Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia: Glacial-Tectonic Lake and National Park

The protected areas of Ritsa (currently have the status of a national park) are located in the extreme northwestern part of Georgia, in Abkhazia, on the southern slope of the western part of the Caucasus Mountains, in the eastern part of the Gagra Ridge, in the catchment basin of the Bzyb River, mainly in the vicinity of Lake Ritsa. Currently, the territories occupy 400 km2.

The Ritsa Nature Reserve was founded in 1930. The nature protection area in the hypsometric plan extends for 3 kilometers. Such a long length determines the natural diversity of the territories. The altitude distribution affects the climate, soil, vegetation and landscape.

Within the boundaries of the protected areas is the Ritsa - a unique lake of glacial-tectonic origin. Due to the great depth (101 m.), cold-water river tributaries and high location (almost 900 meters above sea level), the water temperature in the lake in summer reaches only +20 °.

A favorable natural environment determines the diversity of the living world. Flora is especially rich in these territories, which has about 1,500 species. Among them, the Caucasian fir (Abies nordmanniana) should be noted. The grove of these trees creates a unique landscape of the surroundings of the Ritsa and gives the water a greenish hue. Beech and oak forests differ from the forests of other trees by the occupied area.

The undergrowth is dominated by Colchian boxwood, which occupies hundreds of hectares here.

Nature conservation areas are rich in birds, fish, mammals, rodents, amphibians, etc. Brown is home to both the smallest predators - weasel (Mustela nivalis), and the largest, for example, bear (Ursus arctos). The area of protected areas is rich in archaeological and historical monuments. The sites of human settlement of the Paleolithic period have been discovered here, the remains of fortresses of the ancient era, churches of the early Middle Ages, etc. have been preserved.

Lake Ritsa is located in Abkhazia in the gorge of the Yupshara River, at an altitude of 884 meters above sea level. It is distinguished by its depth and extraordinary beauty both in Georgia and throughout the Caucasus. It should be noted that the bottom of the lake is constantly increasing due to the accumulation of loose material, which is confirmed by studies conducted during the last century. According to this study, the bottom of the lake increases annually by an average of 32 cm. The lake was formed 250-300 years ago when part of the mountain collapsed into the Lashipse River and dammed it. Currently, 6 rivers flow into the lake, and only one flows out - the Yupshara. In spring, the water level rises by several meters, which is associated with intense snow melting. Ritsa is the most significant recreational region and natural attraction of Abkhazia.

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