Natural natural sights of Georgia. Vashlovansky National Park.

The nature protection area of Vashlovani is distinguished by its relief landscape diversity. The diversity is due to the zonal climate change (from south to north), the heterogeneity of relief and soil conditions, the difference in geological origin, etc. Vashlovani is one of the driest and waterless places in Georgia.

The nature protection area of Vashlovani is distinguished by the richness of flora, fauna and habitats. Of the more than 600 species of flora available in this territory, 28 Caucasian and 5 Georgian endemic plants. Of these, 13 species of woody plants are included in the "Red Book" of Georgia. The plant formations of the Vashlovani Nature Conservation Area represent a unique genetic treasure trove. The "ancestors" of plants currently cultivated in Eastern Georgia are found here: grapes, nuts, quinces, pears, mulberry trees, wheat. Especially old is a 400-500 year old incense tree, on the trunk of which a natural dry oily discharge appears, which is used in church services for incense smoking.

There are 46 species of mammals living in the Vashlovansky Nature Reserve. Among them there is a bear, a rare phenomenon in semi-desert territories. In 2003, a Near-Asian leopard, that is, a leopard, was spotted in Vashlovan. The reserve is also rich from an ornithological point of view: thousands of flocks of starlings, pink starlings, sparrows, king finches and finches nest here.

The steep clay cliffs of Vashlovani are called the "City of Swallows", as whole colonies of these birds nest here. There are a lot of partridges, Colchian pheasant, and a small number of turacha. Of the birds of prey, there are: burial grounds, black vultures, barn owls, hawks and buzzards. Vashlovani is an ideal place to study birds.

For fans of sport fishing on the territory of the reserve in the Bay of Midzhniskure, fishing with milk and seine is allowed. There are about 20 species of fish in Alazani, including catfish, carp, pike perch, shem, goby, barbel, herring. The most venomous snake in Georgia - gyurza - lives in the Vashlovansky Nature Reserve.

On the territory of the municipality of Dedoplistskaro there is another protected area, the Chachuna Nature Reserve, in which a rare floodplain forest is located. The area of the reserve is 5200 hectares. As locals say, in winter, with every gust of wind, floodplain forests emit a creak. That is why they called this place Chachuna ("chachuni" - in Georgian. "creak"). The floodplain forests of Georgia have almost disappeared as a result of human economic work.

Vashlovani is a unique place in Georgia that all nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts should visit. This protected area is located between the two main rivers of Kakheti Iori and Alazani and includes a State Reserve, a National Park and three unique natural monuments. The total area of Vashlovani is 10142 hectares and the area of the National Park is 25,114 hectares. One of the main differences of Vashlovani from other parks in Georgia is its dry climate. Another interesting place of this territory is the Eagle Gorge. It is a narrow gorge with high rocks and deep waterfalls, which creates a unique atmosphere for hikers and climbers. And for those who want to enjoy unusual natural phenomena, it is worth visiting the mud volcanoes of Tahtefi. These volcanoes are the most northern in the world and are small cones that erupt as mud fountains and geyses, which create amazing landscapes and spectacular pictures. In addition to being an interesting place to visit, it also has medicinal properties.

The protected area is not only a unique natural resource of Georgia, but also an attractive tourist destination for ecotourism and adventure lovers. Tourists can enjoy the beauty of nature, stroll along scenic trails and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Nature Conservancy offers eco-tours and activities dedicated to natural resource conservation and environmental education. However, this does not interfere with the diversity of the world of flora and fauna that grows and lives in this area. Here you can meet such rare animals as the Caucasian jerboa, spotted tortoise, cobra snake Caucasian leopard, which is considered an endangered species, and others. And among the flora there are such rare species as Bluethroat, pink mullet, blue tit and many others. One of the most interesting monuments of local nature is the Alazani floodplain. It is a unique place where you can see rare birds, here nesting flocks of thousands of starlings, pink starlings, sparrows, kingfinches and finches. Steep clay bluffs, called "Swallowtown," are home to whole colonies of these birds. Grouse, Colchis pheasant, and waders can also be seen here, as well as many birds of prey such as grackles, black vultures, vultures, hawks, and buzzards. There are also many species of fish, including such species as halibut, carp, and pike. These species were discovered in the protected area during scientific research conducted by environmental scientists. For sport fishermen, angling by duck and seine is allowed within the protected area in the Mijniskure Bay. About 20 species of fish, including catfish, carp, pike-perch, shemayak, bullhead, barbel and herring can be found in the Alazani. However, it is worth remembering that the most venomous snake in Georgia - the viper lives on the territory of the reserve.

Thus, the protected area is a unique place, which combines the richness of flora and fauna, relief landscape diversity, unique natural phenomena. This place has great scientific and cultural potential, and invites everyone to visit it and enjoy its beauty.

Chachuna Reserve is another protected area in the municipality of Dedoplistskaro, with a rare floodplain forest. The area of the reserve is 5,200 hectares. Locals tell us that in winter the floodplain forests make a creaking sound with every gust of wind, which was the reason for naming this place Chachuna. Floodplain forests in Georgia have almost disappeared due to human activities, so the Chachuna Reserve is very important for the preservation of biodiversity in the region.

The reserve is a unique corner of nature, which should be protected and preserved for future generations. If you visit it, you will hear the wonderful creaking of the floodplain forests, which reaches us from the depths of time. If you have any questions about the Vashlovani Preserve or Chachuna Preserve, leave a comment below the article. I'm happy to answer them and help expand your understanding of conservation in Georgia.