Plant biodiversity hotspots mapping and prioritization in the Bulgarian floristic region Eastern Balkan Mountains

The main goal of the present study was to create a dynamic map of plant biodiversity hotspots of the Bulgarian floristic region Eastern Balkan Mountains. A GIS model, as well as a weighted value scheme for scoring each area, were created in order to identify and to prioritize the hotspots. A total number of defined hot spots of phytodiversity was 34. They were categorized into five classes, based on the cumulative weighted value scheme, and were indicated on the map using color scale. The territories into category I predominated, contrary to preceding investigations of the Black Sea coast and northeastern Bulgaria where category V predominated. In addition, an attempt to refine the borders of the floristic region was made.