Dozens of road sections in Bulgaria cross valuable habitats of rare species. Every season, tortoises and snakes die trying to cross the road. This is not simply a loss of individuals — it is a loss of genetic diversity and population connectivity.
A new project with the Road Infrastructure Agency as beneficiary aims to improve the conservation status of six reptile species included in Natura 2000 and under special protection:
- Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni)
- Spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)
- Four-lined snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata)
- Blotched snake (Elaphe sauromates)
- Leopard snake (Zamenis situla)
- Caspian pond turtle (Mauremys caspica)
The interventions will take place only in protected areas of the Natura 2000 network, including:
- “Kamchia”
- “Plazh Gradina – Zlatna Ribka”
- “Derventski Vazvishenia 1 and 2”
- “Strandzha”
- “Mandra – Poda”
- “Zaliv Chengene Skele”
- “Nikopolsko Plato”
- “Obnova – Karaman Dola”
The project is implemented with funding under Priority 3 “Biodiversity” of the “Environment” Programme 2021–2027.
What Will Be Done
1️⃣ New reptile underpasses
- 2 structures built using horizontal drilling
- No excavation or alteration of the road structure
- With 200 m of guide fencing in each direction
2️⃣ Adaptation of existing structures
- 41 culverts will be converted into safe corridors
- Ramps will be installed and entrances and exits will be cleared
3️⃣ Improving passability at another 38 locations
- Clearing of vegetation and sediment
- 6 structures will be repaired
All measures are in line with Measure 68 of the National Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000.