area 26 423,8 ha.

Geographic situation Biosphere reserve “Bayuvi Doupki – Dzhindzhiritza” is situated in Southwestern Bulgaria, and covers a part of Northern Pirin Mts.

Climate According to the climate subdivision of Bulgaria, Pirin Mountains falls within the area with Continental-Mediterranean climate (Velev, 1997). It is characterized by frequent and abundant rainfalls. The characteristics of climate is determined mostly by the Mediterranean cyclones. Their occurrence is best expressed in the late autumn and in winter. The summer is dry and hot.

Studies on the flora and vegetation of Pirin Mountains The Biosphere reserve “Bayuvi Doupki-Dzhindzhiritza” is part of NP Pirin. Therefore most of the studies on the flora and vegetation are focused on the National park or cover the whole area of Pirin Mts. Currently, the flora of the Park consists of about 1315 species of higher plants,

320 species of mosses and 165 species of algae. The Park is a home of 18 local, 15 Bulgarian

and a few tens Balkan endemics. Total 126 species are included in the Red Data Book of 25 Bulgaria, and 59 species are protected. Page

Andreev (1981, 1983, 1988, 1991) did an ecological and biological analysis of the vascular flora in “Bayuvi Doupki” reserve. Velchev and Roussakova (1981) studied the association Pinus peuce – Vaccinium myrtillus – Luzula sylvatica – Calamagrostis arundinacea in the reserve “Bayuvi Doupki-Dzhindzhiritza”. The vegetation was studied also by Velchev & Vassilev (1984), Kozhuharov (1991), Apostolova (1995).

Results and disscusions Territory of the reserve includes various ecosystems – forests, shrub and grass communities, meadows, rocks and screes, subalpine and alpine habitats. The forests are mostly coniferous and almost all gymnosperm species naturally occurring in Bulgaria are represented here. Large part of the reserve’s territory is dominated by the two endemic pines: Pinus heldreichii and Pinus peuce. Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Silver fir (Abies alba) form both pure and mixed communities, sometimes accompanied by Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra occur more rarely, while Pinus mugo forms a dense and wide belt above the alpine timberline. The study on the vegetation resulted in identification of sixteen habitat types with conservation status, included in the Appendices to the Biodiversity Act of Bulgaria (2002) and Directive 92/43/ЕЕС (Fig. 15). The habitats with conservation importance cover more than 99% of the reserve’s territory and are a natural component of the vegetation cover of Bulgaria.

Alpine belt 6150 Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands 6170 Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands 8110 Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels 8120 Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels 8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Subalpine belt 8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation

Subalpine belt 4070* Bushes with Pinus mugo 4060 Alpine and Boreal heaths

62D0 Oro -Moesian acidophilous grasslands

6430 Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels 26 Page

Page

Montane coniferous belt 95A0 High oro-Mediterranean pine forests 9410 Acidophilous Picea forests of the montane to alpine levels (Vaccinio-Piceetea) 91CA Rhodopide and Balkan Range Scots pine forests 91ВА Moesian silver fir forests 9530* Sub-Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines 9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests

Differences in the vertical profile, characteristics of the orography, climate and soil conditions determine the species diversty and diversity of forest tree vegetation in the reserve. According to the Management plan of Pirin National park, the medicinal plants there are 443 species, included in the Appendix 2 of the Medicinal Plants Act (2002). These species belong to 69 genera and 82 families. The species of medicinal plants recorded on the territory of the reserve “Bayuvi Doupki-Dzhindzhiritza” is 212, belonging to 48 families. The species Orchis laxiflora Lam. is included in Appendix 2A of the Medicinal Plants Act (MPA), including species, whose habitats are protected by especially declared protected territories. Medicinal plants included in Appendix 3 of MPA (species, that should be protected on the territory of the country) are 8 species: Taxus baccata L., Galanthus elwesii Hook, Galanthus nivalis L., Rhodiola rosea L., Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra L., Gentiana punctata L., Thymus perinicus (Velen.) Jalas, Orchis laxiflora Lam. (Fig. 3). Appendix 4 of MPA includes species under regime of protection and regulated use, contains four species occurring in the reserve: Polystichum lonchitis (L.) Roth., Asparagus tenuifolius Lam, Lilium martagon L., Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce. Sixteen species of medicinal plants are under special regime of protection and use (according to Order №RD-65 of 28.01.2013 and Order № RD-83 / 3.02.2014 of Ministry of Environment and Waters of Bulgaria): Alchemilla vulgaris complex, Primula veris L., Frangula alnus Mill., Atropa belladonna L., Berberis vulgaris L., Carlina acanthifolia All., Sedum acre L., Galium odoratum (L.) Scop., Valeriana officinalis L., Angelica pancicii Vand., Phyllitis scolopendriun (L.) Neum., Orchis sp. diversa, Asplenium trichomanes L., Asarum europaeum L., Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng., Convallaria majalis L.

