Have you ever seen a lynx? The majestic big cat once ruled the forests in Bulgaria along with bears and wolves. Sadly, nowadays the lynx has turned into a myth, a forest ghost, and can only be seen in pictures, documentaries and the zoo. For the home this forest king once had - the ancient Bulgarian forests - is on the brink of being irreversibly destroyed. Commercial logging, construction, waste... All this leads to fewer trees, less food, no security, no chance to find a mate and rear kittens.
WWF Bulgaria team effort is a crucial factor in protecting the Bulgarian forests and wildlife. Had it not been for our perseverance, court battles and sometimes even life-threatening field work, 109 000 ha of virgin forests would not have been officially protected and made no-go areas for commercial use. Still, there is more to be done as over 50% of old Bulgarian forests need protection. Help us save them or they can be destroyed at any time now.
Each year we have field expeditions to identify the valuable forests which are not under protection yet. We hire trusted experts, equip them for the harsh conditions, and, thanks to the data they bring, we are able to carry on with the difficult negotiations with the owners of the land - state institutions or municipalities. Quite often, the experts witness crime in the forests - illegal logging or construction. We report this to the authorities and make sure they find and punish the violators.
Old Bulgarian forests are identified and protected at national level and illegal logging is steadily rooted out. The majestic lynx is less of a ghost and more of a living, breathing creature that helps restore the balance in the forest ecosystem for generations to come. Help us save its home. Help us bring the lynx back to where it belongs. The ancient Bulgarian forests.
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