Habitats of Georgia
Tbilisi, 2012
1
Habitats of Natura2000 in Georgia are developed in the framework of the project of GTZ
The work is done by:
Maia Akhalkatsi - Vegetation
David Tarkhnishvili - Animals
Text is based on litarature data, the authors are indicated in each habitat description.
Notes:
1. Code of Georgian habitats is indicated as GE.
2. Priority habitats are indicated by star (*) on the code.
3. Palaearctic classification code (PAL. CLASS.) is done after title of a habitat.
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
1. COASTAL AND HALOPHYTIC HABITATS
1.1. Open sea and tidal areas
1110 Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time
1130 Estuaries
1150* Coastal lagoons
1160 Large shallow inlets and bays
1.2. Sea cliffs and shingle or stony beaches
1210GE Vegetation of the Sea Coast Cliff
1.5. Salt and gypsum inland steppes
15GE Salt and gypsum inland vegetation
2. COASTAL SAND DUNES AND INLAND DUNES
2.1. Coastal Sand Dunes
2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
2130* Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)
2160 Dunes with Hippophaë rhamnoides
3. FRESHWATER HABITATS
3.1. Standing water
316GE Natural lakes and ponds
3.2. Running water
3220 Alpine rivers and the herbaceous vegetation along their banks
323GE Alpine rivers and their ligneous vegetation
4. TEMPERATE HEATH AND SCRUB
40GE Evergreen heaths of Kolkheti
4060 Alpine and Boreal heaths
5. SCLEROPHYLLOUS SCRUB (MATORRAL)
50GE1 Mountain xerophytic scrub
50GE2 Scrub dominated by Paliurus spina-christi
50GE3 Tragacanthic scrub
50GE4 Phryganoid scrub
50GE5 Shibliak
6. NATURAL AND SEMI-NATURAL GRASSLAND FORMATIONS
61. Natural mountain grasslands
61GE01 Sub-alpine high herbaceous vegetation
61GE02 Sub-alpine meadows
6150 Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands
6170 Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands
62. Natural and semi-natural dry grasslands
62GE01 Semi-desert vegetation
62GE02 Steppe vegetation
62GE03 Mountain steppe vegetation
62GE04 Vegetation of urban and rural areas
62GE05 Vegetation of pastures
7. RAISED BOGS AND MIRES AND FENS
7110* Mezo-oligotrophic marshes with sphagnum (Sphagneta palustrae)
70GE01* Tall grass marshes
70GE02* Low grass marshes
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70GE03* Tussock sedge wetlands
70GE04* Short rhizome sedge marshes
70GE05* Long-rhizome sedge marshes
8. ROCKY HABITATS AND CAVES
8.1. Scree
8110 Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels
8120 Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels
82. Rocky vegetation
8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation
8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation
8.3 Other rocky habitats
8310* Caves
8340* Rock and true glaciers
9. FORESTS
91. Forests of temperate Europe
91FGE Beech forests
9110GE Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests
9120GE Beech forests with Ilex and sometimes also Taxus in the shrublayer
(Fageta taxceto-ilicitosa)
9130GE Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests
9140GE* Subalpine beech woods with Acer spp.
9150GE* Limestone beech forests (Cephalanthero-Fagion)
91FCGE* Beech forests with Colchic understory (Fageta fruticosa colchica)
91SFGE Beech forests without understory (Fageta sine fruticosa)
9160GE Oak or oak-hornbeam forests (Quercitum -Carpinion betuli)
9180GE* Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines
91D0* Bog woodland
91E0* Alluvial forests
91F0GE Riparian mixed forests
91I0* Xero-thermophyte oak forest
91PAGE Dark-coniferous forest (Piceeta orientale-Abieta nordmanniana)
91PKGE Caucasian Pine forest (Pinus kochiana)
91PP-GE* Bichvinta Pine Forest (Pinus pithyusa)
91TBGE* Yew forest (Taxus baccata)
91CBGE Hornbeam forest (Carpinus betulus)
92. Mediterranean deciduous forests
9260CSGE* Chestnut forest (Castanea sativa)
92ZCGE* Zelkova forest (Zelkova carpinifolia)
92BCGE* Forest with Boxwood (Buxus colchica)
9BCGE* Kolhketi relic broad-leaved mixed forest
9AOWGE* Arid open woodlands
9BFGE* Sub-alpine birch krummholz
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INTRODUCTION
The habitat classification of Georgia is based on the Interpretation Manual of European Union
Habitats - EUR27. The "Habitats" Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on
the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, O.J. L206) is a Community
legislative instrument in the field of nature conservation that establishes a common framework
for the conservation of wild animal and plant species and natural habitats of Community
importance; it provides for the creation of a network of special areas of conservation, called
Natura 2000, to "maintain and restore, at favourable conservation status, natural habitats and
species of wild fauna and flora of Community interest". The Directive is developed on the bases
of CORINE biotope classification (1989, 1991) determining codes and habitat types of Europe,
in particular involving the division of the latter into sub-types. To avoid the difficulties of
classification of the habitat types in different countries the Scientific Working Group, set up by
the Habitats Committee (established by Directive 92/43/EEC), expressed in May 1992 the need
to prepare a manual for the interpretation of Annex I including habitat type classification. The
results of the commission work were development of the two following points with the national
experts:
(1) The interpretation work on Annex I should primarily focus on the priority habitat types.
(2) The CORINE classification (1991 version) provides a basis for a description of the Annex I
habitat types; where the experts feel that it is not suitable, an operational scientific description
should be produced from the contributions of the national experts.
The aim to develop habitat classification in countries of European continent based on the
standards of the EUR27 version of the Interpretation Manual includes descriptions of new
habitats, which are characteristics to concrete countries. These new habitat types should be
accepted by the Commission and to be added to Annex I.
Georgia is a country hosting highly diverse habitat types. Some of those are identical to
the habitats, which are already included in the Annex I of the Interpretation Manual v. EUR27.
Others, such as Kolkheti broad-leaved mixed forest, dry open woodland, sub-alpine tall
herbaceous vegetation, sub-alpine birch krummholz or Caucasian rhododendron shrubbery,
should potentially be included in the Annex I as additional habitat types.
According to Interpretation Manual habitat classification is based on plant community
types. Georgian vegetation is well studied by Georgian botanists (Grossheim et al., 1928;
Ketskhoveli, 1959; Kimeridze, 1965, 1966; Nakhutsrishvili, 1999, Kvachakidze, 2009;
Dolukhanov, 2010). The information used in this document is obtained by literature indicated in
the bibliography section for each habitat type.
Bibliography:
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery
of Vulnerable Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and
of wild fauna and flora, O.J. L206, 22.07.92.
