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---
- Final Report -
Document established by
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
of Georgia
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.
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-Artemisioso –ephemerosum; 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 |
|
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 ruprechtiana, Dictamnus 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.
|
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