Strasbourg, 2 December 2004                                                            T-PVS/Emerald (2004) 8

[T-PVS/Emerald 08e.04]                                                                                                    English only

CONVENTION ON THE conservation of EUROPEAN wildlife

and natural habitats

Group of Experts for the setting up

of the Emerald Network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest

---ooOoo---

Emerald Network Pilot Project in Georgia

- Final Report -

Document established by

The Ministry  of Environment and Natural Resources

of Georgia


Introduction

In February of 2002 Georgia was invited by Council of Europe to join the Emerald process by taking part in the Emerald Network pilot project. Georgia  being a country in the process of ratification of the Bern Convention (Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats), has taken fully into consideration provisions of the Convention and following the Recommendation #16 (1989) and Resolution #3 (1996) has started up the Emerald Network.

The overall objective of this project was to develop a pilot database, containing the fair proportion of the Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCI) and submit the proposal of the selected sites to the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention.

The pilot project will serve as a ground for accelerating the process of accession of Georgia to the Bern Convention and can be used to define more areas of national importance for nature conservation.

At the first stage of the project 6 sites were chosen as Emerald sites. At the second stage of the project additional 11 sites were chosen.

Selected Potential ASCI-s

The proposed potential ASCIs were based on the criteria listed in Recommendation No16(1989), and according to the species listed in Resolution No6 (1998) and Emerald habitats listed in Resolution No4 (1996).

 Code

Biogeographic region

Site name

Longitide

X (E)

Latitude

Y (N)

Area (ha)

GEO00007

stepic

Vashlovani

46029’45”

41006’50”

33594

GEO00008

alpine

Tebulo-diklo

45 039’10”

42 030’20

15077

GEO00009

alpine

Borbalo-speroza

45020’35”

42022’45”

13481

GEO00010

alpine

OreTi

45041’15”

42019’25”

10536

GEO00011

alpine

Upper ratcha

43035’40”

42051’30”

15000

GEO00012

alpine

Lower ratca

43026’45”

42044’45”

33000

GEO00013

alpine

Askhi

42035’15”

42037’40”

8000

GEO00014

alpine

Khvamli

42045’20”

42033’15”

4000

GEO00015

alpine

Laila laheli

42035’55”

42055’15”

21000

GEO00016

alpine

Tsekuri

42036’25

42043’35

16000

GEO00017

anatolian

Khanchali

43032’30

41016’05

 1500


DESCRIPTION OF EMERALD TERRITORIES

VASHLOVANI

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Vashlovani is located in the steppe biogeographical region.

LOCATION

Vashlovani is located in the South-Eastern part of Georgia, and administratively is situated in the Dedoplistskaro region.

CONSERVATIONAL STATUS

The territory of Emerald is a protected territory, including a reserve (the I category of IUCN) with the area of  8480 ha, and national park (II category of IUCN) with the area of 25114 ha.

AREA

The total area constitutes 33594 ha.

HABITATS AND VEGETATION

In the studied territory we can see mainly steppe, polidominant hemixerophilic shrubs (shibljak and phrigana), arid light forest and riparian forest.

Steppe vegetation is defined by Bothriochloetum which are represented on the largest areas. On terrace plains and lowlands we can mainly see Glycyrrhizieto (G.glabra)-Bothriochloeta; on Northern slopes – Bothriochloeta-Xeroherbos with and xerophitic herbacuouse vegetation  legums; on Southern heavy scree slopes Bothriochloeta-Ephemerosa is spread; in lowlands - Bothriochloeta-Pratohebosa with the elements of Bothriochloetum medows The main associations of Bothriochloetum formation are: 1) Botriochloetum-Stiposo-Artemisiosum); 2) Botriochloetum –Stiposum, 3) Botriochloetum-Stiposo-Festucosum; 4) Botriochloetum – Artemisiosum; 5) Botriochloetum-Stiposo capillatae; 6) Botriochloetum-varioherbosum.

PHRIGANA (SHIBLJAK – POLIDOMINANT HEMIXEROPHILIC SHRUB). Especially large areas are occupied by different versions of Paliureta –typus shibljak, Astragaleta-typus phrygana. The area of their spread encompasses mainly dry ravines, depression, Northern slopes of clifs and hills. The following types of shrubs are of relatively wide spread Caraganetum-Artemisiosoephemerosum; Caragaletum-Paliurosum; Cotineto-Paliuretum-Stiposum; Astragaletum-Kochiosum; Paliuretum-Botriochloosum and others.

THE ARID LIGHT FORESTS are mainly formed by two species: sakmlis xis East-Mediterranean-Iranian species Pistacia mutica and the species spread in East-Mediterranean area – Juniperus foetidissima. The associations of Junipereta, J. foetidissima are: 1) Juniperetum-Rhamnosa- Stiposum; 2) Juniperetum-Loniceroso ibericae-Stiposa;  3) Juniperetum – Mixtofruticoso (typus shibljak) - graminossum; 4) Juniperetum-Paliuroso-Botrichloosum; 5) Juniperetum-Astragaloso – Mixtoherbosum; 6) Juniperetum-Cotinoso-Bothrichloosum; 7) Juniperetum-Rhamnoso-Bothriochloosum; 8) Juniperetum-Paliuroso- Graminosum; 9) Juniperetum-Ephedroso- Graminosum; 10) Juniperetum-Pistacioso-Paliurosum; 11) Juniperetum-Cotinoso-Paliurosum.

Here there are such species of  Juniper as Juniperus xycedrus, J.oblonga, J.polycarpos.

The classical types of Pistachio are represented in the Vashlovani Reserve. There are the following association groups: Pistacieta semidesertosa, where sakmlis xis light forest is developed on the background of the associations of complexes of desert and steppe, whichy is created by such characteristic species as: Botriochloa iscchaemum, Salsosa ericoides, Kochia prostrata, Artemisia fragrans, Stipa capillata, St.lessingiana and others. The noted forms of Pistachio are mainly developed on the “bottom” of the reserve, whereas Pistacieta-Botriochloosa is featured on stone slopes and hills. In those places where is created by the steppe grass community we can see the associations of Pistacieta –Stiposa.

In the territory of Vashlovani we can also see the trees of Punia granatum and Pyrus salicifolia.

In Flood plane forest Populus hybrida and Quercus pedunculifolia are of main importance. Lianas and Poplars are developed on the first and the second terrace from the river-bed, while further, where the ground waters are relatively deep, are developed Flood plane forest with dominace of Quercus pedunculifolia.

Here we can also see Carpinus caucasicus, Fraxinus excelsior, Ulmus carpinifolia, Acer platanoides, Robinia pseudoacacia and others. In the subforest:  Crataegus kytostyla, C.curvisepala, Mespilus germanica, Ligustrum vulgare, Swida australis, Lonicera kaprifolia; lianas Smilax excelsa, Vitis sylvestris, Periploca greca, Hedera Helix, H.pastuchovii and others.

SPECIES

The animal world of the Vashlovani protected territories is featured by high diversity of species. On this relatively small territory 46 species of mammals, 132 species of birds, 30 species of amphibians and reptiles, 16 species of fish, numerous types of insects and protozoa are found (the complete species composition of the latter is not identified yet).

Mammals

From the species of mammals represented on the Vashlovani territory the bear – (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), wild swine – (Sus scrofa attila) are noted. Here the species of the National Red List are spread, such as Felis lynx, Hyaena hyaena, Lutra lutra meridionalis. Panthera pardus tuliana registered here recently is of special importance. An evidence for that is a photo of a leopard, the first photo made in Georgia for the last fifty years. 