3. CORINE Biotopes - Technical Handbook, volume 1, p. 73-109, Corine/Biotopes/89-2.2,
19 May 1988.
4. CORINE Biotopes manual, Habitats of the European Community. EUR 12587/3, Office
for Official Publications of the European Communities, 1991.
5. Relation between the Directive 92/43/EEC Annex I habitats and the CORINE habitat list
1991 (EUR 12587/3).
6. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
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7. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
8. Kimeridze, K. 1965. Kavkasionis lertsamkuchiani mdeloebi (Festuca varia meadows of
the Caucasus). Tbilisi.
9. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
10. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
11. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
12. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian
Biodiversity. In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No
2.
13. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of
Georgia along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories
from Georgia-Azerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 153.
14. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
15. Georgian National Report Black Sea Biological Diversity Georgia, United National
Publications, New York, 1998, p.101-106
16. Elanidze R.F.,1983. Ichtiofauna of the rivers and lakes of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba
(in Russian)
17. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
18. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ.
(in Georgian).
19. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the
second edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
20. Sokolov V. E, Tembotov A. K. 1989. Mammals. Insectivorous. Series Vertebrates of
Caucasus, M. Nauka, 548p. (in Russian)
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_____________________________________________________________________________
1. COASTAL AND HALOPHYTIC HABITATS
__________________________________________________________
1.1. Open sea and tidal areas
1110 Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time
PAL. CLASS.: 11.125, 11.22, 11.31, 11.333
1) General description
“Slightly covered by sea water all the time” means that above a sandbank the water depth is
seldom more than 20 m below chart datum. Sandbanks are elevated, elongated, rounded or
irregular topographic features, permanently submerged and predominantly surrounded by deeper
water. They consist mainly of sandy sediments, but larger grain sizes, including boulders and
cobbles, or smaller grain sizes including mud may also be present on a sandbank. Banks where
sandy sediments occur in a layer over hard substrata are classed as sandbanks if the associated
biota are dependent on the sand rather than on the underlying hard substrata. The Black sea coast
sandy-stone strip starts from Abkhazia and ends in Guria-Ajara. Biotic elements are mainly
represented by algae, invertebrate sea animals and plankton. Temporary visitors also include sea
mammals, such as, a dolphin, fish and sea birds.
2) Species
Phytoplankton - diatoms are more widely represented. The following of them species are mass
distributed: Nitzschia longissima, N. seriata, Rhizosolenia alata, R. calcar-avis, Thalassiosira
parva.
Green algae: Chaetomorpha linum, C. aerea, C. crassa, Cladophora cristallina, C. dalmatica,
C. laetevirens, Enteromorpha intestinalis, E. linza, E. prolifera, Ulva rigida, Urospora
penicilliformis, etc. Brown algae: Cystoseira barbata; Red algae: Bangia fuscopurpurea,
Ceramium rubrum and Callithamnion corymbosum.
Plants: Bangia fuscopurpurea, Callithamnion corymbosum, Ceramium rubrum, Chaetomorpha
linum, C. aerea, C. crassa, Cladophora cristallina, C. dalmatica, C. laetevirens, Cystoseira
barbata, Enteromorpha intestinalis, E. linza, E. prolifera, Nitzschia longissima, N. seriata,
Rhizosolenia alata, R. calcar-avis, Thalassiosira parva, Ulva rigida, Urospora penicilliformis.
Animals: crabs (Carcinus maenas, Macropipus holsatus), jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo), zebra
mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), rapana (Rapana bezoar; invasive species), syphone mollusc
(Donax trunculus), bivalve mollusc of the family Pectinidae, several goby species (Neogobius
melanostomus, Pomatoschistus minutus, Mesogobius batrachocephalus, Gobius fluviatilis, G.
niger), needlefish (Syngnathus acus), ray-finned fish (Callionymus pusillus), goatfish (Mullus
barbatus ponticus).
3) Corresponding categories:
1. French classification: ZNIEFF-MER: “Biocénose des sables fins de haut niveau”,
“Biocénose des sables fins bien calibrés”.
2. German classification: “Sandbank der Ostsee (ständig wasserbedeckt)(040202a)”,
“Sandbank derNordsee (ständig wasserbedeckt)(030202a)“.
3. Barcelona Convention: “Biocenosis of fine sands in very shallow waters (III. 2. 1.)
4. The National Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland Version 03.02:
Relevant types within “Sublittoral coarse sediments (SCS), Sublittoral sands (SSA) and
Sublittoral macrophytes communities (SMP)”.
5. EUNIS classification: Relevant types within “A4.4, A4.55, A4.1, A4.2, A4.51, A4.5,
A4.53, A4.1, A4.2, A4.51, A4.5, A4.53, A4.4, A4.55, A7.32, A4.51, A4.53, A4.552,
4.521, A4.521, A4.513, A6.22, A4.51, A4.141, A4.13, A8.13”
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4) Associated habitats: None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
3. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow,
460 pp.
4. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds., 1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
5. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
6. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
7. Rass T.S. 1987. Modern state of ichtyofauna of Black See and its changes. Nauka, M.
8. Georgian National Report Black Sea Biological Diversity Georgia, United National
Publications, New York, 1998, p.101-106
1130 Estuaries
PAL. CLASS.: 13.2, 11.2
1) General Description
Downstream part of a river valley, subject to the tide and extending from the limit of brackish
waters. River estuaries are coastal inlets where, unlike 'large shallow inlets and bays' there is
generally a substantial freshwater influence. The mixing of freshwater and sea water and the
reduced current flows in the shelter of the estuary lead to deposition of fine sediments, often
forming extensive intertidal sand and mud flats. Where the tidal currents are faster than flood
tides, most sediments deposit to form a delta at the mouth of the estuary. River Rioni creates the
largest estuary. Estuaries of rivers Chorokhi and Enguri are outstanding as well. All other rivers
join the Black Sea in the form of a more narrow line.
There are duckweed (Lemna minor), Spirodela (Spirodela polyrhiza), floating fern
(Salvinia natans), nicely blooming frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) in standing waters of
river Khobi estuary as well as water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), small leaf and broad leaf
water vine (Potamogeton crispus, P. natans, P. perfoliatus, P. pusillus), water lily (Nymphaea
candida), yellow water lily (Nuphar luteum), water chestnut (Trapa colchica), vegetation of
seaside sandy dunes - Euphorbia peplis, Cakile maritima, Salsola tragus, Eringium maritimum,
etc.
2) Species
Plants: Lemna minor, Spirodela polyrhiza, Salvinia natans, Hydrocharis morsus ranae,
Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton pusillus, P. natans, P. crispus, P. perfoliatus, Nymphaea
candida, Nuphar luteum, Trapa colchica, Zostera spp., Chara spp., Eleocharis spp., Euphorbia
peplis, Cakile maritima, Salsola tragus, Eringium maritimum.
