RESTORATION AND PROTECTION OF THE POPULATION OF RARE AND PROTECTED PLANT SPECIES IN VITOSHA NATURE PARK
DESSISLAVA GYUROVA1*, ISKRA VARBANOVA-YORDANOVA2, STEFAN YORDANOV3
1 – Vitosha Nature Park Directorate, 1303 Sofia, 17 Antim I Str, Bulgaria
2, 3 – Green Spring Nursery, Negovan, Bulgaria
*Corresponding author: dessybg2001@yahoo.com
Keywords: plants, restoration, conservation, reproduction, Vitosha Nature Park, Taxus baccata, Clematis alpina, Acer heldreichii, Menyanthes trifoliata, Drosera rotundifolia
Abstract: The populations of rare and endangered plant species in Vitosha have been supported in accordance with the conservation program stipulated in the Management Plan of Vitosha Nature Park. Taxus baccata L., Clematis alpina (L.) Mill, Acer heldreichii Orph., Menyanthes trifoliata L. and Drosera rotundifolia L. are species with conservation importance. Clematis alpina and Menyanthes trifoliata are considered extinct from the territory of Vitosha due to non-confirmation of their localities for several decades. As a result of changes in the water regime of the peatlands in Vitosha mountains the population of Drosera rotundifolia is significantly reduced. Acer heldreichii and Taxus baccata are poorly presented in the park and with limited regenerative abilities of the individuals.
The present work studies the existing experience in plant reproduction. Collected propagating materials (seeds and cuttings) have been used in an in vivo experiment. The appropriate methods and techniques have been selected to ensure the greatest possible success in reproduction.
New individuals of the five species have been produced and planted in their natural habitats in Vitosha. Varying degree of survival of the new individuals has been found by subsequent monitoring.