Mammals spread on the territory of the Vashlovani National Park

Allactaga elater

Microtus majori

Allactaga willamsi

Microtus socialis

Apodemus fulvipectus

Microtus subterraneus

Apodemus ponticus

Miniopterus schrebersi

Apodemus sylvaticus

Mus macedonicus

Arvicola terrestris

Mus musculus

Barbastella leucomelas

Mustela nivalis

Canis aureus

Myocastor coypus

Canis lupus

Myotis blythii

Cervus elaphus

Myotis daubentoni

Cricetulus migratorius

Myotis emarginatus

Crocidura gueldenstaedtii

Myotis mystacinus

Crocidura suaveolens

Neomys fodiens

Dryomys nitedula

Nyctalus leisleri

Eliomys quercinus

Nyctalus noctula

Ellobius lutescens

Nyctereutes procyonoides

Eptesicus serotinus

Panthera pardus

Erinaceus concolor


Pipistrellus kuhli

Erinaceus europaeus

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Felis chaus

Pipistrellus pygmaeus

Felis silvestris

Plecolus auritus

Gazella subgutturoza

Procyon lotor

Glis glis

Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Hemiechinus auritus

Rhinolophus hipposideros

Hyaena hyaena

Rhinolophus mehelyi

Hystrix cristata

Sciurus anomalus

Lepus europeus

Sorex araneus

Lutra lutra

Sorex minutus

Lynx lynx

Sorex volnuchini

Martes foina

Suncus etruscus

Martes martes

Sus scrofa

Meles meles

Talpa caucasica

Meriones blackleri

Talpa levantis

Meriones lybicus

Ursus arctos

Mesocricetus brandti

Vulpes vulpes

Birds

Many sparrow-type species will spend winter on the noted territory. Among them the most numerous are: Sturnus vulgaris, Fringilla coelebs, Carduelis carduelis, and Turdus viscivorus. It seems that the birds of prey are attracted by the number of sparrow-type birds. We can often see here Accipiter nisus and Accipiter gentilis. From Vultures three species are notable: Aegypius monachus; Gyps fulvus and Gypaetus barbatus. From Galiformes: Phasianus colchicus, Alectoris chukar and Coturnix coturnix are found. Tetrax tetrax was registered on the Vashlovani territory. This bird is included in the Red Book of Georgia and in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature /IUCN/. From waterfowl Tadorna ferruginea is noted.

Birds found on the territory of the Vashlovani National Park

Accipiter gentilis

Gypaetus barbatus

Accipiter nisus

Gyps fulvus

Aegithalos caudatus

Lullula arborea

Aegypius monachus

Miliaria calandra

Alauda arvensis

Oenanthe spp.

Alectoris chukar

Parus caeruleus

Aquila chrysaetos

Parus major

Ardea cinerea

Passer domesticus

Buteo buteo

Passer hyspaniolensis

Carduelis carduelis

Petronia petronia

Carduelis chloris

Phalacrocorax carbo

Circus cianeus

Phasianus colchicus

Coccothraustes coccothraustes

Phoenicurus ochruros

Columba livia

Pica pica

Columba palumbus

Prunella modularis

Corvus corax

Regulus regulus

Corvus corone

Scolopax rusticola

Coturnix coturnix

Serinus pusillus

Dendrocopos major

Sitta neumayer

Dendrocopos minor

Strix aluco

Emberiza cia

Sturnus vulgaris

Emberiza citrinella

Tadorna ferruginea

Falco columbarius

Tetrax tetrax

Falco peregrinus

Tichodroma muraria

Falco tinnunculus

Troglodytes troglodytes

Fringilla coelebs

Turdus merula

Fringilla montifringilla

Turdus philomelos

Galerida cristata

Turdus pilaris

Garrulus glandarius

Turdus viscivorus


Reptiles and amphibians

From reptiles Testudo graeca, Eryx jacululs, Ablepharus pannonicus, Eumeces shneideri, Vipera lebetina, Elaphe guatuorliniata, and others should be noted. The species composition of amphibians is less diverse. Here we can see Bufo viridis, Bufo bufo, Hyla  arborea, Rana ridibunda.

Reptiles and amphibians found on the territory of the Vashlovani National Park

 Agama caucasica

 Lacerta deriugini

 Angius fragilis

 Lacerta praticola

Bufo viridis

 Lacerta strigata

Bufu byfo

 Lacerta triliniata

 Coluber jugularis

 Lacerta viridis

 Coluber nagaclum

 Mapholon monspessularus

 Coronela austriaca

 Mauremys caspica

 E. modestus

 Natrix natrix

 Eirenis collavis

 Natrix tescellata

 Elaphe hohenackeri

 Ophisaurus apodus

 Elaphe quatuorlineata

 Rana ridibunda

 Erix jaculus

 Telescopus fallex

 Hyla  arborea

 Testudo graeca

 Lacerta agilis

 Vipera lebetina

Fish

The main river of Vashlovani is Alazani. Here we can find Silurus glanis, Lucioperca lucioperca, Blicca bjoerkna, Cyprinus carpio, Chalacalburnus chalcoides, Gobius cephalarges transcaucasica, Barbus lacerta, Leuciscus cephalus and others.

Fish found on the territory of the Vashlovani National Park

 Abramis brama orientalis

Ctenopharingodon idell

Aspius aspius taeniatus

Cyprinus carpio

Barbus capito

 Gobius cephalarges transcaucasica

Barbus lacerta cyri

Hipophtalmichthys molitrix

Barbus mursa

Leuciscus cephalus orientalis

Blicca bjoerkna transcaucasica

Lucioperca lucioperca

Chalcalburnus chalcoides

Silurus glanis

Cobitis aurata

Varicorhinus capoeta


TEBULO – DIKLO, BORBALO-SPEROZA, ORETI              

The three represented territories are located near each other, are identical by vegetation and composition of animals, though isolated by the lines of populated area and territories of economic use. Therefore we considered it necessary these territories to be presented independently as Emerald territories.

Physical and geographic characteristics

Bio-geographical region

Tebulo – Diklo, Borbalo-Speroza and Oreti territories are located in the Alpine bio-geographical region.

Location

All the three territories are located in the Northern part of Georgia in the Akhmeta administrative region.

Name

Code

Longitude

Latitude

Tebulo – Diklo

GE000008

45 039’10”

42 030’20

Borbalo-Speroza

GE000009

45020’35”

42022’45”

Oreti

GE000010

45041’15”

42019’25”

Conservation status

All this Emerald sites is a protected Areas “National Park (IUCN II category)

Area

The area constitutes

Site Name

Area (ha)

Tebulo – Diklo,

15077

Borbalo-Speroza,

13481

Oreti

10536

HABITATS AND VEGETATION COVER

Forest belt in Tusheti with its upper part is represented by the subbelts of Pinus sosnowskyi and Betula litwinowii, from 1650 meters to 1800-1900 meters above the sea level. Subalpine belt goes higher (up to 2500-2550 meters a. s. l.), where the forest vegetation is represented by the same formations – Pinus sosnowskyi and Betula litwinowii.

