The species is very fond of its traditional habitats and to survive, it needs old forests with abundance of forest fruits and acorns.

The species lives seasonally in the Pirin NP – in the winter it descends from the higher parts, following the wild ungulates and the domestic animals.

The marten is included in the Red Book of Bulgaria as an endangered species. It is highly sensitive regarding the quality of its living environment.

The species is quite rare today. The fact that its representatives are seen only in areas far from tourist or other forms of human activities shows that it needs quiet and peaceful habitats, undisturbed by humans.

In the last 10 years, there is an alarming tendency of reduction of doe populations all over the country. The territory of Pirin NP is no exception – here, too, the species is rare.

The Pirin species is a pure representative of the sub-species Balkan shamua, typical for the southern parts of the Balkan Peninsula (Rupicarpa rupicarpa balcanica).

All European bat species are insectivorous and of great significance to the ecosystems of regions with large colonies (e.g. over 100 individuals).

Two nesting pairs are established in the park.

The species is in a critical state: rarely occurring, with low numbers during the breeding season and clear tendency to decreasing of the nesting pairs on the park's territory during the last 2 –3 decades.

Three pairs nest in the park. The species may be observed during the breeding season both in the park and in the adjacent territories, where 4-5 more pairs are probably nesting.