Wild Leopards in Bulgaria
Help us establish Europe's first wild leopard population in modern times
A unique opportunity to support the conservation of escaped leopards in Bulgaria and build a sustainable wild population for future generations.
Current Situation
Real-time updates on Bulgaria's leopard population
Probability of Two Leopards in the Wild
There is 99% probability that there are two separate melanistic leopards in the wild in Bulgaria, given the points that they are spotted at.
Latest News
High adaptation to natural countryside environment
Recent observations suggest that there is high adaptation of the leopards and since they are more than 4 months in the wild, finding their own food and exploring Bulgaria with elegance.
Chance for successful family by end of 2026
Probability for sustainable population
Geographic distribution covered
Why Bulgaria is Perfect for Leopards
Ideal Climate
Bulgarian winters are milder than the natural habitat of Asian leopards, who can withstand temperatures down to -25°C.
Abundant Prey
61,000 deer, 48,000 wild boars, and 350,000 rabbits provide 10-15 times more prey than needed for 2-3 leopards.
Perfect Habitat
Rocky massifs in the Shumen plateau and pre-Balkan areas offer ideal refuges for breeding and raising cubs.
Shumen Leopards Reserve
Creating Europe's First Wild Leopard Monitoring Reserve
The Shumen Leopards Reserve project aims to establish a dedicated protected area where these magnificent cats can live freely while being carefully monitored by scientists and conservationists.
Our Mission
To create a sustainable habitat where leopards can thrive in their natural environment while contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts.
Advanced Monitoring System
Camera Traps Network
24/7 wildlife monitoring with motion-activated cameras
GPS Tracking
Real-time location tracking for population studies
Scientific Research
Behavioral and ecological studies by international experts
Protected Habitat
The reserve will encompass the natural territory of the Shumen leopards, providing them with safe corridors, abundant prey, and minimal human interference while allowing for scientific observation.
Bulgarian Leopard Reserve Project
Europe's First Leopard Reserve - A Historic Moment
After 127 days of continuous signals, official investment of 4.8 million BGN, camera trap footage, and 13-day-old cubs, Bulgaria stands on the threshold of the most ambitious conservation achievement in European history!
Official tourism investment
Continuous leopard activity
Confirmed leopard cubs
Vision for Shumen Leopards Reserve
15,000 hectares covering Shumen Plateau and surrounding forests
Core Zone: 8,000 ha - strictly protected
Buffer Zone: 5,000 ha - limited tourism
Transition Zone: 2,000 ha - education centers
Development Phases
2025-2027: Stabilization
Protect current 2 leopards and offspring, medical monitoring, nutritional support
2027-2030: Expansion
Import 3-4 new individuals for genetic diversity, partnerships with African zoos
2030-2035: Self-Sustaining
Self-maintaining population of 12-15 leopards, territory expansion
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about the latest developments with Bulgaria's leopard population
Mysterious Black Leopard Filmed in Dupnishko
A black leopard was filmed near the village of Krainitsi in Dupnishko. The footage shows a large cat walking through tall grass in a field near the settlement.
Read MoreBlack Leopard Spotted in Tutrakan Municipality
Another sighting of the black leopard between the villages of Bogdantsi and Tarnovtsi in Tutrakan municipality. A crisis headquarters was immediately convened.
Read MoreAuthorities Confirm: No Shooting of Black Leopard
Bulgarian authorities have confirmed that if the black leopard is found, it will not be shot but will be safely captured and relocated.
Read MoreHow You Can Help
Every contribution makes a difference in establishing Europe's first wild leopard population
Make a Donation
Support monitoring, research, and conservation efforts for the wild leopard population.
Spread Awareness
Share our mission on social media and help raise international awareness about this unique conservation opportunity.
Volunteer
Join our field research team and contribute to monitoring and protecting the leopard population.
The future of wild leopards in Bulgaria