Pinus sosnowskyi are featured by geo-botanical diversity. Here the large group of associations is represented, among which the typical Northern (boreal) associations as well as the associations peculiar to the Caucasus pinous associations, are noted. Pinetum myrtilosum is the most widely distributed, which dominates within the limits of 1900-2400 meters above the sea level in pinous forests. Ravines are monodominant with individual species of Populus tremula, Sorbus caucasigena, Salix caprea. From shrubs there is Rhododendron caucasicum. Vaccinium myrtillus is dominant in the cover, with occasional individuals of Vaccinium vitis idaea and Linnaea borealis, Coodiera repens, Pirola media and others. The association with the cover of Oxalis acetosella is less widespread. Vaccinium vitis idaea is found on the very steep slopes with poor soils and bulging places. Hylocomium splendens, Poa nemoralis, and Luniperus oblonga (L. Depressa) are developed in similar conditions. Pinous with the sub-forest of Rhododendron luteum, also pinous with the different vegetation cover and others are found in relatively humid places (soft relief, exposition slopes of East and West.

Berch forests (Betula litwinowii) dominate on the Northern slopes and the slopes of the exposition transient to North. They account for almost half of Tusheti forests. The birch forests are represented by the two association groups: Rhododendron caucasicum and Betuleta herbosa. Among the latter the association Calamagrostis arundinacea is widely distributed. The associations Ribes biebersteinii, Lonicera xylosteum, Salix kazbekensis are less widely spread.

In subalpine and alpine zones the meadows (hayfields and pastures), also those of Rhododendron caucasicum are widely spread. The cenoses of meadows and Rhododendron caucasicum, which are developed in subalpine zone, up to 2300 m above the sea level, must be considered as secondary vegetation, they have developed as secondary vegetation after the destruction of the forests (uncontrolled cut, fire). Above 2300 meters (Subalps, Alps) primary high mountain meadows and Rhododendron caucasicum are spread. On the slopes of Northern exposition in Subalps (also the upper subzone of forest zone) the Juniperus oblonga, J. depressa, J. Sabina are spread, which in most cases are secondary (developed after the destruction of the pinous). High grass is found in form of small areas and fragments on the slopes of Northern exposition (birch “windows”, forest edges), flatnesses, hollows. High grass of Tusheti is totally deprived of Kolkhetian species. Among leading species it should be mentioned: Heracleum sosnowskyi, Telekia speciosa, Aconitum orientale, Senecio rhombifolius, Veratrum lobelianum and others. Tusheti highland meadows are phitocenologically diverse.Especially widespread are Nardus glabriculmis, Festuca varia, Alchimilla sp., Sibbaldia parviflora, Carex tristis medows.

In subniveal zone (3000 meters above the sea level) the open cenoses are found (vegetation of rocky places and scree vegetation), while in relatively favourable conditions (places with thin soil) we can see small areas and fragments of Alpine meadow (Festuca varia, Colpodium variegatum, Sibbaldia semiglabra, Veronica minuta, Cerastium purpuraglens and others).

ANIMALS

Mammals

From mammals found here the Front-Asian panther (Panthera pardus tuliana) is notable. We are regularly informed about the distribution of the panther from local population. Capra aegagrus caucasica represents species rare for Georgia. This species is found in narrow rocky ravines of Khevsureti and Mtatusheti. From the same family (Bovidae) Capra cylindricornis and Rupicapra rupicapra caucasica are found here, the number of which is being reduced in the whole Caucasus. From other hoofed animals roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) are found here.

From other beasts of prey, apart from Front-Asian panther, there are: lynx (Felis lynx diniki), wild cat (Felis sylvestris), wolf (Canis lupus cubanensis). From other predators (Lutra lutra meridionalis) is notable, which, in fact is endangered.

Mammals found on the territory of Tebulo – Diklo, Borbalo-Speroza, Oreti

Apodemus flavicolis

Myotis bechsteini

Apodemus sylvaticus

Myotis brandti 

Barbastela barbastela

Myotis emarginatus

Canis aureus

Myotis nattereri

Canis lupus cubanensis

Neomys Schelkovnicovi

Capra aegagrus caucasica

Nyctalus lasiopterus

Capra cylindricornis

Nyctalus leisleri

Capreolus capreolus

Nyctalus noctula

Chionomys  gud

Panthera pardus tulliana

Chionoys roberti

Pipistrelus nathusii

Crocidura diniki

Pipistrelus pipistrelus 

Crocidura gueldenstaedti

Pipistrelus savii

Dryomys nitedula

Plegotus auritus

Erinaseus europaeus

Plegotus austriacus

Felis (Lynx) linx

Prometheomys Schaposhnikov

Felis sylvestris caucasica

Rhinopolus ferrumequinum

Lepus europaeus

Rhinopolus mehelyi

Lutra lutra meridinalis

Rupicapra rupicapra caucasica

Martes foina

Sciuorus anomalus

Martes martes

Sciurus vulgaris

Meles meles

Sorex raddei

Microtus arvalis

Sus scrofa

Microtus daghestanicus

Tadarida teniotis

Microtus mayori

Talpa caucasica

Microtus socialis

Ursus arctos

Miniopteris schreibersi

Vulpes vulpes

Birds

From bird species Gypaettus barbatus, Aguila chrysaetus, Helyatos albicilla, Falco peregrinus are notable. From other birds Caucasian endemic species are notable. These are: Tetrao mlokosiewiczi, and Tetraogalus caucasica.

Birds found on the territory of Tebulo – Diklo, Borbalo-Speroza, Oreti

Accipiter gentilis 

Gipaetus barbatus 

Accipiter hadine 

Grus grus 

Accipiter nisus 

Gyps fulvus

Aegithalis caudatus  

Haliaetus albicila 

Aguila nypalensis 

Hirundo rustica 

Aigipius  monachus 

Lanius cristatus  

Alauda convensis 

Lanius minor  

Alectoris chukar 

Lulula arborea  

Alpus alpus 

Luscinea luscinea 

Anas crecca

Luscinia megarihinchos 

Anas platirinchos 

Melanicorypha calande 

Anser anser 

Motacila alba 

Anthropoides  virgo 

Motacila cinerea  

Anthus spinoletta 

Motacila flava  

Anthus trivialis 

Muscicapa albicollis 

Aquila chrisaetos 

Muscicapa parva  

Aquila clanga 

Muscicapa striata  

Aquila pennata 

Oenanthe  hispanica 

Aquila pomarina 

Oenanthe oenanthe 

Ardea cinerea  

Oriolus oriolus 

Ardea purpurea 

Otus scops 

Asio otus 

Parus ater

Asio plemincus 

Parus coeraleus  

Athene noctua 

Parus maior 

Bombicilla garrulus  

Passer domesticus  

Botaurus stellaris 

Perdix perdix 

Buteo buteo 

Phoenierus erithrigaster 

Cerchia familiaris 

Phoenierus ochriros 

Chloris chloris  

Phoenierus phoenierus 

Cinclus cinclus 

Phyloscopus collibibitus 

Circus cianeus 

Phyloscopus trochilus 

Coccothrausthes coccothrausthes 

Pica pica

Columba livia 

Picus viridis 

Columba palumbus 

Prunella collaris 

Conturnix conturnix

Prunella modularis 

Coracias garrulus

Ptionoprogne repestris 

Corvus corax

Pyrhula pyrhula  

Corvus cornix

Pyrrocorax dorilis 

Corvus frugilegus  

Pyrrocorax graculus 

Corvus monedula

Regulus regulus 

Dendrocopos leucotos 

Saxicola  tocuata  

Dendrocopus mayor 

Saxicola roberta 

Dendrocopus medius 

Scolopax rusticola 

Dendrocopus minor 

Serinus pussliius  

Dryocopus matrius 

Silvia articapila 

Egretta alba 

Silvia carruca 

Egretta gezetta 

Sitta europaea 

Emberiza cia 

Streptopelia turtur 

Emberiza citrinella

Strix aluco 

Emberiza hortulana 

Sturnus vulgaris 

Emberiza melanocephala 

Tetrao mlokosiewiczi 

Eremophila alpestris 

Tetraogalus caucasicus 

Erithrachus rubeala 

Tichodroma muraria 

Falco columberius  

Tringa hypoleucus 

Falco peregrinus 

Troglotides troglotides  

Falco subbuteo

Turdus ericetorum 

Falco tinunculus 

Turdus merula 

Falco verspertinus 

Turdus musicus 

Fringila coelebs 

Turdus torquatus 

Fringila montifringila 

Turdus viscovorus 

Galerida cristata 

Upupa epops

Garduelis breorostris 

Reptiles and amphibians

From amphibians Vipera kaznakovi is notable – Caucasian endemic species found in Mtatusheti

