The flora and founa of Easthern Rhodopes is a fascinating array of natural wanders, comprising many species unfamiliar to most Europeans.  The Easthern Rhodopes are the stronghold of vultures in south-easthern Europe. It is the only breeding area in the country for griffon vultures, the most important breeding site for the globally threatened Egyptian vulture on the Balkan peninsula and rare black vultures can also be seen circling overhead. But you can also come across subterranean worm-like lizzards, curiously shaped orchids, dwarf irises and a myriad of other strange instects.