The urbanization and the expansion of human settlements led to the adaptation of many animal species to living close to humans, often using buildings for roosting. Panel buildings are particularly attractive to rock-dwelling animals such as swifts, swallows, pigeons, and bats due to their numerous cracks and crevices. The abundance of these structures in Eastern Europe has led to the establishment of numerous bird and bat colonies in the cities. However, the recent renovation and insulation of these buildings, while beneficial to residents, threatens the roosts. Construction workers are sometimes unaware of animal presence and inadvertently destroy nests or colonies. Rapid assessments before renovation are essential to rescue individuals and ensure the planning of alternative roosts for bats and birds. We conducted a pilot survey of 61 residential buildings in five municipalities in Bulgaria: Razgrad, Popovo, Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, and Bobov Dol, to assess bird and bat biodiversity. We performed field assessments using direct observation, thermal cameras, ultrasonic detection, sunset counts, and endoscopic cameras. The most commonly detected bird species were the house martin, barn swallow, common swifts, the Eurasian jackdaw, pigeons, and sparrows. The most commonly detected bat species were the common pipistrelle, noctule, and Kuhl’s pipistrelle. Additionally, we discuss the specifics of the “soviet-type” buildings as nesting facilities for pigeons and the impact of the pigeons on the “micro ecology” of the blocks. Our study aimed to guide conservation actions and awareness during the expanding renovation efforts of old buildings in Bulgaria.

Objective: The study aimed to establish the level of knowledge in the field of general zoology among adolescents, with a view to the protection of wildlife. Theoretical Framework: The research was based on the objectives of training in the disciplin “Biology and Health Education” in the relevant school grades. It was assumed that knowledge in general zoology forms an essential basis for understanding biodiversity and the need for its protection. Method: Questionnaires were designed based on the biology curriculum objectives. The survey involved students from eighth to twelfth grades in schools in Shumen, Razgrad, and Smyadovo during the 2024/2025 academic year, with a total of 1075 participants. Schools were grouped by biology teaching intensity (extended or regular programs) and statistical analysis was conducted to compare knowledge levels between the groups. Results and Discussion: The analysis showed that students with more intensive biology training had higher zoological knowledge than those with standard curriculum. Low knowledge on some key topics was observed, indicating insufficient integration of core concepts. This could represent a factor which impacts students’ attitudes toward wildlife conservation. Research Implications: The study provided original empirical data. The findings emphasize the need to strengthen zoological content in biology education to improve knowledge concerning biodiversity among adolescents. Identifying knowledge gaps offers valuable guidance for curriculum development and environmental education. Originality/Value: This study contributed original empirical evidence on adolescents’ zoological knowledge in Bulgarian schools. It pointed out differences between students recieving intensive and standard biology training and highlighted key knowledge gaps that affected biodiversity understanding. The findings offered practical insights for improving education programs and promoting of wildlife conservation awareness.

The present study represents empirical research, the purpose of which was to investigate the attitudes towards the species of the Suborder Snakes (Serpentes) and of the Order Turtles (Testudines) among adolescents. We aimed to determine the risks regarding the conservation of herpetofauna. Questionnaires were constructed, adequate to the learning objectives of the subject "Biology and Health Education" in the respective classes. Students from the seventh, ninth, and eleventh grades in two of the schools in the city of Shumen (NE Bulgaria) were surveyed. The total number of respondents was 426, of which 198 were for attitudes towards snakes and 228 were for attitudes towards turtles. The results of the present study showed the problems in the field of protecting the biological diversity of snakes and turtles in Bulgaria. The attitude toward snakes was clearly negative, and that toward tortoises was extremely positive. A very low level of environmental culture was detected. The vast majority of the recipients insisted on an in-depth revision of the education plans in Biology. Unfortunately, the analysis of the textbook content used for the education of the recipients indicated an insufficient and improper selection of information concerning reptiles. Since once established, attitudes are difficult to change, the main target group of education efforts must be concentrated on secondary course students.

The study represents the results of a long-term (2016 to 2021) survey on the herpetofauna inhabiting the vicinity of a heavily loaded section of the road E 87. The investigated road splits a Protected site from the net NATURA 2000 BG0000271 “Mandra-Poda”. The Protected site is known for its high biodiversity and its dense populations of vertebrates, which thrive in the area. Directly near the inspected road and on the pavement, we were able to detect five species of snakes, three species of turtles and two species of lizards. Among the squamates, rare observations were made of the European nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes), detected twice, and the European glass lizard (Pseudopus apodus), detected three times. Three other species—the Bloched snake (Elaphe sauromates), the Caspian whipsnake (Dolichophis caspius) and the Rhodos green lizard (Lacerta dyplochondrodes)—were found in larger numbers during some of the field surveys and here we provide information concerning the hot moments of their activity in the vicinity of the road. The Grass snakes (Natrix natrix) and the Dice snakes (N. tessellata) formed dense groups in the direct vicinity (closer than one and half meters) of the investigated road section. Despite the high number of recorded snakes and lizards, only isolated cases of vehicle collisions were observed. We suggest that the local squamate population had developed a complex of ethological specifics related to feeding, basking, shading, and copulation, which helped them to benefit from the road and avoid the risks related to the heavy traffic.

Objective: The aim of this study was to propose a low-cost but reliable algorithm for monitoring various biological processes in nature and to demonstrate how teachers can educate students about the impact of certain environmental factors on vertebrates, which would help achieve SDGs Goal 4. Theoretical Framework: The study was based on knowledge of the biology of anamniotic tetrapods and their potential use as educational objects. The approach was linked to the concept of learning through observation and experience, where students acquire ecological and evolutionary understanding through real-life field studies. Method: Based on preliminary selection and expertise, a program was developed for conducting educational biological excursions aimed at observing mating behavior, reproduction and the embryonic development of larvae in two frog species from the genus Rana – R. dalmatina and R. temporaria. These species are widely distributed in Europe and often inhabit peri-urban areas, which facilitates access to their natural habitats. Results and Discussion: Observations showed that the Rana species exhibit relatively uniform and predictable mating behavior, allowing effective use in educational activities. The developed algorithm ensured repeatability and a high probability of successful field observations. Research Implications: The proposed model for outdoor lessons is suitable for students aged 12 to 18 years. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical observation of live organisms, fostering ecological thinking and interest in natural sciences. Originality/Value: The study provides an original and accessible approach to biology education through observation of real biological processes in natural environments. The developed algorithm can serve as a practical guide for teachers to organize educational excursions, supporting the development of ecological awareness and understanding of the relationship between the living organisms and their environment.