Wildlife
More than 7,000 species of plants and animals live throughout the Caucasus, not counting insects, some of which are unique to the region.
Animals know no borders, and we need to talk more about wildlife in the Greater Caucasus area. This region is particularly rich in biodiversity. The Lesser Caucasus region includes Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Georgia, wildlife has been relatively spared, as the country is less intensively industrialised than in Azerbaijan. Covering one third of the country, the forests are home to deer, roe deer, foxes, wild boar and badgers. In the past, the country had a large population of wolves, lynx and bears. But this was without counting on the presence of man. The population has decreased dramatically. Let us add, in the category of endangered species, the marbled polecat, the Caucasian goat, the Clark's lizard, or the brown bear. The latter, like the wolves and the Caucasian goat, are victims of a sharp increase in poaching. Overgrazing by sheep has also led to a sharp decline in the Caucasian goat population. The high mountain pastures are the preferred domain of chamois and mouflons.
Beware of stray dogs in town or in the countryside; some are carriers of rabies. NGOs, rather than having them bitten, inject them with a product that makes them less aggressive; you can spot them by the label in their ears.
The Rioni River and the Paravani and Tabatskouri lakes are home to rare species such as the curly pelican, the Caucasian salamander, the grebe esclabon..Birds
Amateur ornithologists or not, Georgia will meet your expectations. The country is a transit area for migratory birds, flying in their millions in the corridor stretching between the Black Sea coast in the west and the Caspian Sea coast in the east. Between mid-August and mid-October, more than a million birds pass through the area around Batoumi on the Black Sea coast. It is therefore one of the most important transhumance passages for 35 species of these migratory birds. They are on their way to Africa to spend the winter there. At the beginning of September each year, scientists and experts come to observe them. A new breed of bird, the Colchid pheasant, has been discovered in the east of the country. This one is sedentary. Around Mount Kazbek and in the rest of the mountainous areas, as well as in the arid zone, there are vultures, eagles, harriers, vultures, lammergeyers, falcons and the famous Caucasian grouse. The Black Sea coast is the favourite terrain for pelicans and storks. The Rioni River and the Paravani and Tabatskouri lakes are home to rare species, such as the curly pelican, the Caucasian salamander, the grebe slaver... In Georgia, the horse is in the spotlight.
Have you heard about the Cossack riders?
These became legendary thanks to Buffalo Bill. His show in England, the famous "Wild West Show", showed the excellence of these Georgian riders, who shone by their dexterity on horseback. Ironically, when we know the history of the country, they were presented as "Russian Cossacks". It is true that in 1892, the year Buffalo Bill mounted his troop, Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire. These exceptional riders, who were very successful on tour, later influenced the cowboys of the American West in the staging of rodeos.
The mount of these riders, the touchine, is a small horse from the region of Touchetie. Its ancestors are said to be Arabian and Turkmen horses. Renowned for its endurance, its adaptation to the harsh mountain climate, its gait, the amble, it is very comfortable for its rider. He is ridden for agricultural work, especially for the transhumance of sheep from one pasture to another. You will also come across large herds. His confidence on steep mountain slopes and his endurance make him an excellent pack horse. You will also be able to ride him in hiking. What better way than to travel on horseback? He has not inherited the nervous character of his Arab equine ancestor, he is calm and obedient. This rare species is also endangered.Flora
The Greater Caucasus area alone is home to 6,400 plant species, including 4,000 species in Georgia. A country rich in varieties, therefore, offering a very different flora according to the climate of each region and its relief. Oak, maple and chestnut forests occupy the plains, while mixed forests and conifers are found at higher altitudes. Do you like mushrooms? You bet! There are 6,300 varieties of mushrooms in Georgia.
Facing the sea, the mountain slopes are covered with a temperate rainforest. The plains and valleys retain little of their original nature. They are home to orchards, market gardens and the famous vineyards of Kakhetia. The Black Sea coast offers an almost tropical atmosphere, thanks to many plant species imported at the beginning of the last century. Exotic plants are therefore worth seeing. The region is also home to a remarkable concentration of economically important plants, especially wild relatives such as wheat, rye and barley, as well as nuts and fruits such as apricots and apples.
Georgia has a good nature protection policy: eighteen nature parks and reserves have mainly scientific and environmental protection objectives. The Borjomi-Kharagaouli Park in the Lesser Caucasus is open to the general public.
