The Wilder Rhodopes Foundation is taking a new decisive step for the return of wild nature to the Rhodopes, expanding the scope of the organization’s activities in one more priority area. The team will undertake a range of measures in the Zhenda area, which covers 3,800 hectares and is part of the State Hunting Farm “Zhenda” (DLS Zhenda). The farm is located in the northwestern part of the current rewilding territory, which includes 250,000 hectares in the Eastern Rhodopes.
“We are really excited about this new opportunity to build on our activities in the Rhodopes and increase the benefits that wildlife restoration brings to nature and local communities,” says Wilder Rhodope Foundation team leader Andreana Trifonova. “Our aim is to improve habitats, encourage natural grazing, develop activities related to sustainable tourism and support the natural regeneration of the forest. In short, we want this part of Zhenda to become a model for wildlife restoration.”
The Zhenda area has significant potential for wildlife restoration. It is characterized by a mountainous relief, with steep ridges and deep ravines, the altitude varies from 450 to 1459 meters, with the highest peak in the area being Mount Chilyaka. Mild winters and hot summers provide a variety of vegetation, with broad-leaved and mixed broad-leaved-conifer forests consisting mainly of beech, gorun, hornbeam, black pine and fir. There are several nature reserves and tourist attractions on the territory.
The area of Zhenda is home to a variety of animal species. A number of herbivores are found, including red deer and fallow deer, chamois and wild boar, and the natural predators are wolves, foxes, jackals and bears. The Wilder Rhodopes team, together with DLS Zhenda, is planning reintroduction of European bison and activities to support red deer and chamois populations.
The recovery of Zhenda is in line with the overall vision for the recovery of the Rhodopes. Populations of a number of key species are recovering thanks to cooperation with NGOs, municipalities, hunting and forestry organizations and local communities. These include fallow deer, red deer, European bison, wild horses and black vultures. The Wilder Rhodope team is also supporting the remarkable comeback of the local population of griffon vultures. The population has seen remarkable growth from 3 pairs in 1986 to 138 pairs in 2024.
The return of wildlife strengthens local food webs and the so-called cycle of life and improves the health, functionality and sustainability of the landscape. It also provides increasing socio-economic benefits for local communities through the growth of nature tourism, which is supported by partnerships with a range of stakeholders.
“With our efforts, we want to provide as many opportunities as possible for the development of economic activities by local people. In this way, restoring wild nature gives hope to both people and nature,” says Andreana Trifonova.
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