Animals: high diversity of waterbirds, using estuaries as both nesting and stopover sites. Most
common planktonic species in the areas of low or no salinity are most common plankton taxa are
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Moina rectirostris, Daphnia magna, Bosmina longirostris, Alona affinis, Chidorus sphaericus,
Brachionus angularis, Keratella quadrata, Asplanchna priodonta, Synchaeta sp., Pleyroxus
aduncus, Cyclops spp., the larvae of Chyronomid mosquitos and polychaeta. Dominating
zoobentic species are Nais behning, Limnodrilus claparedpahas, Tubifex tubifex, Stylaria
lacustris (Olygochaeta); Hupania invalida (Polychaeta); Gordius pustulosus (Nematomorpha);
Viviparus viviparus, Melonopsis praerosa, Ancylus fluviatilis (Mollusca); Pontogammarus
robustuides (Crustacea); Tendines plumosus, Procladius Skze, Pelopia kraatzi, Polypedium
scalaenum, P.nubeculosum,Cryptochironomus defectus, C. burganadze (Diptera, Chironomidae).
3) Corresponding categories:
German classification : "D2a Ästuare (Fließgewässermündungen mit Brackwassereinfluß u./od.
Tidenhub eingeschlossen werden", "050105 Brackwasserwatt des Ästuare an der Nordsee",
"050106 Süßwasserwatt im Tideeinfluß des Nordsee".
4) Associated habitats:
An estuary forms an ecological unit with the surrounding terrestrial coastal habitat types. In
terms of nature conservation, these different habitat types should not be separated, and this
reality must be taken into account during the selection of sites.
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
4. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU. Moscow
460 pp.
5. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
6. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
7. Rass T.S. 1987. Modern state of ichtyofauna of Black See and its changes. Nauka, M.
8. Georgian National Report Black Sea Biological Diversity Georgia, United National
Publications, New York, 1998, p.101-106
1150* Coastal lagoons
PAL. CLASS.: 21
1) General description
Lagoons are expanses of shallow coastal salt water, of varying salinity and water volume, wholly
or partially separated from the sea by sand banks or shingle, or, less frequently, by rocks.
Salinity may vary from brackish water to hypersalinity depending on rainfall, evaporation and
through the addition of fresh seawater from storms, temporary flooding of the sea in winter or
tidal exchange. This type of habitat is near village Grigoleti.
2) Species
9
Phytoplankton is widely represented by diatoms from which the following species are most
widely distributed: Thalassiosira parva, Nitzschia seriata, Nitzschia longissima, Rhizosolenia
alata, Rhizosolenia calcar-avis.
Sea algaes: Green algae species are Chaetomorpha linum, C. aerea, C. crassa, Cladophora
cristallina, C. dalmatica, C. laetevirens, Enteromorpha intestinalis, E. linza, E. prolifera, Ulva
rigida, Urospora penicilliformis, etc. Brown algae - Cystoseira barbata; Red algaes - Bangia
fuscopurpurea, Ceramium rubrum and Callithamnion corymbosum.
Fresh water algaes are – Cyanophyta – blue-green algaes: Anabaena flos-aquae, Anabaena
variabilia, Gloeocapsa turgida, Merismopedia glauca, Microcystis grevillei, Microcystis
pulverea, Oscillatoria brevis, Oscillatoria limosa, Oscillatoria tenuis, Spirulina subtilissima.
Cillariophyta – Siliceous algaes – diatoms: Cyclotella kuetzingiana, Cyclotella meneghiniana,
Caloneis bacillum, Cocconeis placentula, Cymbella ventricosa, Gomphonema acuminatum,
Navicula cryptocephala, Nitzschia amphibia, Nitzschia dissipata, Pinuularia viridis, Synedra
ulna. Chlorophyta – Green algaes: Cladophora glomerata, Oedogonium sp., Pediastrum
boryanum, Scenedesmus acuminatus, Scenedesmus obliquus, Scenedesmus quadricauda,
Spirogyra sp., Ulotrix zonata.
Plants: Enteromorpha intestinalis, Urospora penicilliformis, Ulva rigida, Enteromorpha linza,
E. prolifera, Cladophora laetevirens, Chaetomorpha linum, Ch. aerea, Ch. crassa, Cladophora
cristallina, C. dalmatica, Cystoseira barbata; Bangia fuscopurpurea, Ceramium rubrum da
Callithamnion corymbosum. Thalassiosira parva, Nitzschia seriata, Nitzschia longissima,
Rhizosolenia alata, Rhizosolenia calcar-avis. Euphorbia peplis, E. paralias, Cakile maritima,
Salsola tragus, Silene euxina, Digitaria ciliaris, Polygonum littorale, Calystegia soldanella,
Satchys maritima, Eringium maritimum, Trapa colchica, Lemna minor, Salvinia natans,
Utricularia vulgaris, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton pectinatus, Anabaena flos-awuae,
Anabaena variabilia, Gloeocapsa turgida, Merismopedia glauca, Microcystis grevillei,
Microcystis pulverea, Oscillatoria brevis, Oscillatoria limosa, Oscillatoria tenuis, Spirulina
subtilissima, Cladophora glomerata, Oedogonium sp., Pediastrum boryanum, Scenedesmus
acuminatus, Scenedesmus obliquus, Scenedesmus quadricauda, Spirogyra sp., Ulotrix zonata.
Animals: common planktonic species are Brachionus angularis, Keratella quadrata,
Asplanchna priodonta, Synchaeta sp., Pleyroxus aduncus, Diaptomus spp., Cyclops spp.
Dominating zoobentic species are Nais behning, Limnodrilus claparedpahas, Tubifex tubifex,
Stylaria lacustris (Olygochaeta); Hupania invalida (Polychaeta); Gordius pustulosus
(Nematomorpha); Viviparus viviparus, Melonopsis praerosa, Ancylus fluviatilis (Mollusca);
Pontogammarus robustuides (Crustacea).
3) Corresponding categories:
German classification: "0906 Strandsee", "240601 Brackwassersee im Ostseeküstenbereich".
Saltmarshes form part of this complex.
4) Associated habitats: None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
4. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow 460
pp.
5. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
10
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
6. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
7. Georgian National Report Black Sea Biological Diversity Georgia, United National
Publications, New York, 1998, p.101-106
1160 Large shallow inlets and bays
PAL.CLASS.: 12
1) General description
The coastal areas, where fresh and sea waters do not get mixed. It is only affected by the tide,
which brings in deposit rock layer from the sea bed and constantly changes the structure of the
sea bed. This has an impact on the benthos communities.
2) Species
Phytoplankton represented by diatoms, including the widespread species Thalassiosira parva,
Nitzschia seriata, Nitzschia longissima, Rhizosolenia alata, Rhizosolenia calcar-avis.