Ten species are considered endangered according to the Red List of Bulgarian vascular plants

(Petrova & Vladimirov 2009). Critically endangered (CR) is one species – Rhodiola rosea L.; 28 Galanthus elwesii , Gentiana lutea three species are with the category Endangered (EN) – Hook Page

ssp. symphyandra L., Gentiana punctata L.; six species are with the category Vulnerable (VU) – Angelica pancicii Vand., Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng., Orchis laxiflora Lam., Orchis ustulata L., Alchemilla erythropoda Juz., Atropa belladonna L. Seven species of the reserve flora are wih special regime of protection and use for 2014 (according to Order №RD-83 of 03.02.2014) – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Asplenium trichomanes, Carlina acanthifolia, Valeriana officinalis, Frangula alnus, Primula veris, and Sedum acre. The reserve is part of Pirin National park. It is situated far from settlements and the people in the closest towns Bansko and Razlog are occupied by other activities and jobs and can not be representative. Collecting medicinal plants is not among their main activities. Only tourist routes cross the reserve territory (Fig. 16) and our observations showed that medicinal plants are collected almost exclusively by tourists (Fig 17). The most frequently collected herbs were: Hypericum perforatum, Primula veris, Origanum vulgare, Galium verum, Agrimonia eupatoria, Achillea millefolium, Thymus sp. (Figs. 18, 19) but the collected quantity is small (for personal needs only). Also, wild fruits are among the most collected plant resources, for example: Fragaria vesca, Crataegus monogyna, Vaccinium myrtillus, Corylus avellana, Rubus sp. (Fig. 20). Population state of these species is stable and collecting does not pose a threat. There are some species of medicinal plants on the reserve territory having conservation status: rare and protected. They could be subjected to anthropogenic pressure and therefore part of the focus of our study was directed to 3 species of this category namely: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi,

Rhodiola rosea and Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra L.

29 Page

30 Page

31 Page

32 Page

33 Page

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. (Ericaceae) A. uva-ursi (Fig. 21) is a species included in the Red List of Bulgarian vascular plants with the category “Vulnerable” (Genova, 2009). Its communities (High-mountain communities of

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) are considered also important from conservation point of 34

view and are included in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria, vol. 3, with the category “Endangered” Page

(Genova & Roussakova, 2015). Many of the natural localities of the species are protected under different regimes, including in protected territories. In Bulgaria Roussakova et al. (1991) provided information about the ecology of the species.

The species grows mostly on sunny, dry and stony places in the middle- and high-mountain altitudinal belt of Bulgarian mountains, roughly between 1000 and 2500 m altitude. 35 Page

