Wildlife
More than 7,000 species of plants and animals live throughout the Caucasus, not to mention insects, some of which are unique to the region.
Animals know no frontiers, and in the Greater Caucasus we should speak of wildlife. This region is particularly rich in biodiversity. The Lesser Caucasus region encompasses Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Georgia, wildlife has been relatively spared, the country being less subject to intensive industrialization than in Azerbaijan. Covering a third of the country, forests are home to deer, roe deer, foxes, wild boar and badgers. The country once boasted a large population of wolves, lynxes and bears, but the presence of man has meant that these populations have now declined dramatically. Other endangered species include the marbled polecat, the Caucasian goat, the Clark's lizard and the brown bear. The latter, like wolves and the Caucasian goat, are victims of increasing poaching. Overgrazing by sheep has also led to a sharp decline in the Caucasian goat population. The high alpine pastures are home to chamois and mouflon.
In Georgia, the horse has pride of place.
In town or country, beware of stray dogs; some carry rabies. Instead of having them put down, NGOs inject them with a product that makes them less aggressive; you'll spot them by the tag in their ear.
Birds
Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or not, Georgia is the place for you. The country is a transit zone for migratory birds, flying by the 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 Batumi on the Black Sea coast. This makes it one of the most important transhumance passages for 35 species of these migratory birds. They are on their way to Africa for the winter. Every year in early September, scientists and experts come to observe them. A new breed of bird, the Colchis pheasant, has been discovered in the east of the country. This is a sedentary bird. Around Mount Kazbek and in the rest of the mountainous areas, as well as in the arid zones, there are vultures, eagles, harriers, bearded vultures, falcons and the famous Caucasus grouse. The Black Sea coastline is home to pelicans and storks. The Rioni rivers and the Paravani and Tabatskouri lakes are home to rare species such as the curled pelican, the Caucasian salamander and the horned grebe..
Have you heard about the Cossack riders?
They became legendary thanks to Buffalo Bill. His show in England, the famous "Wild West Show", showcased the excellence of these Georgian riders, who shone for their dexterity on horseback. Ironically, given the country's history, they were presented as "Russian Cossacks". Indeed, in 1892, the year Buffalo Bill assembled his troupe, Georgia had been annexed by the Russian Empire. These exceptional horsemen were a great success on tour, and later even influenced the staging of rodeos by cowboys in the American West.
The riders' mount, the touchine, is a small horse native to the Touchétie region. Its ancestors are said to be Arab and Turkmen horses. Renowned for its endurance, its adaptation to the harsh mountain climate and its pacing, the amble, it is very comfortable for its rider. They are ridden for agricultural work, in particular for the transhumance of sheep from one pasture to another. You'll come across large flocks of sheep. Its confidence on steep mountain slopes and its endurance make it an excellent pack horse. You can also ride him on trails. It has not inherited the nervous character of its Arab equine ancestor, but is calm and obedient. This rare species is also endangered.
Flora
The Greater Caucasus region alone is home to 6,400 plant species, including 4,000 species in Georgia. A country rich in variety, 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 I do! There are 6,300 varieties in Georgia.
Facing the sea, the mountain slopes are covered by a humid temperate forest. The plains and valleys retain little of their original nature. They are home to orchards, market gardens and Kakhetia's famous vineyards. The Black Sea coastline offers an almost tropical atmosphere, thanks to the many plant species imported at the beginning of the last century. Exotic plants are a must-see. 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 parks and nature reserves have mainly scientific and environmental protection objectives. The Borjomi-Kharagaouli park in the Lesser Caucasus is open to the general public.
