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Vulture poisoning in Central Balkan National Park

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2026-08-22 00:35 UTC → 2026-08-24 11:43 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Authorities in Bulgaria are investigating a mass poisoning event in the Central Balkan National Park that killed several rare birds. The incident involved the death of ~~seven~~ eight vultures—including four black, three griffon, and one bearded vulture—as well as one raven. One of the victims, a young bearded vulture named Boev, was a significant loss to conservation efforts. Boev had been hatched at the Ostrava Zoo and was part of the international Bearded Vulture LIFE repatriation project, representing the first time the species had been seen in the wild in Bulgaria in over 50 years. Investigators suspect the birds died after consuming a cow carcass that had been intentionally laced with poison, a method sometimes used by livestock owners to deter predators. A 36-year-old ~~man~~ man, identified as Lalyo Bichev, has been arrested. While prosecutors requested pre-trial detention, the Plovdiv District Court recently granted Bichev release on a 3,000 euro bail. The court noted that Bichev is a firefighter, a father of three, and has no prior criminal record. The defense has indicated they will appeal the bail amount, describing it as “unaffordable for the defendant’s family.” The Plovdiv District Prosecutor's Office is overseeing the case under laws protecting endangered species, with potential penalties including up to five years in prison. ~~A 36-year-old livestock breeder from Kalofere has reportedly confessed to the crime. Authorities believe the poisoned meat was likely intended as bait for bears.~~ Experts from the Green Balkans Rescue Center noted that the scale of the crime is larger than expected, impacting vulture populations across southern Bulgaria, including carcasses found in Vrachanski Balkan Park and Madzharovo. During autopsies, specialists reported severe physical symptoms in the birds, such as dizziness and skin irritation, due to the potency of the toxin. Bulgaria. Officials are now calling for a review of livestock farming management within national parks to prevent future conflicts between agriculture and wildlife protection.

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