Reptiles and amphibians found on the territory of Tebulo – Diklo, Borbalo-Speroza, Oreti

Species

Angius fragilis 

Bufo bufo 

Bufo viridis 

Coronela austriaca 

Hila arborea 

Lacerta rudis 

Lacerta saxicola 

Natrix natrix 

Nattrix tesselata 

Rana macrocnemis 

Rana ridibunda 

Vipera kazankovi 

Fish

On this territory there is only one species found - Salmo fario.

 

UPPER RATCHA

BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGION

The Emerald territory of  Upper Ratcha is located in the Alpine biogeographical region

Location

The territory is located on the main ridge of Georgian Caucasus in the Oni district.

Code

Longitude

Latitude

GEO00011

43035’40”

42051’30”

Area

The area constitutes 14800 ha.

HABITATS AND VEGETATION COVER

Forest, Subalpine, Alpine, Subniveal and Niveal height zones are well-expressed on the noted territory.

The mixed deciduous and Oack forests are well-developed in the forest zone on the height of 1000-1200 meters above the sea level. Fagus orientalis, Ulmus carpinifolia, Carpinus caucasica, Acer platanoides, Castanea sativa, Quercus hartwisiana, Acer laetum, Tilia caucasica are the edificators. Georgian oak forests and Quercus iberica take large areas. In some places oak species are mixed with Sorbus torminalis and Viburnum orientalis. In spite of the fact that Upper Ratcha is quite remote from the sea and its climate is continental, the Colchetian forest is well-represented here by Rhododendron  ponticum, Laurocerasus officinalis, Vaccinium arctostaphilos.

In the highland region of Upper Ratcha at the height of 1200-1800 (2000) meters both monodominant and mixed type forests of Beech and Fir forests are represented:. In the same zone there are Quercus iberic and , Pinus kochiana Both in deciduous/oak forests and mixed forests we can see apart from the Colchetian subforest the subforests of Mespilus germanica, Crataegus kyrtostyla, Ligisticum vulgare, Cotinus cogigria, Corylus avellana, Euonimus latifolia, Rhododendron luteum.

Forestvegetation changes substantially together with the increase of height above the sea level. In Subalpine zone we can see forests at the height of 2200-2400 meters only occasionally, which create small stands. In mountains the upper borders of forest are created by Betula litwinowii, Sorbus caucasigena, Salix caprea, Acer trautvetterii, Populus tremula. From the physionomic types of Subalpine forest are notable; parklands with presence of Acer trautvetterii. From Subalpine shrubs  Ribes biebersteinii, Rhododendron caucasicum, Daphne mezereum, Rhododendron luteum, different species of Rosa and others. According to our investigations the dendroflora treasury of Ratcha highlands (the heights of 1900-2500 m above the sea level) includes 32 species, which are grouped in 11 families and 17 genuses.

In Ratcha Caucasus the Subalpine and Alpine mesophilic grasslands (Geranium gymnocaulon, Betonica macrantha, Anthylis variegata, Lotus caucasicus, Trifolium campestre, T. canescens, Vicia grossheimii, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Bromopsis variegata, Galamagrostis arundinacea, Festuca djimilensis, Dactulis glomerata, Pleum alpinium, Trifoloum ambiguum, T. canecens, Pedicularis condensata, Ranunculus clegans, R. raddeanus) are featured by especial floristic diversity.

Floristic diversity of Subalpine high grass includes approximately 60 species. From these especially notable are such elements of Colkhetian types of the area as Cicerbita prenanthoides, Grossheimia polyphylla, Inula magnifica, Cirsium svaneticum, Telekia speciosa and others. Senecio poyarkovae, S.othonae, Cicarbita racemosa, C. petiolata are commonly found in forest belt


SPECIES

From the faunistic viewpoint the Emerald territory of Upper Ratcha is a very important and diverse part. The reason for that is that here we can see: forest zone, in which coniferous, deciduous and mixed forest are found ; Subalpine and Alpine zone.

From large mammals here we can find chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), lynx (Lunx lynx), otter (Lytra lutra), fox (Vulres vulpes), and others. From these lynx and otter are included in the Red Book of Georgia. Besides, this place is of special importance from the faunistic standpoint, because here the habitats of two species of  Caprinae, included in the Red List of IUCN, overlap. These types are Eastern Caucasian (Capra cylindricornis) and Western Caucasian (Capra caucasica). Ornitofauna of the Oni region is also diverse and interesting. Here three endemic species of Caucasus are found, which are : Philoscopus lorenzi, Tetraoghalus caucasica, Tetrao mlockosiewiczi.  The latter is included in the Red Book of Georgia and the Red List of IUCN. The mountain eagle and lamergaier are the Red Book species too, the number of which has fallen down substantially in many European countries during the last century.

Mammals

Mammals found on the territory:

Canis lupus

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Capra Caucasica

Plecotus auritus

Capra cylindricornis

Prometheomys schaposchnikovi

Capreolus capreolus

Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Chionomys gud

Rhinolophus hipposideros

Chionomys roberti

Rupicapra rupicapra

Crocidura gueldenstaedti

Sciurus anomalus

Driomys nitedula

Sciurus vulgaris

Eptesicus serotinus

Sicista kluchorica

Erinaceus concolor

Sorex caucasicus

Felis silvestris

Sorex raddei

Lepus europaeus

Sorex volnuchini

Lutra lutra

Sylvaemus fulvipectus

Lynx lynx

Sylvaemus mystacinus

Martes foina

Sylvaemus ponticus

Martes martes

Sylvaemus uralensis

Meles meles

Talpa caucasica

Miniopterus schreibersii

Talpa levantis

Mustela nivalis

Terricola daghestanicus

Myotis blythii

Terricola majori

Myotis mystacinus

Ursus arctos

Myoxus glis

Vespertilio murinus

Neomys schelkovnikovi

Vulpes vulpes

Nyctalus noctula

Birds

Birds found on the territory:

Accipiter gentilis

Motacilla alba

Aeguthalos caudatus

Motacilla cinerea

Alauda arvensis

Parus ater

Aquila chrysaetos

Parus caeruleus

Buteo buteo

Parus major

Carduelis carduelis

Passer domesticus

Carduelis chloris

Philoscopus lorenzi,

Carduelis spinus

Phoenicurus ochruros

Coccothraustes coccothaustes

Phylloscopus lorenzii

Corvus corax

Prunella modularis

Coturnix coturnix

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Delichon urbica

Regulus regulus

Dendrocopus major

Serinus pusillus

Dryocopus martius

Sitta europea

Erithacus rubecula

Sitta krueperi

Fringilla coelebs

    Tetrao mlockosiewiczi.

Fringilla montifringilla

    Tetraoghalus caucasica,

Garrulus glandarius

Troglodytes troglogytes

Gypaetus barbatus

Turdus merula

Gyps fulvus

      Turdus viscivorus

Milvus migrans


LOWER RATCHA

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL REGION

The Emerald territory of Kvemo Ratcha is located at the central part of the main ridge of Caucasus , Alpine biogeographical region.

