On this day in 1953, the Dzhendema Reserve was declared with the aim of protecting valuable species and their habitats. Dzhendema is the largest reserve within the Central Balkan National Park.

With the strictest level of protection according to Bulgarian legislation, it protects and preserves a rich biological diversity of plant and animal species, as well as the various habitats they inhabit. The characteristic landscapes, composed of an unforgettable mix of majestic, almost untouched by man forests, spacious pastoral meadows, mighty, impressive rock crowns, steep slopes, deep canyons, waterfalls and sparkling rivers, are also subject to protection in Dzhendema.

Over the years, the reserve has undergone several changes in the size of its area and today the protected territory occupies 4220.2 ha.

The flora of the reserve is very diverse, with forests occupying about 70% of its area. Virgin beech forests with an average age of 100-150 years predominate. Representatives of oaks are found in the lower parts. Coniferous species - common fir and common spruce, are found in its Western parts. Nearly a third of the reserve is a treeless territory, formed under the influence of a perennial grazing regime. Among the conservationally significant plant species are yellow and spotted gentian, goldenrod, as well as local endemics - yumrukchalsko scapula and Stara Planina primrose, and the delicate silivryak, also an endemic species, grows on the limestones.

Among the animal species, there are Balkan trout, common grebe, large toad, tree frog and mountain water frog, viper, adder, mouse snake, blind lizard, viper, etc. Among the numerous bird species are Balkan partridge, yellow-billed crow, rockhopper, white-throated thrush, mountain wagtail, great spotted woodpecker, green-backed woodpecker, golden eagle, evening kestrel. The reserve is a refuge for many mammals - forest vole, hedgehog, squirrel, hare, wild cat, marten, badger, fox, roe deer and wild boar, as well as for the symbols of Bulgarian nature - red deer, wolf, and brown bear.

The reserve is the kingdom of wild goats in the National Park. They call it Dzhendema – from Turkish and means “Hell”, but for mountain dwellers such as wolves, bears, deer, wild goats, imperial and golden eagles and many other animal species, the reserve is a paradise.

Inaccessible and attractive at the same time, the Dzhendema reserve inspires awe in everyone who comes to it. With its picturesque eco-trails, impressive rock formations and memorable landscapes, the reserve annually attracts thousands of tourists who discover the magnificence of its nature and the magical power of the mountain.