Three natural localities of the species in the region of the reserve were studied – the first one is situated above the locality called “Betalovoto” (hereafter referred to as population 1), the second one is close to the locality “Stapalata” (hereafter referred to as population 2) and the third – near the locality “Pogledets” (hereafter referred to as population 3). Full inventory of the plant species in the communities was performed and the evaluation of population status was done based on the population size, density and health status of the individuals of A. uva-ursi. Field observations were carried out in sample plots, 100 m2 in size. During the observations in the field GPS coordinates, altitude, some biotic and abiotic factors have been described. The three natural populations studied were on limestone rock. The plant communities in Population 1 were dominated by Pinus nigra Arn. Habitat type is 9530 “Sub-Mediterranean pine forests with endemic subspecies of Black pine”. The area occupied by the plant community with A. uva-ursi, is 6.2 ha, and is situated at an altitude between 1400 and 1500 m a.s.l. and exposition north - northwest. The total projective cover of the plant community is about 70%, and that of A. uva-ursi – 5-8 %. About 35 % of the individuals were flowering. The individuals of Bearberry demonstrated moderate to high vitality, as estimated approximately by the foliage density. The individuals were of different size, some of them occupying up to 10 m2. The most frequent plant species accompanying the Bearberry, were the following ones: Geranium sanguineum L., Festuca penzesii (Acht.) Markgr.-Dann., Calamagrostis arundinacea (L.) Roth., Solidago virga-aurea L., Acinos rotundifolius Pers., Saxifraga sempervivum C. Koch., Euphorbia amygdaloides L., Laserpitium siler L., Sedum anopetalum DC.,Campanula trachelium L., Asperula cynanchica L., Veronica urticifolia Jacq., Mycelis muralis (L.) Dumort., Hieracium pilosella L., Origanum vulgare L., Epipactis atrorubens (Hoffm.) Besser. Population 2 occupies an area of 1 ha, northern exposition, at altitude 2300 m a.s.l. Here the plant communities could be classified to habitat 4070 “Bushes with Pinus mugo and Rhododendron hirsutum“. Bearberry covers 5-10 % of the area and demonstrates moderate to high vitality. Predominant species are: Pinus mugo Turra, Pinus peuce Grsb., Juniperus sibirica Burgsd., Sesleria comosa Velen., Saxifraga sempervivum C. Koch, Jovibarba heuffelii (Schott) A. et D. Love, Juncus trifidus L., Potentila ternata C. Koch, Antenaria dioica (L.) Gaertn., Dianthus microlepis Boiss., Chamaecytisus absinthoides (Janka) Kuzm. Population 3 is the smallest one of the three studied – 0.01 ha. It is situated at an altitude 1940. The habitat here is 4060 “Alpine and boreal heaths”. The vitality is high and the coverage of

Bearberry is between 5 and 10 %. The plant species forming the community are the following

ones: Carex nigra (L.) Rchb., Anthyrium filix-femina L., Lerchenfeldia flexuosa (L.) Schur, 36 Calamagrostis arundinacea , Lilium martagon , Gentiana lutea , Thesium (L.) Roth. L. L. Page

aplinum L., Campanula moesiaca Velen., Hieracium racemosum Waldst. et Kit., Euphrasia salisburgensis Funck, Jovibarba heuffelii (Schott) A. et D. Love, Hypericum maculatum L., Taraxacum sp., Silene vulgaris L., Campanula sparsa Friv., Pleuropteropyrum undulatum (A. Murray) A. & D. Lőve, Knautia midzorensis Form., Carex curvula L. The health status and vitality of the individuals was good in all the three localities studied. Generally, the populations could be evaluated as stable and in good status, and no serious threats were identified. However, regular monitoring could be recommended and they will be based on the database established and maintained by the Park administration. In order to achieve sustainability in the use of this valuable medicinal plant, long-term activities are necessary, including restoration of localities and assisting of natural regeneration through providing better conditions for new generation plant establishment. The measures developed and proposed include also encouragement of the local people to participate actively in the initiatives and activities related to the cultivation of the Bearberry as a tool for decreasing the pressure on the natural populations. This can be achieved also by issuing and dissemination of information leaflets and other materials. All these activities could help the better conservation and sustainable use of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi in Pirin Mountains. Population Area Geographic Coordinates Elevation Aspect Slope No (hectares) (m) [º]

Latitude N Longitude E 1 6.2 41 50 26.7 23 22 95.9 1500 N-NW 45 2 1 41 48 36.4 23 21 52.9 2310 N 60 3 0.01 41 49 04.0 23 23 33.0 1940 N 60

Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) Goldenrot (Rhodiola rosea L., Fig. 22) is a rare species in Bulgarian flora and is, at the same time, highly valued as medicinal plant. It is included in the Red List of Bulgarian vascular plants (Meshinev, 2009) and eventually in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria, vol. 1 – Plants and Fungi (Meshinev, 2011) with the category “Critically endangered” [CR A4d; B2ab(iv)]. The species is protected according to Biodiversity Act of Bulgaria (2002). In Bulgaria it is limited to high- mountain zones of Rila, Pirin, Stara planina and Rhodopes, approximately within the altitudinal range 2000-2600 m (Valev 1970, Kaymakamova 2005, Meshinev 2011). 37 Page

R. rosea is a plant known for its adaptogenic activities and besides being used worldwide in the traditional medicine, it is examined in a number of clinical trials (Marchev et al., 2016). More than 140 chemical structures have been identified in the species during the last 50 years 38 (Panossian et al. 2010; Ioset et al., 2011). Page

Three natural localities of R. rosea on the territory of Biosphere reserve “Bayuvi Doupki- Dzhindzhiritza” were included in the study. The vertical distribution was from 2400 to 2470, regularly distributed. One population (Population № 2) had size less than 20 individuals – total 12 individuals were counted on limestone. The occupeied area is 0.01 ha and the natural habitat is 8210 (Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Subalpine belt). This is the smallest natural locality of R. rosea in the Biosphere reserve. The largest population (Population № 3) in the reserve was recorded on an area of 3 ha. Total 987 individuals were recorded in the locality. There are two natural habitats in this locality – 8110 (Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels) and 8220 (Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation). Also, realatively good status demonstrates Population № 1 with 176 individuals dispersed on an area of 0.5 ha. The conditions are rather diverse which results in existence of two habitats on this relatively small silicate area – 4070 (Bushes with Pinus mugo) and 8220 (Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation).

Population Area Geographic Coordinates Elevation Aspect Slope No (hectares) (m) [º]

Latitude N Longitude E 1 0.5 41 48 03.2 23 21 49.1 2400 NE 70 2 0.01 41 47 57.3 23 21 48.7 2460 NЕ 5 3 3 41 47 56.4 23 21 43.6 2470 NЕ 70

Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra L. (Gentianaceae) G. lutea (Fig. 23) is included in the Red List of Bulgarian vascular plants (Petrova & Vladimirov, 2009) and eventually in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria, vol. 1 – Plants and Fungi (Evstatieva, 2011) with the category “Endangered” [EN B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii); C2a(i)]. The species is protected according to Biodiversity Act of Bulgaria (2002). In Bulgaria it is limited to high-mountain zones of Rila, Pirin, Stara planina and Rhodopes. G. lutea is a medicinal plants used in the official and folk medicine. The remedial activity of the compounds in the roots of G. lutea subsp. symphyandra (and lower activity in the aerial parts) has been confirmed by different authors - Kitanov (1960); Petkov (1982); Nikolov

(2006). 39 Page

40 Page

Population Area Geographic Coordinates Elevation Aspect Slope No (hectares) (m) [º]

Latitude N Longitude E 1 2 41 49 14.3 23 21 02.5 1920 NE 20 2 0.5 41 49 26.9 23 21 24.2 1840 NЕ 20 3 1.8 41 48 33.8 23 23 49.1 1900 N 10

Three natural localities of G. lutea on the territory of the Biosphere reserve were included in the study. The vertical distribution was from 1840 to 1920 regularly distributed. The population № 1 (locality called Byala reka, on silicate) had size of 269 individuals. The occupeied area is 2 ha and the natural habitats are 4060 (Alpine and Boreal heaths) and 95A0 (High oro- Mediterranean pine forests). The other natural locality of G. lutea, population № 2 (in the locality called Padinata, on silicate) occupied area of 0.5 ha and numbered 82 individuals. The largest population (Population № 3, in the locality called Dunino kuche/Koteshki chal, on limestone) in the reserve was recorded on an area of 1.8 ha. Total 373 individuals were recorded in the locality. In the two localities – the natural habitat is 95A0 (High oro-Mediterranean pine forests).