Location

The territory is located on the main ridge of Georgian Caucasus in the Oni and ambrolauri districts.

Code

Longitude

Latitude

GEO00012

43026’45”

42044’45”

Area

Area constitutes 33000 ha.

HABITATS AND VEGETATION

The lower zone situated on the territory of Lower Ratcha is the most populated section. It undergoes quite strong antropogenic stress. Here different agricultural crops are represented. Around the villages only very seldom one can see Quercus iberica, Carpinus caucasica, Castanea sativa, Carpinus orientalis; the forests of Fagus orientalis, Ulmus eliptica and Castanea sativa are depleted even more. On the limestone bleaknesses the derivatives of Buxus colchicus and secondary fragments of Pinous are found. Across the riverbanks Alnus bar­bata is well developed. Corylus avel­lana, Crataegus pentaguna, Cornus mas, Mespilus germanica, Azalea pontica, Cotoneaster intergerrimus create the subforest. From the herbaceous Paeonia ruprechtianaDictamnus gymnostylis, Campanula rapunculoides, Campanula colina, Agrimonia eupatoria, Lathyrus roseus, Fragaria vesca, Chamerion angustifolium, Cicerbita race­mosa, Mentha longifolia, Stachys atherocalyx, Echium rubrum, Cerinthe minor, Lythrum salicaria are distributed

Forests represented in the lower zone of the mountain differ structurally according to the change of exposition and slope inclination. On relatively dry slopes Oack and Hornbeam forests together with Pine predominate and either impoverished version of Kolkhetian subforest is presented or is not found at all. The noted types of dry habitats with the dominance of Pinous forests are represented in the environs of Tsakha village and Patara Oni village. Here on heavily inclined limestone bleaknesses we can see  Picea orientalis. At the height of 872 meters from the sea level the floristic composition is represented by about 50-60 species (Qu­ercus iberica, Pinus sosnowskyi, Carpinus cau­casicus, Picea orientalis, Mespilus germanica, Cornus mas, Buxus colchica, Crataegus mycrophylla, Swida australis. Prunella vulgaris, Primula woronowii, Carum carvi, Cyclamen verum, Sanicula europaea, Pteridium tauricum, Daphne pontica, Ilex colchica, Lonicera caucasica, Helleborus caucasicus, Coronilla coronata, Gentiana schystocalyx, Centaurea salicifolia, Smilax exelsa, Hedera helix, Poterium polygamum, Lotus cau­casicus, Plantago lanceolata, Polypodium vulgare).

In the opennesses of the Pinous forests of secondary origin Pteridium tauricum predominates from vegetation varieties. The secondarity of Pinous forest is evidenced by the derivates of Beech and hornbeam forest existing here; The left slope of the Shareuli river is covered by Beech and hornbeam forest, in which we can sometimes see single trees of fir.

Forestvegetation is relatively well conserved at the height of 1200-2000 (2100) meters above the sea level. At the noted hypsometric level are mainly represented. Carpinus caucasica, Castanea sativa, Acer plata­noides, Acer trautvetterii, Ulmus elliptica, (Sorbus cau­casigena, Sorbus torminalis), Salix caprea, Betula litwi­no­wii, Tilia caucasica.

Rhododendron ponticum, Lauro­ce­ra­sus officinalis, Ilex colchica, Daphne pontica, Daphne glo­merata, Vaccinium arctostaphyllos, Rham­nus imeretina create the Kolkhetian subforest. Rham­nus imeretina together with Rhododendron ponticum and Lauro­ce­ra­sus officinalis often create impassable subforest with the upper border of the forests, mainly on limestone habitats.

At the upper borders of forests, in hard climatic conditions Betula, Sorbus species are found in form of fragments. In subforest we can see          Ribes biebersteinii, Rhododendron caucasicum, Vac­cinium myrtyllus, Empetrum caucasicum, Orthilia secunda, Dryopteris filix-mas, Dryopteris oreades, Dryopteris cartusiana, Asplenium filix-femina, Cystopteris fragilis, Matteucia strutiopteris, Polystichum lonchitis, Polystichum braunii, Polypodium vulgare. Asplenium septentrionale, Asplenium trichomanes, Athyrium distentifolium and others. are found both on the forest slopes and the wet, shadowy slopes of Subalpine and Alpine zone.

Although marshes are represented less on the territory of Lower Ratcha, they are still found fragmentally, often in form of wetland meadows. Phytocenological composition here is represented by hydro- and mezophilic (hydo-mezophilic and vice-versa) ecological groups: Carex lephorina, Carex dacica, Carex vesicaria, Eryo­phorum vaginatum, Agrostis tenuis, Deschampsia caespitosa, Phragmites australis, Juncus bufonius, Juncus effusus, Juncus articulatus, Luzula spicata and others. Alisma plantago-aquatica, Typha latifolia are found on the wetland habitats.

Mammals

Mammals  found on the territory :

Canis lupus

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Capra caucasica

Plecotus auritus

Capreolus capreolus

Prometheomys schaposchnikovi

Chionomys gud

Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Chionomys roberti

Rhinolophus hipposideros

Crocidura gueldenstaedti

Rupicapra rupicapra

Driomys nitedula

Sciurus anomalus

Eptesicus serotinus

Sciurus vulgaris

Erinaceus concolor

Sicista kluchorica

Felis silvestris

Sorex caucasicus

Lepus europaeus

Sorex raddei

Lutra lutra

Sorex volnuchini

Lynx lynx

Sylvaemus fulvipectus

Martes foina

Sylvaemus mystacinus

Martes martes

Sylvaemus ponticus

Meles meles

Sylvaemus uralensis

Miniopterus schreibersii

Talpa caucasica

Mustela nivalis

Talpa levantis

Myotis blythii

Terricola daghestanicus

Myotis mystacinus

Terricola majori

Myoxus glis

Ursus arctos

Neomys schelkovnikovi

Vespertilio murinus

Nyctalus noctula

Vulpes vulpes

Birds

Birds found on the territory:

Aegithalos caudatus

Motacilla alba

Anhtus spinoletta

Motacilla cinerea

Anthus campestris

Muscicapa striata

Aquila chrysaetos

Parus ater

Ardea cinerea

Parus caeruleus

Bubo bubo

Parus major

Buteo buteo

Passer domesticus

Carduelis  carduelis

Pernis apivorus

Carthia familiaris

Philloscopus trochiloides

Cinclus cinclus

Phoenucurus ochrourus

Columba palumbus

Prunela modularis

Corvus corax

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Corvus corone

Regulus regulus

Delichon urbica

Silva borin

Dendrocopos major

Silvia atricapilla

Erithacus rubecula

Sitta europaea

Fringilla coelebs

Sitta krueperi

Fringilla montifringilla

Tetrao mlockosiewiczi

Garrulus glandarius

Troglodites troglodytes

Gyps fulvus

Turdus merula

Hirundo rustica

Turdus philomelos

Loxia curvirostra

Turdus viscivorus

Milvus migrans

Fish

From fish only one species – Salmo fario – is represented on this territory.

 


ASKHI

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Askhi plateau  is located in the alpine biogeographical region.

LOCATION

Askhi plateau  is located in the Western  part of Georgia, and administratively is situated in the Tsageri  and Martvili district.

Code

Longitude

Latitude

GEO00013

42035’15”

42037’45”

AREA

Area constitutes 8000  ha.