Green sea algaes - Enteromorpha intestinalis, Urospora penicilliformis, Ulva rigida,
Enteromorpha linza, E. prolifera, Cladophora laetevirens, Chaetomorpha linum, Ch. aerea, Ch.
crassa, Cladophora cristallina, C. dalmatica, etc.; Brown algae - Cystoseira barbata; Red
algaes - Bangia fuscopurpurea, Ceramium rubrum and Callithamnion corymbosum.
Plants: Enteromorpha intestinalis, Urospora penicilliformis, Ulva rigida, Enteromorpha linza,
E. prolifera, Cladophora laetevirens, Chaetomorpha linum, Ch. aerea, Ch. crassa,Cladophora
cristallina, C. dalmatica, Bangia fuscopurpurea, Ceramium rubrum and Callithamnion
corymbosum, Thalassiosira parva, Nitzschia seriata, Nitzschia longissima,Rhizosolenia alata,
Rhizosolenia calcar-avis.
3) Corresponding categories:
German classification: "B31 naturnaher Boddengewässerkomplex", "B32
Boddengewässerkomplex, geringe Belastung", "A2a Flachwasserzonen
(Meeresarme u. -buchten, incl. Seegraswiesen)".
der
Nordsee
4) Associated habitats: None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
4. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow
460 pp.
11
1.2. Sea cliffs and shingle or stony beaches
1220GE Code of Georgia: Vegetation of the Sea Cliffs
1) General Description
The coastal rock vegetation is the most common in Ajara. Perennial vascular plants are
dominating. In addition, there is a high diversity of mosses and ferns, attached to a rock and
forming green vegetation cover of a cliff. A characteristic species is an endemic Iris Siphonostylis lazica and strong undergrowth of blackberry bush - Rubus caucasicus. Fern species
are Polypodium serratum, Dryopteris palaecea, occasionally, Osmunda regalis. Dominating
flowering plants is Crithmum maritimum.
2) Species
Plants: Crithmum maritimum, Dryopteris palaecea, Osmunda regalis, Polypodium serratum,
Rubus caucasicus, Siphonostylis lazica.
Animals: the commonest species are crabs (Carcinus maenas), zebra mussel (Dreissena
polymorpha), few goby species (Neogobius melanostomus, Pomatoschistus minutus, Mesogobius
batrachocephalus, Gobius fluviatilis).
3) Corresponding categories
1. Nordic classification : 17.31 - "4112 Crambe maritima-Elytrigia repens-typ", "4113 Achillea
millefolium-Angelica archangelica-typ".
2. United Kingdom classification: 17.32 -" SD1 Rumex crispus-Glaucium flavum shingle beach
community".
3. 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks; PAL.CLASS.: 17.3
4) Associated habitats: None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow 460
pp.
4. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
5. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
6. Georgian National Report Black Sea Biological Diversity Georgia, United National
Publications, New York, 1998, p.101-106
12
1.5. Salt and gypsum inland steppes
15GE Code of Georgia. Salt and gypsum inland vegetation
1) General description
Halophyte complexes can be found in Meskheti, within the limits of the upper basin of river
Mtkvari, Inner Kartli and Iori Plateau. Halophilic communities are developed on badlands, on
various slopes of nearly all exposition, on the exhausted cortex of easy soluble, salty, gypseous
basic rocks and on salty clay soil. Such places are characterized by physical and physiologic
dryness and dry microclimate. According to the common position of ecotope vegetation is
fluctuated within wide limits, which depends on gypseous composition and salting degree in the
substrata. By the structure of vegetation and species composition it is similar to desert
vegetation; it is characterized by poor flora, inlay and complexity. The vegetation of upper parts
of badland slopes and rocks is actually undeveloped. It is caused by the intensive rain and wind
erosion. Some typical desert and semi-desert plants. The common coverage of phytomass in such
phytocoenose is not more than 5-10%. The halophilic vegetation coverage is about 50- 60% on
proluvial-deluvial deposits of the lower parts of slopes. The mentioned type of edaphogenic
desert and semi-desert flora is represented by comparatively narrower endemics and widespread
species with disjuncted areas, which have a great importance in research of geographic
connections and study of Georgian flora and vegetation formation history.
The following species are observed on slopes Reaumuria alternifolia and Camphorosma
monspeliaca. Open unconnected phytocoenose Reaumurioso-salsoleto-camphorosmetum are
created by these semi-bushes. At the foot of the slope grows the goastsbeard - Podospermum
idae. In relatively quiet places ephemeral sinusien are developed in the form of spotted
fragments. Dwarf grasses - Eremopyrum orientale or Trachynia dictachya participate in creating
them whereas in certain places this is done by succulent biomorph Gamanthus pilosus or
Bupleurum exaltatum. The Syrian bean-caper (Zygophyllum fabago) and others can be named
from less constant species. From rare communities there are: Nitraria schoberi, Atriplex tatarica,
Puccinellia distans, Kochia prostrata, Sosnowskya amblyolepis, Amberboa moschata,
Ceratoides papposa, etc. Non-constant species involve: Astragalus argillosus, Callicephalus
nitens, black buckthorn or extremely rare species growing in dry ravines, Rhamnus spathulifolia.
2) Species
Plants: Reaumuria alternifolia, Camphorosma monspeliaca, Podospermum idae, Eremopyrum
orientale, Trachynia dictachya, Gamanthus pilosus, Bupleurum exaltatum, Zygophyllum fabago,
Nitraria schoberi, Atriplex tatarica, Puccinellia distans, Kochia prostrata, Sosnowskya
amblyolepis, Amberboa moschata, Ceratoides papposa, Astragalus argillosus, Callicephalus
nitens, Rhamnus spathulifolia.
Animals: Vertebrate species composition does not differ from that in the surrounding
landscapes. Few typical invertebrates are beetles Scarabeus sacer, Scarites salinus, butterflies
Vanessa cardui, Pieris brassice, blues from genera Lycaena and Polyommates, in small saline
ponds – crustanceans of the genus Artemia.
3) Corresponding categories:
1. 1510 * Mediterranean salt steppes (Limonietalia); PAL.CLASS.: 15.8
2. 1520 * Iberian gypsum steppes (Gypsophiletalia); PAL.CLASS.: 15.9
3. 1530 * Pannonic salt steppes and salt marshes; PAL.CLASS.: 15.A1, 15.A2
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
13
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kikodze E, 1967. Nitraria schoberi in Georgia. Notulae Syst. Geogr. Plants. Tbilisi, 26:6365.
4. M. Akhalkatsi, M. Kimeridze, M. Mosulishvili, I. Maisaia. 2009. Conservation and
Sustainable Utilization of the Endangered Medicinal Plants in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Final
Report. Tbilisi pp. 130.
