The preparation for the shooting of "The Expendables 2" has had a
serious impact on the colony of protected species and bats that live in
the Devetashka cave near Lovech, according to experts from Bulgaria's
National Natural History Museum.
Last week environmentalists protested that the shooting of the action
movie could have fatal consequences for the bats inhabiting the cave.
The Devetashka Cave is considered to be among the three most important
natural habitats of bats in Europe, with hibernating bat colonies
reaching 60 000 bats of 11 species.
Two of the 11 species living in the Devetashka Cave are on the Red List
of Threatened Species.
According to biologists, the noise on the shooting site has disturbed
the slumber of bats and has forced them to go deeper into the cave.
A check showed that bats had been chased out of the semi-dark part of
the cave and had moved further inside near the lakes.
Experts have warned that bats are currently at their most vulnerable and
can be easily woken up, which could have fatal consequences.
Environmental activists have insisted that the prosecution investigate
the legality of shooting on the location.
On Tuesday, the Regional Environmental Inspectorate in the Northern
Bulgarian town of Pleven issued a statement of offense to
Bulgarian-based NU Boyana Film Studios for cutting down the vegetation
surrounding the nearby Devetashka cave.
Under Bulgarian legislation in the sphere, NU Boyana Film Studios faces
a fine of BGN 500 to BGN 5 000.
The region was inspected after a signal was filed by the local Green
Balkans NGO.
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