HABITATS AND VEGETATION

Carpinus caucasicus, Quercus iberica, Alnus barbata, Fagus orientalis, Castanea sativa, Carpinus orientalis mainly form the lower zone of the forest of this territory. The noted type of deciduous forest almost does not exist in its primary form in this zone, with the only exception of separate territories protected by natural barriers and lack of roads. This type of forests includes also Tilia caucasica, Fraxi­nus exelsior, Diospuros lotus. From bushes Corylus avellana, Azalea pontica, Hypericum androsaemum, Lonicera caucasica, Clematis vitalba, Cra­taegus pentagina and others are notable. Pyracantha coccinea, Staphy­lea colchica, Buxus colchica, Mespilus germanica, Cornus mas are often found here. From the herbaceous Paeonia ruprechtiana, Campanula alleariafolia, C.ranunculoides, Agrimonia eupatoria and others are notable. On limestone rocks we can see the endemic species of Lechkhumi - Scabiosa letschchumensis and ferny representatives Asplenium trichomanes, Polystichum lonchitis, Dryopteris filix-mas, Polypodium vulgare.

SPECIES

Mammals

From mammals one may find here roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), bear (Ursus arctos), Martes spp., fox (Vulpes vulpes), wolf (Canis lupus), Talpa levantis, Mus musculus, Terricola majori, Sorex raddei, Erinaceus concolo, Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Nyctalus noctula, Myotis mystracinus, Myotis blythii, Eptesicus serotinus, also Vespertilio murinus.

Barbastella barbastellus

Nyctalus noctula

Canis lupus

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Capreolus capreolus

Pipistrelus nathusii

Chinomys gud

Plecotus auritus

Chionomys roberti

Prometheomys schaposchnikovi

Crcocidura gueldenstaedtii

Rattus norvegicus

Crcocidura leucodon lasia

Rattus rattus

Driomys nitedula

Rhinolophus euriale

Eptesicus serotinus

Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum

Erinaceus concolor

Rhinolophus hipposideros

Felis silvestris

Rhinolophus mehelii

Lepus europaeus

Sciurus anomalus

Lutra lutra

Sciurus vulgaris

Lynx lynx

Sicista kluchorica

Martes foina

Sorex raddei

Martes martes

Sorex satunini

Meles meles

Sorex volnuchini

Miniopterus screibersii

Sylvaemus fulvipectus

Mus musculus

Sylvaemus mystacinus

Mustela nivalis

Sylvaemus uralensis

Myotis bechsteinii

Talpa levantis

Myotis blythii

Terricola daghestanicus

Myotis mystacinus

Terricola majori

Myotis natereri

Ursus arctos

Myoxus glis

Vespertilio murinus

Neomys schelkovnikovi

Vulpes vulpes

Nyctalus lasiopterus

Birds

Birds found on the territory:

Aegithalos caudatus

Hirundo rustica

Anhtus spinoletta

Motacilla alba

Anthus campestris

Motacilla cinerea

Aquila chrysaetos

Parus ater

Bubo bubo

Parus caeruleus

Buteo buteo

Parus major

Carduelis  carduelis

Passer domesticus

Cinclus cinclus

Pernis apivorus

Columba palumbus

Philloscopus trochiloides

Corvus corax

Phoenucurus ochrourus

Corvus corone

Prunela modularis

Delichon urbica

Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Dendrocopos major

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Erithacus rubecula

Silva borin

Falco peregrinus

Silvia atricapilla

Falco tinnunculus

Sitta europaea

Fringilla coelebs

Troglodites troglodytes

Garrulus glandarius

Turdus merula

Gypaetus barbatus

Turdus philomelos

Gyps fulvus

Turdus viscivorus


KHVAMLI

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Khvamli is located in the Alpine  biogeographical region.

LOCATION

Khvamli is located in the Western part of Georgia, and administratively is situated in the Tskaltubo and Tsageri districts.

Code

Longitude

Latitude

GEO00014

42045’20”

42033’15”

AREA

Area constitutes 4000 ha.

HABITATS AND VEGETATION

Vegetation peculiar to vertical zoning of Kolkhetian type is notable for this territory. Forest is mixed (deciduous and dark-coniferous), featured mainly by Fagus orientalis and Abies nordmanniana. We can see here also Picea orientalisand Pinus sosnowskyi.Although here typical mesophilic Kolkhetian forest is represented, in subforest in contrast to the mentioned one Azalea pontica  predominates over rhododendron which is explained by little precipitation. In subforest we can find also Ribes biebersteinii, in open places - Juniperus depressa, Lonicera caucasica, Ilex colchica, Laurocerasusofficinalis, Daphne albovianaand others. 

This botanical-geographic region is distinguished from other regions by the fact that it is featured by particular family endemism. 5 endemic species are known in the ecosystems of Askhi and Jvari situated  in Lechkhumi. These are Woronowia (W. speciosa), Alboviodoxa (A. elegans), Chymsidia (Chymsidia colchica), Kemulariella (K.colchica), Gadellia (G.lactiflora).Flora of Askhi, Jvari and Khvamli belongs to typical flora of Kolkheti highlands, which is also featured by high endemism of species (Campanula dzaaku, C.fondervisi, Carex pontica, Cyclamen colchica, Kemulariella caucasica, Potentilla kamilae, Helianthemum buschii, Arabis nordmanniana, Psephelus colchicus, Draba ossetica, Hypericum caucasicum, Lupinaster polyphyllus, Sorbus migarica, Digitalis schischkinii, Polylophium paniutinii and others).

SPECIES

Mammals

In Khvamli surroundings one may find fox (Vulpes vulpes), Mustela nivalis, Martes martes in large numbers. Besides, from big mammals here the followinf species are found: wolf (Canis lupus), black bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx). From ungulates animals roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is found. It should be noted that their number is significantly reduced. Other mammals include:

Barbastella barbastellus

Nyctalus noctula

Canis lupus

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Capreolus capreolus

Pipistrelus nathusii

Chinomys gud

Plecotus auritus

Chionomys roberti

Prometheomys schaposchnikovi

Crcocidura gueldenstaedtii

Rattus norvegicus

Crcocidura leucodon lasia

Rattus rattus

Driomys nitedula

Rhinolophus euriale

Eptesicus serotinus

Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum

Erinaceus concolor

Rhinolophus hipposideros

Felis silvestris

Rhinolophus mehelii

Lepus europaeus

Rupicapra rupicapra

Lutra lutra

Sciurus anomalus

Lynx lynx

Sciurus vulgaris

Martes foina

Sicista kluchorica

Martes martes

Sorex raddei

Meles meles

Sorex satunini

Miniopterus screibersii

Sorex volnuchini

Mus musculus

Sylvaemus fulvipectus

Mustela nivalis

Sylvaemus mystacinus

Myotis bechsteinii

Sylvaemus uralensis

Myotis blythii

Talpa levantis

Myotis mystacinus

Terricola daghestanicus

Myotis natereri

Terricola majori

Myoxus glis

Ursus arctos

Neomys schelkovnikovi

Vespertilio murinus

Nyctalus lasiopterus

Vulpes vulpes

Birds

Birds found on the territory:

Aegithalos caudatus

Motacilla cinerea

Anhtus spinoletta

Parus ater

Anthus campestris

Parus caeruleus

Aquila chrysaetos

Parus major

Buteo buteo

Pernis apivorus

Carduelis  carduelis

Philloscopus trochiloides

Cinclus cinclus

Phoenucurus ochrourus

Columba palumbus

Prunela modularis

Corvus corax

Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Delichon urbica

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Dendrocopos major

Sitta europaea

Erithacus rubecula

Troglodites troglodytes

Falco tinnunculus

Turdus merula

Fringilla coelebs

Turdus philomelos

Garrulus glandarius

Turdus viscivorus

Gyps fulvus


LAILA-LAHELI

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Laila-laheli is located in the Alpine  biogeographical region.