5. Bobrov, E.G. 1946. About Asiatic species of genus Nitraria L. Sov. Bot. 14, 1:19-30.
6. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
7. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
8. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
9. Georgian National Report Black Sea Biological Diversity Georgia, United National
Publications, New York, 1998, p.101-106.
______________________________________________________
2. COASTAL SAND DUNES AND INLAND DUNES
_________________________________________________________________________
2.1. Coastal Sand Dunes
2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
PAL.CLASS.: 16.211
1) General description
Primary succession of dunes starts with embryonic shifting dunes where the following species of
salt-tolerant creeping and deep root plants dominate - Convolvulus persicus, Calystegia
soldanella, Samolus valerandi, Plantago lanceolata, etc. Several perennial herbaceous plants,
such as, Eryngium maritimum, Euphorbia paralias, Glaucium flavum, and coniferous ones, such
as, Vitex agnus-castus can also be found. The latter can be found at the border of fixed and
mobile dunes as well as bordering grassy meadows of the land where Juncus acutus dominates.
2) Species:
Plants: Aira capillaris, Anagallis arvensis, Anthemis euxina, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Asclepias
fruticosa, Calystegia soldanella, Carex colchica, Cerastium semidecandrum, Convolvolus
persicus, Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria pectiniformis, Erodium cicutarium, Erophila verna,
Eryngium maritimum, Euphorbia paralias, Euphorbia pubescens, Geranium dissectum,
Geranium molle, Glaucium flavum, Helianthemum nummularium, Lolium rigidum, Lysimachia
fortunei, Medicago minima, Pancratium maritimum, Petrorhagia saxifraga, Plantago
lanceolata, Salsola tragus, Samolus valerandi, Scabiosa sosnowskyi, Scleranthus annuus,
Sherardia arvensis, Silene euxina, Stachys maritima, Trifolium campestre, Verbascum
gnaphalioides, Veronica serpyllifolia, Vitex agnus-castus.
Animals: Vertebrate species composition does not differ from that in the surrounding
landscapes. Few typical invertebrates are beetles Scarabeus sacer, Scarites salinus, butterflies
Vanessa cardui, Pieris brassice, blues from genera Lycaena and Polyommates.
14
3) Corresponding categories
1. United Kingdom classification: "SD4 Elymus farctus subsp. boreali-atlanticus foredune
community".
2. Nordic classification: 16.2111 - "4121 Elytrigia juncea-typ".
4) Associated habitats: Fixed dunes
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Denk Th., Frotzler N., Davitashvili N. 2001. Vegetational patterns and distribution of relict
taxa in humid temperate forests and wetlands of Georgia (Transcaucasia). Biol. J Linn. Soc.
72: 287–332.
4. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow 460
pp.
5. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
6. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
7. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
8. Georgian National Report Black Sea Biological Diversity Georgia, United National
Publications, New York, 1998, p.101-106
2130* Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)
PAL.CLASS.: 16.221 to 16.227, 16.22B
1) General description
Sandy dunes can be found in the south of Poty, between the sea and the planted pine forest
(Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp., Alnus barbata). Fixed and non-fixed dunes border with each other
and represent various successive stages. The border between them is sometimes covered with the
humus layer. Species of plants involve grasses. E.g. Microstegium vimineum, swamp plants, such
as Lycopus europaeus, Inula auriculata, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, etc.
In the narrow littoral line existing in the north of Kulevi village relict vegetation of
ancient Meditteranean flora can be found, which is almost completely destroyed at the Georgian
section of the Black Sea coast dunes to a heavy anthropogenic press. Sea Lilly - Pancratium
maritimum - the species of the Red Book of Georgia can be found here which belongs to the
category of high decorative plants and represents the relict of the tertiary flora. Species of plants
of a specific ecological range, such as, spurge (Euphorbia paralias), red-horned poppy
(Glaucium flavum), sea thistle (Eryngium maritimum), woundworth (Stachys maritima), campion
(Silene euxina), etc. are associated with the sea lilly. Spread of mentioned taxons within the
limits of protected Kolkheti territories is extremely limited and involves only a narrow littoral
line of the Black Sea coast.
2) Species
15
Plants: Aira capillaris, Ajuga reptans, Arabidopsis thaliana, Arabis hirsuta, Senecio vulgaris,
Digitaria pectiniformis, Euphorbia cyparissias, Euphorbia peplis, Geranium dissectum,
Geranium molle, Glaucium flavum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Inula auriculata, Juncus acutus,
Juncus articulatus, Lycopus europaeus, Lysimachia fortunei, Mentha aquatica, Microstegium
vimineum, Paspalum dilatatum, Prunella vulgaris, Rhamphicarpa medwedewii, Rubus
anatolicus, Sherardia arvensis, Silene pendula, Vicia hirsuta, Vicia sativa.
Animals: Vertebrate species composition does not differ from that in the surrounding
landscapes. Few typical invertebrates are beetles Scarabeus sacer, Scarites salinus, butterflies
Vanessa cardui, Pieris brassice, blues from genera Lycaena and Polyommates.
3) Corresponding categories:
1. United Kingdom classification: 16.221 -"SD12 Carex arenaria-Festuca ovina-Agrostis
capillaris grassland", "SD8 Festuca rubra-Galium verum fixed dune grassland", "SD7
Ammophila arenaria-Festuca rubra semi-fixed dune community" and "SD11 Carex arenariaCornicularia aculeata dune community". 16.226 -"SD9b Ammophila arenaria-Arrhenatherum
elatius dune grassland Geranium sanguineum sub-community". 16.227 -most likely, certain subcommunities of the type "SD7 Ammophila arenaria-Festuca rubra semi-fixed dune community"
and "SD11 Carex arenaria-Cornicularia aculeata dune community".
2. German classification: "1003 Dünenrasen (Graudüne)", "1003a Dünenpionierrasen mit
einjähr. Vegetation (Thero-Airion)", "1003b Dünenrasen mit geschlossener Narbe u. überwieg.
ausdauernden Arten (Graudüne)".
3. Nordic classification: "4141 Corynephorus canescens-typ" and "4142 Festuca rubraHieracium umbellatum-typ".
4) Associated habitat: Mobile dunes
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Denk Th., Frotzler N., Davitashvili N. 2001. Vegetational patterns and distribution of relict
taxa in humid temperate forests and wetlands of Georgia (Transcaucasia). Biol. J Linn. Soc.
72: 287–332.
4. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow
460 pp.
5. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
6. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
7. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of
Georgia along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from
Georgia-Azerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
8. Georgian National Report Black Sea Biological Diversity Georgia, United National
Publications, New York, 1998, p.101-106
16
2160 Dunes with Hippophaë rhamnoides
PAL.CLASS.: 16.251
1) General description
Places covered with woody plants can be found near Poty on fixed dunes, where Hippophaë
rhamnoides, Berberis vulgaris, Malus orientalis, Pyracantha coccinea, Mespilus germanica,
Ruscus ponticus, Paliurus spina-christi dominate. Thorny Scrub with climbing plants Smilax
excelsa, Clematis vitalba, Periploca graeca can be found in Samegrelo. The coastal scrub of
secondary origin is found near Sukhumi. Paliurus spina-christi, Crataegus monogyna, Carpinus
orientalis dominate here. Existence of species of forests here speaks of the secondary origin of
this community.
2) Species
Plants: Hippophaë rhamnoides, Berberis vulgaris, Malus orientalis, Pyracantha coccinea,
Mespilus germanica, Paliurus spina-christi, Crataegus monogyna, Carpinus orientalis,
Trachystemon orientale, Anchusa sp., Polystichum lonchitis.
Animals: Vertebrate species composition does not differ from that in the surrounding
landscapes. Few typical invertebrates are beetles Scarabeus sacer, Scarites salinus, butterflies
Vanessa cardui, Pieris brassice, blues from genera Lycaena and Polyommates.
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Denk Th., Frotzler N., Davitashvili N. 2001. Vegetational patterns and distribution of relict
taxa in humid temperate forests and wetlands of Georgia (Transcaucasia). Biol. J Linn. Soc.
72: 287–332.
4. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow 460
pp.
5. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
6. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
7. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
8. Georgian National Report Black Sea Biological Diversity Georgia, United National
Publications, New York, 1998, p.101-106
17
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. FRESHWATER HABITATS
____________________________________________________
3.1. Standing water
316GE Georgian code– Natural lakes and ponds
1) General description
Four sub-types of bank vegetation exist, dependent on the geographic region where a pond,
reservoir, or lake is located.
Sub-types:
316GE-01. There is dense marsh vegetation around the Lake Paliastomi, dominated by
Phragmites australis, Juncus acutus and Juncellus serotinus. Dominant species of perennial
grassy vegetation are Inula auriculata, Lythrum salicaria. Common and widespread Kosteletzkya
pentacarpa (Malvaceae) is considered to be a Tertiary relict species. Climbing forms represented
by Galium elongatum and Calystegia sepium. The invasive bush Amorpha fruticosa (originally
from SE North America) is a common species of flooded planes, banks and marshes.
316GE-02. Other vegetation community type of the vicinity of Lake Paliastomi consists of
graminoid vegetation with a combination of monocotyle and dicotyle dominant herbs. Reedbed
(Phragmites) along a narrow coastal line is up to 2 meters high. A circle of lower vegetation is
comprised of Molinia spp., Cladium spp., Rhynchospora spp., and broadleaved species,
including Centaurium spp., Lysimachia spp. and Hypericum tetrapterum. Hydrocotyle vulgaris
and H. ranunculoides dominate in ground vegetation. Andropogon capillipes is an invasive
species (originally from North America).
316GE-03. Vegetation of lakes of the Javakheti Plateau in Southern Georgia varies among the
lakes. Banks of some (e.g. Sagamo lake) are bare. Banks of large lakes Khanchali and Madatapa
are covered with dense bank vegetation. The dominating species are Sagittaria sagittifolia,
Heleocharis palustris. Potamogeton pectinatus, P. crispus, Myriophyllum spicatum, Polygonum
amphibium are more common than Nuphar luteum, Nymphaea alba.
316GE-04.. In the outskirts of Tbilisi, on the banks of lakes Udzo and Lisi, reedbed is comprised
of Phragmites australis, Scirpus tabernaemontani, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Carex vesicaria,
C. rostrata, C. diluta. Marsh vegetation is represented by Lysimachia dubia, Lythrum salicaria,
Pulicaria uliginosa, Ranunculus lingua and a number of other species.
2) Species
Plants: Amorpha fruticosa, Apium graveolens, Calystegia sepium, Carex vesicaria,
Chenopodium sp., Cyperus badius, Digitaria ischaemum, Erigeron canadensis, Galium
elongatum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Inula auriculata, Juncellus serotinus, Juncus acutus,
Kosteletzkya pentacarpa, Lythrum salicaria, Phragmites australis,Phytolacca americana, Rubus
anatolicus, Rumex crispus, Scirpus lacustris (1GE1), Andropogon virginicus, Centaurium
erythraea, Cladium mariscus, Erigeron crispus, Hydrocotyle ranunculoides, Hydrocotyle
vulgaris, Hypericum tetrapterum, Juncus acutus, Lycopus europaeus, Lysimachia vulgaris,
Molinia caerulea, Phragmites australis, Potentilla erecta, Rumex sanguineus, Sagittaria
sagittifolia, Scirpus lacustris, Sparganium angustifolium (31GE2), Sagittaria sagittifolia,
Heleocharis palustris, Potamogeton pectinatus, P. crispus, Myriophyllum spicatum, Polygonum
amphibium, Nuphar luteum, Nymphaea alba (31GE3), Phragmites australis, Scirpus
18
tabernaemontani, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Carex vesicaria, C. rostrata, C. diluta, Lysimachia
dubia, Lythrum salicaria, Pulicaria vulgaris, Ranunculus lingua (31GE4).
Animals: fish: Lampetra mariae, Clupeonella delicatula, Alosa caspia, A. kessleri pontica,
Esox lucius, Rutilus rutilus, R. frisi, Phoxinus phoxinus colchicus, Scardinius erythrophtalmus,
Tinca tinca, Chalcalburnus chalcoides, Alburnus alburnus, Blicca bjoerkna,Abramis brama,
Vimba vimba, Cyprinus carpio, Silurus glanis, Anguilla anguilla, Gasterosteus aculeatus,
Syngnathus nigrolineatus, Mugil cefalis, M. auratus, M. saliens, Atherina mochon, Lucioperca
marina, L. lucioperca, Perca fluviatilis, Umbrina cirrosa, Pomatoschistus caucasicus,
Knipowitschia longicaudata, Gobius gymnotrachelus, G. melanostomus, G. cephalarges, G.
kessleri, Proterorhinus marmoratus. Common waterbirds arePodiceps cristatus, Ardeola
ralloides, Nycticorax nycticorax, Ixobrychus minutus, Ciconia nigra, Anas Platyrhynchos, Anas
crecca, Anas querquedula, Pandion haliaetus, Circus pygargus, Circus aeroginosus, Rallus
aquaticus, Porzana porzana, Porzana parva, Crex crex, Gallinula chloropus, Fulica atra,
Charadrius dubius, Vanellus vanellus, Tringa totanus, Tringa ochropus, Actitis hypoleucos,
Larus cachinans, Alcedo atthis. A number of migratory birds are included in the IUCN Red List,
including Pelecanus crispus დ ა Gallinago media. Amphibians and terrestrial vertebrates are
Rana ridibunda, Hyla arborea, H. savignyi, Bufo viridis, Natrix natrix, N. tesselata, Lutra lutra,
Arvicola terrestris, Miocastor coypus დ ა Procyon lotor (the two latter species are introduced).