41 Page

References

Achtaroff B., 1938. Floristisches Material aus den Pirin und Rila Gebirgen mit kritischen Bemerkungen. Mitteillungen den Könniglischen Naturwissenschaftlichen Instituten in Sofia, XI: 2-12. Andreev N. 1981. Ecological and biological analysis of the vascular flora in the reserve “Bayuvi Doupki” in Pirin Mts. In: Regional Symposium on the Programme MAB “Conservation of natural territories and the genepool they contain”. Blagoevgrad: 100-111. (Bg) Andreev N. 1983. Evaluation of some affinities, botanical value and effectiveness of conservation of the floristic complexes of three reserves in Pirin, Rila and Vitosha. In: Third National Conference of Botany, Sofia, 987-997. (Bg) Aneva I., Zhelev P., Evstatieva L., Dimitrov. D. 2013. The ecological and floristic characteristics of populations of Sideritis scardica Griseb. in Slavyanka Mountain. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, 19 (2). Apostolova I., 1995. Minimum area of expression of two associations in Pirin Mts. In: Jubilee Symposium 100 years since the birth of Acad. Boris Stefanov, S., vol. 2: 50-53. (Bg) Barnes J., Anderson L., Phillipson D. 2002. St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): a review of its chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Vol. 53, (5), 583–600. Barrio J. del, Luis-Calabuig E. & T´arrega R. 1999. Vegetative response of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi to experimental cutting and burning. Plant Ecology 145: 191–195 Bukvicki D., Stojkovic, D., Sokovic, M., Nikolic ,M., Vannini, L., Montanari, C., Marin P.D. 2015: Potential application of Micromeria dalmatica essential oil as a protective agent in a food system. Food Science and Technology, 63: 262-267. Degen A. 1934. Bemerkungen uber einige orientalische Pflanzenarten. Magyar Bot. Lapok, 32 (7-12): 145-152. Delipavlov D. 1988. Materials on flora of Bulgaria. Phytologia, 34: 67-72 (Bg). Delipavlov D. 1990. Neue Materialen und chorologischen Daten zur Flora von Bulgarien.

Feddes Repertorium, 101 (7- 8): 341-345.

Dimitrov D. & Denchev. C. 1997. New records of Pirin vascular plants (SW Bulgaria).- 42 Ann. Sofia Univ. "St. Kliment Ohridski", 88(4): 65-70. Page

Dimitrov D. 2002. New data on the floral regions of Slavyanka Mt., Pirin Mts., the Mesta river, and Western and Central Rhodopes. Phytol. Balcan. 8(2): 181-184. Dimitrov D. and Gussev Ch. 1995. New chorological data of Bulgarian flora. In: G. Tsankov (Ed.) Proceedings Anniversary Science Conference 100 Years of the Birth of Acad. B. Stefanov (1894 – 1979), vol. 2, pp. 168-171 (Bg). Dimitrov D. 1984. Landing of rare plants. Nature and Science, 7: 21-22 (Bg). Dimitrov D. 1990. Near the springs of Petrovska River. Nature and Science, 9: 41-42 (Bg). Dimitrov D. 1999. Unusual Slavyanka Mountain.Bulletin for the wild nature. Balkans, 3: 7 (Bg). Dimitrov D. 2002. New data of the flora of the floral regions of Mt. Slavjanka, Pirin Mt, the valley of river Mesta and Western and Central Rhodopes. Phytol. Balcan., 8 (2): 181- 184. Dimitrov D. 2010. Report 58 – 76. In: V. Vladimirov et al. New Floristic Records in the Balkans, 14. Phytologia Balcanica, 16 (3): 422-424. Dimitrov D.S. 1991. New chorological data to the flora of Bulgaria. Fitologija, 40: 74-79. (Bg). Drenovsky A. 1937. Siebenter Beitrag zur Flora von Alibotusch – Kitka berg in Bulgarisch – Macedonien (Neue Fundorte). Selbstverlag, Sofia, 16 pp. Dryanovsky A., 1933. A second contribution to the flora of Slavyanka Mt., Sofia (Bg). Dryanovsky A. 1934b. The flora of Macedonian mountain Alibotush IV. Plants formations, Sofia, pp. 32 (Bg). Dryanovsky A. 1934а. A third contribution to the flora of Slavyanka Mt. Inf. Bulg. Bot. Assoc., 6: 83-86 (Bg). Dryanovsky A. 1935. On the various and specific flora of Alibotush, Sofia, Own edition, 12 pp. (Bg). Dryanovsky A. 1936. A sixth contribution to the flora of Alibotush. Inf. Bulg. Bot. Assoc., 7: 74-79 (Bg). Dzhambazov B., Daskalova S., Monteva A., Popov N. 2005. In Vitro Screening for Antitumour Activity of Clinopodium vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) Extracts. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, Vol. 25 (2002) No. 4 P 499-504. Evstatieva L. 2011. Gentiana lutea. In: Peev, D. Red Data Book of the Republic of