LOCATION

Laila-laheli is located in the Western part of Georgia, and administratively is situated in the Mestia and Lentekhi districts.

Code

Longitude

Latitude

GEO00015

42035’55”

42055’15”

AREA

Area constitutes 21 000   ha.

HABITATS AND VEGETATION

The diversity of flora and vegetation of Kvemo Svaneti is determined by proximity of the Caucasus main ridge and obvious influence of Kolkheti botanical-geographical province.

The total floristic treasure of Svaneti constitutes 1100 species, which are united in 441 classes and 102 families. From these 195 species, 86 classes and 17 families belong to monocotyledonous members, 866 species, 329 classes and 72 families belong to dicotyledonous members.

The main families are: Compositae (152 species), Graminae (79), Scrophulariaceae (61), Rosaceae (61), Cyperaceae (60), Leguminosae (58), Caryophyllaceae (55), Cruciferae (50), Umbelliferae (45) and others.  The main classes are:   Carex (42 species), Hieracium (33), Veronica (18), Campanula (16), Ranunculus (15), Cerastium (12), Saxifraga (12), Trifolium (12), Epilobium (11) and others.

The numbers within each class are also different according to separate families.   Compositae (46 classes), Graminae(39), Cruciferae (26), Rosaceae (21), Umbelliferae (20), Leguminosae (19), Caryophyllaceae (18) and others are also on the first place according to the numbers of classes. The flora on this territory is rich with endemic species – 246 of them. From these 212 species are Caucasus endemic species, while 52 species are endemic species of Georgia. Among endemic species of Georgia we can see also Kolkhetian endemic species.

From the endemic species of Caucasus found  in Svaneti the following species are notable: Omphalodes lojkae, Campanula anomala, C. grossheimii, Cleome daghestanica, Cerastium holosteum, Charesia akinfievii, Dianthus caucasicus, Minuartia inamoena, Oberna lacera, Silene pygmaea, Grossheimia polyphylla, Senecio pojarkovae, Noccaea pumila, Astragalus cazbeki, Sredinskya grandia, Agasyllis latifolia, Heracleum roseum, Laserpitiumstevenii and others. Campanulasvanetica, Cirsium imereticum, Hiera­cium abakurae, Hieracium latpariense, Arabis colchica, Draba mingrelica,Leptopus colchicus, Scabiosa suanica, Vicia caucasica, Ranunculus lojkae, Heracleum mande­novae, Viola orthoceras, Seseli saxicolum, Ophrys caucasica and others are endemic species of Georgia. Hieracium chlorochromum, Lamyropsis charadzeae, Potentilla sommieri, P. svanetica, Euphorbia svanica belong to Kolkheti endemic species.

SPECIES

Mammals

In surroundings of Laila-Laheli one may find Vulpes vulpes, Mustela nivalis, Martes martes. Apart from them from large animals one may find here wolf (Canis lupus), black bear (Ursus arctos), and lynx (Lynx lynx). From hoofed animals (Rupicapra rupicapra) and (Capra Cylindricornis) are noted. It should be noted that their numbers are much reduced. From other mammals one may note:


Barbastella barbastellus

Nyctalus noctula

Canis lupus

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Capra caucasica

Pipistrelus nathusii

Chinomys gud

Plecotus auritus

Chionomys roberti

Prometheomys schaposchnikovi

Crcocidura gueldenstaedtii

Rattus norvegicus

Crcocidura leucodon lasia

Rattus rattus

Driomys nitedula

Rhinolophus euriale

Eptesicus serotinus

Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum

Erinaceus concolor

Rhinolophus hipposideros

Felis silvestris

Rhinolophus mehelii

Lepus europaeus

Rupicapra rupicapra

Lutra lutra

Sciurus anomalus

Lynx lynx

Sciurus vulgaris

Martes foina

Sicista kluchorica

Martes martes

Sorex raddei

Meles meles

Sorex satunini

Miniopterus screibersii

Sorex volnuchini

Mus musculus

Sylvaemus fulvipectus

Mustela nivalis

Sylvaemus mystacinus

Myotis bechsteinii

Sylvaemus uralensis

Myotis blythii

Talpa levantis

Myotis mystacinus

Terricola daghestanicus

Myotis natereri

Terricola majori

Myoxus glis

Ursus arctos

Neomys schelkovnikovi

Vespertilio murinus

Nyctalus lasiopterus

Vulpes vulpes

Birds

Birds found on the territory:

Aegithalos caudatus

Motacilla cinerea

Anhtus spinoletta

Parus ater

Anthus campestris

Parus caeruleus

Aquila chrysaetos

Parus major

Buteo buteo

Passer domesticus

Carduelis  carduelis

Pernis apivorus

Cinclus cinclus

Philloscopus trochiloides

Columba palumbus

Phoenucurus ochrourus

Corvus corax

Prunella collaris

Corvus corone

Prunella modularis

Delichon urbica

Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Dendrocopos major

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Emberiza cia

Serinus pusillus

Erithacus rubecula

Silva borin

Falco peregrinus

Silvia atricapilla

Falco tinnunculus

Sitta europaea

Fringilla coelebs

Tetrao mlokosieviczi

Garrulus glandarius

Troglodites troglodytes

Gypaetus barbatus

Turdus merula

Gyps fulvus

Turdus philomelos

Hirundo rustica

Turdus viscivorus

Motacilla alba


TSEKURI

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Khvamli is located in the Alpine  biogeographical region.

LOCATION

Tsekuri is located in the Western part of Georgia, and administratively is situated in the martvili, lentekhi and Tsageri districts.

Code

Longitude

Latitude

GEO00016

42036’25”

42043’35”

AREA

Area constitutes 16000 ha.

HABITATS AND VEGETATION

Alpine, Subalpine and forest zones are represented on Tsekuri territory. Phytolandscape in Subalpine zone is defined by Subalpine forests and bushes (Fagus orientalis, Abies nordmanniana, Picea orientalis, Betula litwinowii, Quercus macranthera, Sorbus caucasigena, Acer trautvetteri, Ribes biebersteinii, Rhododendron caucasicum, Sorbus subfasca and others), while higher it is featured by vegetation of Alpine meadows, and petrophilic (lithophilic) floristic complexes. Here the scale of Rhododendron caucasicum is important – especially in Labrakhi Mountain. Here and there on hills and plains xeromezophilic Gramineae, motley grass meadows are developed.

It is notable that here we find highland oak (Quercus macranthera), which is quite rare for the western part of Central Caucasus.

Here, on the former place of lake, eutrophic and oligotrophic marsh is formed, where we can find the element of boreal flora - Scheuchzeria palustris. This species is rare in Caucasus marshes. In this marsh we can find the following species: Carex limosa, C. in­f­lata,C. lephorina, Juncus filiformis and several species of sphagnum (Sphag­num magelanicum, Sph. centrale, Sph. subsecundum).

In the same region we can find quite well-developed system of high grass: Campanulalati­folia, Gadelia lactiflora, Heracleum asperum, Pyrethrum macrophyllum, Lilium so­witzianum, Telekia speciosa, Valeriana allearifolia, Petasites albus, Aruncus vulgaris, Senecio pojarkovae, Inula grandiflora, Grossheimia polyphylla.

