Monument
Uzunbodzhak Reserve (Lopushna)

Biosphere reserve " Uzunbodzhak " (" Lopushna " ) is the largest reserve Strandja announced in 1956 , and is situated south of the village of Kosti , in the valley of Mutludere , 18 km west of the mouth of her lies entirely behind the border facility on the border with Turkey. Uzunbudzhak translated from Turkish means long sheltered spot . The terrain is uneven and the altitude varies between 50 and 300 m climate is continental Mediterranean and is softer due to its proximity to the Black Sea coast . In March 1977 the reserve is included in the list of biosphere reserves under the program "Man and Biosphere" , with a total area of ​​2581.5 hectares . It is one of the oldest beech- oak forests . The reserve forests are particularly characteristic of evergreen undergrowth of Strandja periwinkle . Common rare and protected species here are laurel , Common holly , red pirakanta , rhododendron and blueberry others. Forests " Uzunbodzhak " are a refuge for many animals: reptiles - European glass lizard , zhaltokoremnik , Montpellier snake, leopard snake . Mammals common representatives sviinya wild , deer , fox , jackal , wild cat , wolf, gray hamster . Birds are several species of woodpeckers , thrush , dove - hralupar , Masked Shrike , yasrteb , blue crow , snipe . Rich and varied river fauna is represented by gudgeon , barbel Begendik , river keafali many water snakes . To 1913 in the forests of Uzunbodzhak had met lynx already extinct by the Bulgarian lands, and until 1941 they were inhabited by deer . Special situation of the reserves on the border with Turkey , and the approaches of Europe and Asia makes it unique in terms of the exceptional biodiversity of Europe as well as in cultural and historical terms .

• Reserve