Common plancters are Moina rectirostris, Daphnia magna, Bosmina longirostris, Alona affinis,
Chidorus sphaericus, Brachionus angularis, Keratella quadrata, Asplanchna priodonta,
Synchaeta sp., Pleyroxus aduncus, Cyclops spp., Chirinomid larvae. In eastern Georgia, common
fish species are Leucis cephalis orientalis, Gobio gobio, Chalcalburnus chalcoides, Alburnus
filippi, Alburnoides bipunctatus eichwaldi, Nemachilus brandti, Aspius aspius, Barbus capito,
Alburnus charusini, Rutilus rutilus, Acanthalburnus microlepis, Blicca bjoerkna, Abramis
brama, A. sapa, Cyprinus carpio, დ ა Silurus glanis.
3) Corresponding categories: 3110-3160 for all three sub-types.
4) Associated habitat: Marshes
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Denk Th., Frotzler N., Davitashvili N. 2001. Vegetational patterns and distribution of relict
taxa in humid temperate forests and wetlands of Georgia (Transcaucasia). Biol. J Linn. Soc.
72: 287–332.
4. Zedelmaier, 1929. Matariali k poznaniu vodno-bolotnykh formatsii ozer Javakheti
(byvshego Akhalkalakskogo raiona). Works of Leningrad’s Soc. Nature Explorers.
5. Zedelmaier, 1933. Materiali k flore Javakhetia. (Materials for Javakheti flora). In:
Javakheti. ZakGIZ, Tbilisi, pp. 281-300.
6. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
7. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
8. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of
Georgia along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from
Georgia-Azerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
19
9. Elanidze R.F.,1983. Ichtiofauna of the rivers and lakes of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in
Russian)
3.2. Running water
3220 Alpine rivers and the herbaceous vegetation along their banks
PAL.CLASS.: 24.221 and 24.222
1) General description
Sedge (Carex oreophila) and other such characteristic species as Swertia iberica, Pedicularis
crassirostris appear in the alpine zone on the bank of the stream. In the places of melting snow
we can encounter Bellevalia paradoxa, Scilla rosenii, Corydalis erdelii, C. emanuelii, etc. On the
banks of those rivers that start at the glacier the following communities can be found: Caltha
polypetala, Cardamine uliginosa, Parnasia palustris, Alchemilla tredecimloba, Heracleum
apiifolium, Primula auriculata, Cirsium simplex, Papaver oreophilum, Saxifraga sibirica, Vicia
varriegata, Chamaenerion hirsutum;
The following can be found of the moistened sandy ground of quartz - Juncus bufonius,
Sagina saxatilis. On the banks of the stream in marshy places there are - Juncus alpigenus, J.
atratus, Carex canescens, C. stellulata, C. contigua, C. leporina, C. rigida, Eriphorum
latifolium, Heleocharis palustris.
2) Species
Plants: Carex oreophila, Swertia iberica, Pedicularis crassirostris, Bellevalia paradoxa, Scilla
rosenii, Corydalis erdelii, C. emanuelii, Caltha polypetala, Cardamine uliginosa, Parnasia
palustris, Alchemilla tredecimbosa, Heracleum apiifolium, Primula auriculata, Cirsium simplex,
Papaver oreophilum, Saxifraga sibirica, Vicia varriegata, Chamaenerion hirsutum, Juncus
bufonius, Sagina saxatilis, Juncus alpigenus, J. atratus, Carex canescens, C. stellulata, C.
contigua, C. leporina, C. rigida, Eriphorum latifolium, Heleocharis palustris.
Animals: Fish - Salmo trutta; Amphibians and reptiles – Bufo viridis, Rana macrocnemis, Natrix
natrix; mammals – Arvicola terrestris, Microtus (Terricola) spp; birds – Motacilla alba, M.
flava, M. cinerea. At the coasts of small rivers – side swimmers (Gammaridae), damselflies
(Callopteryx spp.).
3) Corresponding categories
1. Nordic classification : "7211 Calamagrostis stricta-Lotus corniculatus-Oxyria digyna-typ",
"7214 Racomitrium canescens-Oxyria digyna -typ", "7222 Eriophorum scheuchzeri -typ", "7223
Calamagrostis stricta -typ" and "7224 Carex aquatilis-Equisetum fluviatile -typ".
4) Associated habitat: High mountain marshes/swamps
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
4. Elanidze R.F.,1983. Ichtiofauna of the rivers and lakes of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in
Russian)
20
323 GE Code of Georgia: Alpine rivers and their ligneous vegetation
There are 4 sub-types of this habitat:
Sub-types:
323GE-01. On river banks covered with silt or mud thin scrub can be found - hawthorn
(Crataegus kyrtostyla), oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), sea buckthorn (Hippophaë
rhamnoides) and Jerusalem thorn (Paliurus spina-christi).
323GE-02. The sandy bank of the riparian is covered with vegetation of thick undergrowth type.
Agrostis verticillata, Calamagrostis glauca, Juncus articulatus, J. bufonius, Pulicaria uliginosa,
etc. can be found from the grasses.
323GE-03. Riverside rock vegetation is under the influence of floods during which it can
completely disappear and then revive again. Mainly the following annual plants can be found:
Carex capillaris, Agrostis verticillata, Chamaenerion hirsutum, Verbascum gnaphalodes.
However, grasses and perennial dicotyledons given below also take part in creating this
community: Poa glauca, Cyperus fuscus, Pycreus flavescens, Heleocharis palustris, Fimbristylis
bisumbellata, Juncus articulatus, J. tenageia; as for dycotyledons - Pulicaria dysenterica,
Mentha aquatica, Eupatorium cannabinum.
323GE-04. Boggy places on the banks of rivers, streams and narrow mountain valleys are
covered with triangular rush (Juncus bufonius), which expel primary hydrophillic vegetation:
Glyceria plicata, Carex remota, Alopecurus arundinaceus. The following are named together
with triangular rush: Deschampsia caespitosa, Iris sibirica, Filipendula ulmaria, etc. Real
marshes can be found in the coastal line of the lower stream of river Mtkvari. Marshes here are
covered with grasses and moor-grass - Calamagrostis arundinacea, Beckmannia eruciformis,
Typha minima, T. laxmannii, Sparganium microcarpum, Cladium mariscus, etc. Iris carthaliniae
grows on less moist places.