At the foot of Labrakhi Mountain, immediately on the border of Egrisi ridge, there is not much of scree biotopes; instead, rocky habitats prevail, where we can see mainly Saxifraga sibirica, S. exerata, S. moschata, Potentillagelida, Minuartia circassica, Draba bryoides, D. supranivalis, Taraxacumcrepidiforme, Cam­panula biebersteinii.

SPECIES

Mammals

Among species found in the surroundings of Tsekuri Vulpes vulpes, Mustela nivalis, tyis Martes martes are found in large numbers. Apart from them, from big mammals wolf (Canis lupus), black bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx) are found here. From hoofed animals one may find Rupicapra rupicapra and roe deer (Carpeoulus carpeoulus). It should be noted that their numbers is much reduced. From other mammals one may note

Barbastella barbastellus

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Canis lupus

Pipistrelus nathusii

Capreolus capreolus

Plecotus auritus

Chinomys gud

Prometheomys schaposchnikovi

Chionomys roberti

Rattus norvegicus

Crcocidura gueldenstaedtii

Rattus rattus

Crcocidura leucodon lasia

Rhinolophus euriale

Driomys nitedula

Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum

Eptesicus serotinus

Rhinolophus hipposideros

Erinaceus concolor

Rhinolophus mehelii

Felis silvestris

Rupicapra rupicapra

Lepus europaeus

Sciurus anomalus

Lynx lynx

Sciurus vulgaris

Martes foina

Sicista kluchorica

Martes martes

Sorex raddei

Miniopterus screibersii

Sorex satunini

Mus musculus

Sorex volnuchini

Mustela nivalis

Sylvaemus fulvipectus

Myotis bechsteinii

Sylvaemus mystacinus

Myotis blythii

Sylvaemus uralensis

Myotis mystacinus

Talpa levantis

Myotis natereri

Terricola daghestanicus

Myoxus glis

Terricola majori

Neomys schelkovnikovi

Ursus arctos

Nyctalus lasiopterus

Vespertilio murinus

Nyctalus noctula

Vulpes vulpes

Birds

Birds found on the territory

Aegithalos caudatus

Gyps fulvus

Anhtus spinoletta

Motacilla alba

Anthus campestris

Motacilla cinerea

Aquila chrysaetos

Parus ater

Bubo bubo

Parus caeruleus

Buteo buteo

Parus major

Carduelis  carduelis

Pernis apivorus

Columba palumbus

Philloscopus trochiloides

Corvus corax

Phoenucurus ochrourus

Delichon urbica

Prunela modularis

Dendrocopos major

Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Erithacus rubecula

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Falco peregrinus

Sitta europaea

Falco tinnunculus

Troglodites troglodytes

Fringilla coelebs

Turdus merula

Garrulus glandarius

Turdus philomelos

Gypaetus barbatus

Turdus viscivorus

 


KHANCHALI

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Khanchali is located in the Anatolian biogeographical region.

LOCATION

Khanchali is located in the Southern part of Georgia, and administratively is situated in the Ninotsminda district.

Code

Longitude

Latitude

GEO00017

43032’30”

41016’05”

AREA

Area constitutes 1500   ha.

HABITATS AND VEGETATION

Southern and Nourthern-east banks of the lake are mostly boggy. In deep waters are spread analogous aquatic vegetation as those in Madatapa, and in shellows narrow zones of  Sagittaria sagitifolia L. are distributed.  It is mainly adjacent to community of horsetail among which dominates Equisetum heleocharis Ehrch. Some of aquatic plants are also mixed with components of mire vegetation, and on some sites abundant of Ranunculus lingua L. are observed.

Usually, there is typoecological connection between Scolochloetum festucaceae and horse- tail. Transitive associations are often formed in the contact zone. Sometimes, zone grown with Equisetum is ommited and community of  Scolochloetum festucaceae purum is adjacentto aquatic vegetation directly. In that case, aquatic plants are often mixed to it and quite often community of Sclochloetum aquiherbozum is formed. Complex of sedge, which major components are Cariceta vesicariae andCariceta dichroandrae, is adjacent to the communities mentioned above. The topoecological order also makes clear successial development of the bog. On rude peat and silt substrates Caricetum diandrae purum and Caricetum inflatae calliergonellosum are in complex with the sedge.   Sinusia of moss in the latter one, is formed by Calliergonella cuspidata, Hypnum lindbergii Mitt., Aulacomnium palustre and etc. It seems, the communities are formed at the last stage of bogging and at the next stage, communities of Deschampsia caespitosa, Festuca and polidominant cereal meadows will substitute them.

SPECIES

Birds

Khanchali lake is an important territory for migratory birds, the distribution of representatives of other classes is insignificant. We may find here about 150 species, including up to 60 migratory water birds.

Podiceps cristatus

Sterna hirundo

Podiceps grisegena

Chlidonias leucopterus

Podiceps nigricollis

Milvus migrans

Pelecanus crispus

Accipiter gentilis

Pelecanus  onocrotalus

Accipiter nisus

Ardea cinerea

Buteo buteo

Egretta alba

Aquila  clanga

Egretta garzetta

Falco  tinnunculus

Ardeola ralloides

Falco vespertinus

Ciconia ciconia

Columba palumbus

Anser anser

Cuculus canorus

Tadorna tadorna

Asio flammeus

Tadorna  ferruginea

Apus apus

Anas platyrhynchos

Merops apiaster

Anas strepera

Upupa epops

Anas  crecca

Alauda arvensis

Anas querquedula

Hirundo rustica

Anas qlipeata

Riparia riparia

Netta rufina

Motacilla alba

Aythya fuligula

Motacilla flava

Aythya ferina

Motacilla citreola

Melanitta fusca

Luscinia svecica

Circus aeruginosus

Saxicola rubetra

Circus pygargus

Oenanthe oenanthe

Circus macrourus

Monticola saxatilis

Circus cianeus

Philloscopus trochilus

Grus grus

Pica pica

Rallus aquaticus

Corvus monedula

Porzana porzana

Corvus frugilegus

Fulica atra

Corvus corone

Himantopus himantopus

Passer domesticus

Vanellus vanellus

Sturnus vulgaris

Tringa totanus

Carduelis carduelis

Tringa ochropus

Carduelis cannabina

Gallinago gallinago

Carduelis flavirostris

Larus cachinnans

Miliaria calandra

Larus ridibundus

Problems

The processes of species and habitats assessment as well as the workshop for the identification of Emerald Sites in Georgia have revealed the following problems:

·         Many sites that on the basis of preliminary assessment are likely to qualify for ASCI were not designated due to lack of information. Unfortunately, information on habitat percentage cover doesn’t exist and that’s why in many cases it’s not presented in appropriate forms. The same is to be true for certain species; further detailed studies are needed to obtain more recent and credible data;

·         Due to lack of information on populations, many species and subspecies in Georgia have not been included in the Emerald List of Species. (In many cases Georgian populations represent distinct subspecies that are endemic to the country or the region (Caucasus), accordingly, they are different from European ones. As a result endemic subspecies of Georgia are not listed in the ELS);

·         The process of species listing was difficult due to (i) absence of habitat and species data base and (ii) lack of information on intra-specific taxonomy of Georgian populations.

·         Technical problems were encountered with the software as it would not complete some key operations. Therefore several places were left blank.

·         Besides it should be noted that in the Emerald software for Georgia Anatolia biogeographical region can not be sensitized. Therefore the potential Emerald site of “Khanchali”, which is located in the Anatolia biogeographical region, was indicated as Alpine biogeographical region. Therefore in the future this issue requires correction.


Appendix I

Potential ASCII  map