Bulgaria,

Evstatieva L. 2011. Sideritis scardica. In: Peev, D. Red Data Book of the Republic of 43

Bulgaria, Vol.1. Plants. Digital edition. 2011. website: http://e-ecodb.bas.bg/rdb/en/vol1. Page

Evstatieva L., Hardalova R., Stoyanova K. 2007. Medicinal plants in Bulgaria: diversity, legislation, conservation and trade. Phytologia Balcanica, 13: 415-427. Genova E. 2009. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. In: Petrova A., Vladimirov V. (eds) Red List of Bulgarian vascular plants. Phyt. Balc. 15 (1): 63 – 94. Genova E., Roussakova V., 2011. High-mountain communities of Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). In: Bisserkov V. (Ed.) Red Data Book of Bulgaria, vol. 3. (Bg) Georgiev G. 1935. Alibotush. Nature and Science 1, Sofia (Bg). Georgiev, G. 1978. The Old Iron Production Industry in Bulgaria, Sofia, BAS, 205 pp. (Bg). Georgieva Е. 2007. Ecological, biological and phytochemical peculiarities of Gentiana lutea L. and Gentiana punctata L. In Bulgaria. Ph.D. thesis, Institute of Botany, Sofia. (Bg) Georgieva, E., L. Evstatieva. 2000. Distribution and conservation of Gentiana lutea L. and G. punctata L. in Bulgaria. Proceedings of the First Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic plants of Southeast European Countries. Belgrade. Georgieva, E., Rusakova V. 2000. Gentiana lutea L. and G. punctata L. in the vegetation of Rila and Stara Planina (Bulgaria). Proceeding of the Second Balkan Botanical Congress.Istanbul, Turkey, 14-18 May (2000), 239-244. Goranova, V. and K. Vassilev. 2006. Report 39-48. In: V. Vladimirov et al. New Floristic Records in the Balkans: 2. Phytol. Balcan., 12 (2): 284-285. Hajek, M., P. Hajkova and I. Apostolova, 2005. Notes of Bulgarian wetland flora, including new national and regional records. Phytol. Balcan., 11 (2): 173-184. Hermann, F. and B. Stefanoff, 1932. Neuer Nachtrag zur Flora Bulgariens. Proc. Bul. Bot. Soc., 5: 128-131. Hermann, F. and B. Stefanoff, 1935. Uber eine neue Sedum – Art aus Bulgarien. Notizblatt des Lotan. Gart. in Mus. Berlin – Dahlem, 12 (11): 562-564. IUCN. 2003. Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional Levels: Version 3.0. IUCN Species Survival Commission. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland & Cambridge, UK. Karakiev T. and Tzonev R. 2011. Agricultural and Biological Sciences, 10 (1): 49-71. Karousou R., Hanlidou E., Lazari D. 2012: Essential oils of Micromeria dalmatica Benth., a Balkan endemic species of section Pseudomelissa. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 9:

2775- 2783. 44 Page

Kaymakamova I. 2005 Ecological and phytochemical study of Rhodiola rosea L. (fam. Crassulaceae) in Bulgaria (in the conditions of natural habitats and in cultivation). Student Scientific Conference, Sofia. (Bg) Kitanov B. 1960. Wild and useful plants in Bulgaria. (Bg). Kitanov B., Kitanov G., 1990. Flora of Pirin Mts. Sofia, Science and art. (Bg). Kitanov, B. 1986. The vegetation of Slavyanka Mt. Geography, 9 (Bg). Kitanov B., I. Koeva-Todorovska and D. Stojanov. 1983. New chorological data for flora of vascular plants in Southwest Bulgaria Mountains. Annual University, Faculty of Biology, 78 (2): 61- 69 (Bg). Kostadinova E., Alipieva K., Stefova M., Stafilov T., Antonova D., Evstatieva L., Matevski V., Kulevanova S., Stefkov G., Bankova V. 2007: Chemical composition of the essential oils of three Micromeria species growing in Macedonia and Bulgaria. Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 26 (1): 3-7. Kozhuharov S. 1981. Conservation of herbaceous gene pool in the forest belt of Bulgaria. In: Regional Symposium on the Programme MAB “Conservation of natural territories and the genepool they contain”. Blagoevgrad: 239-249. (Bg) Marin, P.D., Grayer, R.J., Veitch, N.C., Kite, G.C., Harborne, J.B. 2001: Acacetin glycosides as taxonomic markers in Calamintha and Micromeria. Phytochemistry, 58: 943- 947. Medicinal Plants Act. State Gazzete vol. 29, 07.04.2000. (Bg). Meshinev T. 2009. Rhodiola rosea L. In: Petrova A. & Vladimirov V. (eds.). Red List of Bulgarian vascular plants. Phytologia Balcanica, 15(1): 63-94. Meshinev T. 2011. Rhodiola rosea L. In: Peev D. (ed.) Red Data Book of Bulgaria, vol. 1 – Plants and Fungi. S., BAS Nikolov N. A. 1988. Dynamics of the number and spatial structure of the higher plants in the reserve “Bayuvi Doupki – Dzhindzhiritza” in Pirin. In: Sentenial of Acad, Nikolay Stoyanov, S., BAS: 91-106. (Bg) Nikolov N.A. 1979. Classification of the endemic element in the reserve “Bayuvi Doupki” in Pirin Mts. In: National Youths’ Scientific and Technical symposium: “Ways, tools and forms for protection and restoration of the environment”: 14-17. (Bg) Nikolov N.A. 1991. Chromosome numbers of Bulgarian Angiospermae from Northern

Pirin mountain – reserve “Bayuvi Doupki – Dzhindzhiritza”. Phytologia, 41: 70-75.

Nikolov S. 2006. Specialized Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Publishing House “Trud”, 45

