The population of the white stork in Bulgaria grows by a third in 10 years

EPP North and BSPB are working on a joint project for the conservation of the species

For the eighth time in a row, the international census of the white stork in Bulgaria showed that the nesting population in Bulgaria has increased by 33% in the last decade. In 2024—2025, 9527 nests were recorded, of which 7749 were occupied by pairs, and successfully bred cubs were 17,530. For comparison, in the 2014 census, 6981 nests were reported, of which 5825 were occupied.

The most preferred nesting place remains the electric poles - as many as 8339 nests are on them. It is also gratifying that the number of nests on secured artificial platforms has increased significantly — 5620. This is the result of the long-term cooperation between the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) and the electricity distribution companies in the country. In North-East Bulgaria, BSPB works in partnership with ERP North, which actively assist in securing risky nests and installing new platforms.

The most occupied nests were reported in Haskovo (864), Plovdiv (849) and Sofia (601) districts, and the fewest — in Dobrich (76), Gabrovo (62) and Smolyan (5). Among the settlements with the largest number of nests stand out with. Banya (51), s. Rupite (50), p. Rayovo and town. Bourgas (48 each).

The white stork remains a symbol of spring and one of the brightest indicators of the state of the environment. The positive results are a clear sign that the conservation efforts in our country are bearing real fruit.

Photo: © Svetoslav Spasov/BSPB