Sofia (Bg).566 pp. Page

Nikolova M., Aneva I., Berkov S. 2016. GC-MS metabolic profiling and free radical scavenging activity of Micromeria dalmatica. Biologica Nyssana,7 (2), 159-165. Opalchenova G., Obreshkova D. 1999. Drug Dev. Ind. Pharm., 25, 323— 328. Pancheliev A., 1966. Slavyanka Mt. Geography, 2 (Bg). Pancheliev A., 2002. From Village of Paril to Peak Gotsev Vrah., Odisei, 4 (Bg). Pancheliev A., 2005. Slavyanka Mt. Guidbook., Irin-Pirin, Blagoevgrad, 66 pp. (Bg). Pancheliev A., 2008. Slavyanka Mt. Guidbook. Tangra. Tan Nak Ra, IK, Sofia, 93 pp. (Bg). Pashaliev I. and Dimitrov D. 1995. New data for flora of Slavyanka Mt. In: G. Tsankov (Ed.) Proceedings Anniversary Science Conference 100 years of the Birth of Acad. B. Stefanov (1894–1979), 1: 46-49 (Bg). Pashaliev I. 1995. Contribution to the flora of Southwestern Bulgaria. Phytol. Balcan., 2: 103-104. Peev D., Nikolov N. A., 1984. Dynamics of the correlation structures of two populations of Dactylis glomerata s.str. in the reserve “Bayuvi Doupki – Dzhindzhiritza”. In: Contemporary theoretical and applied aspects of the plant ecology, part 1., S., BAS: 254- 259. (Bg) Penev N. and Georgiev A. 1962. The investigation of the forest types at the higher vegetation belts of Slavyanka Mt, S., CNIIG (Bg). Petkov V. 1982. Recent Phytoterapy. “Medicine and sports” Sofia, 517 pp. (Bg). Petrova A., Vladimirov V. 2010: Balkan endemics in the Bulgarian flora. Phytologia Balcanica, 16 (2): 293 – 311. Petrova A. & Vladimirov V. (eds). 2009. Red List of Bulgarian vascular plants. – Phytol. Balcan., 15(1): 63–94. Popnikolov A. 1937. Characteristic of lichen flora of Alibotush Mt, Belasitca Mt and locality Pripecheno. Annual University, Faculty of Biology, 33 (3): 345-368 (Bg). Rechinger K. and Fil H. 1933. Neue Pflanzen aus dem Alibotusch – Gebirge (Bulg. Nord – Macedonien). Magyar. Bot. Lapok, 32 (7-12): 152-153. Roussakova V. 2015. High-mountain communities of Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). In: Biserkov V. et al. (eds.). Red Data Book of Bulgaria. Vol. 3. Natural habitats, IBER-BAS and Moew. Roussakova V., Genova E., Cherneva Z. 1991. Phytosociological and ecological peculiarities

of Bearberry (Arctostaphylosuva-ursi (L.) Spreng.) in some regions of Bulgaria. Fitologija, 39:33-53. (Bg) 46 Page

Slavkovska V., Couladis M., Bojović S., Tzakou O., Pavlović M., Lakušić B., Jančić R. 2005: Essential oil and its systematic significance in species of Micromeria Bentham from Serbia & Montenegro. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 255: 1-15. Stefanov B. and D. Jordanov 1931. Topographische Flora von Bulgarien. Bot. Jahrb., 64: 388-536. Strid A. and K. Tan (eds.), 1991. Mountain Flora of Greece, vol. 2., Cambridge Univ. Press., Cambridge. Strid A. (ed.). 1986. Mountain Flora of Greece, vol. 1, Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge. Tomas-Barberan, F.A., Gil, M.I., Marin, P.D., Tomas-Lorente, F. 1991: Flavonoids from some Yugoslavian Micromeria species: Chemotaxonomical aspects. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 19: 697-698. Toshkov M. 1971. The reserve of Alibotush. Tourist, 6 (Bg). Valev S. 1970. Fam. LIX Crassulaceae DC. In: Jordanov D. (ed.) Flora Republicae Popularis Bulgaricae, tomus IV. In aedibus Academiae Scientiarum Bulgaricae, Serdicae: 618-652. (Bg) Velchev V., Roussakova V. 1981. Phytomass of a community of association Pinus peuce- Vaccinium myrtillus-Luzula sylvatica-Calamagrostis arundinacea in the reserve “Bayuvi Doupki – Dzhindzhiritza” in Pirin. In: Regional Symposium on the Programme MAB “Conservation of natural territories and the genepool they contain”. Blagoevgrad. (Bg) Velchev V., Vassilev P. 1984. Ecological and phytocoenological studies of Bosnian Pine (Pinus heldreichii Christ.) in Northern Pirin. Annu. Univ. Sofia, Livre 2, Botanique: 57-96. (Bg) Velchev, V. and P. Vassilev. 2002. New taxa, chorological and ecological data on the flora of vascular plants in Bulgaria. Phytol. Balcan., 8 (1): 15-24. Velchev, V., I. Bondev, S. Ganchev and H. Kochev, 1962. New Data for Flora of South Pirin, Valley of Struma River and Slavyanka Mt, BAS, Sofia, 9: 177-179 (Bg). Yordanov D., Kitanov B. 1951. New and rare plants for Bulgarian flora from Pirin Mts. Mitteilungen des Botanischen Instituts, BAS, 2: 233-243. (Bg)