2) Species
Plants: Agrostis verticillata, Alopecurus arundinaceus, Beckmannia eruciformis, Calamagrostis
arundinacea, Calamagrostis glauca, Carex capillaris, Carex remota, Carpinus orientalis,
Chamaenerion hirsutum, Cladium mariscus, Crataegus kyrtostyla, Cyperus fuscus, Deschampsia
caespitosa, Eupatorium cannabinum, Filipendula ulmaria, Fimbristylis bisumbellata, Glyceria
plicata, Heleocharis palustris, Hippophaë rhamnoides, Iris carthaliniae, Iris sibirica, Juncus
articulatus, J. bufonius, J. tenageia, Mentha aquatica, Paliurus spina-christi, Poa glauca,
Pulicaria dysenterica, Pulicaria uliginosa, Pycreus flavescens, Sparganium microcarpum,
Typha minima, T. laxmannii, Verbascum gnaphalodes.
Animals: Fish - Salmo trutta; Amphibians and reptiles – Bufo viridis, Rana macrocnemis, Natrix
natrix; mammals – Arvicola terrestris, Microtus (Terricola) spp; birds – Motacilla alba, M.
flava, M. cinerea.
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat: Grasses marshes
5) Bibiliography
21
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Kimeridze, K. 1966. Kavkasiashi chaobis mcenareulobis gavrcelebis kanonzomierebis
sakitkhisatvis. (Distribution pattern of wetland vegetation in Caucasus). Bull. Georg. Acad.
Scien. 43, 2:234-245.
6. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
7. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
8. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
9. Elanidze R.F.,1983. Ichtiofauna of the rivers and lakes of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in
Russian)
____________________________________________________
4. TEMPERATE HEATH AND SCRUB
___________________________________________________
In general, there are three types of scrub: 1) Deciduous; 2) Evergreen and 3) Dwarf. Dry place grove
of Jerusalem thorn belongs to deciduous scrub; “Makvisi” is evergreen scrub, which is found in
Abkhazia and consists of Mediterranean species. Dwarf scrub is found in high mountains. E.g. grove
of evergreen Caucasian Rhododendron.
40GE Code of Georgia. Evergreen heaths of Kolkheti
Sub-types:
40GE-01. “Makvisi” in Abkhazia is the type of scrub which is widespread in the outskirts of
Bichvinta and Bombori. The Mediterranean Arbutus andrachne, Cistus creticus and Hippophaë
rhamnoides are the dominant species.
40GE-02. Boxwood thick undergrowth (Buxus colchica) was initially part of evergreen
understory characteristic to the Kolkhic forest. After cutting down the forest, laurel/bay scrub
appeared. It is similar to the Colchic forest understory with the box.
40GE-03. The genuine planted forest of the bay (Laurus nobilis) is preserved on the extremely
limited territory near village Kheta, on Urta mountain in Samegrelo. It is the remnant of the relict
forest of mioscene period. At present it is almost devastated as a result of the strong anthropogenic
impact. Compatible species is Arbutus andrachne.
2) Plants
Arbutus andrachne, Cistus creticus, Hippophaë rhamnoides, Buxus colchica, Laurus nobilis.
22
3) Corresponding categories
1. German classification: "410103 Gebüsch trocken-warmer Standorte (Berberitzen-,
Felsenmispel, Felsenbirnen-, Sanddorngebüsch etc) (mit Buxus sempervirens,
P036b).
2. 5230 * Arborescent matorral with Laurus nobilis, PAL.CLASS.: 32.18
3. 5310 Laurus nobilis thickets, PAL.CLASS.:32.216
4) Associated habitat
None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Colchis. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU
Moscow 460 pp.
4060 Alpine and Boreal heaths
PAL.CLASS.: 31.4
1) General description
Low or dwarf sprawling scrub widespread in the alpine and sub-alpine areas, with dominating
genera of Ericaceae: Rhododendron, Epigaea, Arctostaphylos, Erica, with the inclusion of
Vaccinium, Dryas, Daphne, Empetrum, Juniperus.
Sub-types:
4060-01. Subalpine shrubland of Caucasian Rhododendron (Rhododendron caucasicum):
evergreen dwarf shrubland, which creates sub-alpine scrub throughout the Caucasus, from the
upper forest line (1800-1900 m. a.s.l.) to the upper border of the alpine zone (2300 – 2900 m).
This type of vegetation covers slopes of the northern exposition. The life cycle of the plant is
linked with the dynamics of the snow cover, which makes this species extremely sensitive to the
climate change. Characteristic species are: Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea, Arctostaphylos
uva-ursi subsp. caucasica, Empetrum caucasicum, Daphne glomerata, Pyrola minor, P.
rotundifolia, Anemone fasciculata, Calamagrostis arundinacea. Occasionally Juniperus sabina,
Salix kazbegensis are also found. In Abkhazia, grove of the Rhododendron is not found on
granite rather than limestone soils. In this area, the rowan (Sorbus boissieri, Geranium
sylvaticum, Anemone aurea, Trollius patulus) grows along with the grove of evergreen
Rhododendron. In Svaneti, the Rhododendron is commonly associated with a fern Athyrium
alpestre. Mountain wild garlic (Allium victorialis) creates association together with mountain
blueberry and the grove of evergreen azaleas in small and central Caucasus.
4060-02. Mountain avens (Dryas caucasica): This type of scrub is rare and holds a small
territory on rocky and stony slopes at the northern and north-west exposition, at the height of
2000 – 2600 meters a.s.l. Typical to limestone and moistened slopes with incline up to 20 – 50
degrees. Strongly affected by a negative impact of excessive grazing and climatic changes.
Characteristic species are: Daphne glomerata, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Selaginella helvatica,
Deschampsia flexuosa, Primula amoena, Polygonum viviparum, Leontodon danubialis,
Parnassia palustris.
4060-03. Crowberry – blueberry (Vaccinium and Empetrum can be found together) tickets are
typical for the Alpine belt, where there are growing on the thin-layer rocky biotope. This co23
community belongs to the Empetrum-Vaccinium scrub type of western-eastern European high
mountains.
4060-04. Juniper thicket (Juniperus spp.) dwarf juniper shrubs (Juniperus hemisphaerica and J.
sabina) are found throughout the Caucasus mountains. In western Caucasus, juniper shrubs
intrude in the grove of evergreen Rhododendrons (Rhododendron). Woronowia speciosa (=
Geum speciosum) is a species typical to the community of juniper of limestone habitat. The
juniper thicket community in Svaneti is dominated by Juniperus depressa. Associated species
are: Empetrum caucasicum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, V. myrtillus, Rosa svanetica.
4060-05. Azalea thicket (Rhododendron luteum) consists of a scrub of deciduous species of
azalea with yellow flowers. Different from the grove of evergreen Rhododendrons, it does not
form a bound scrub. Species composition varies dependent on the soil type. The habitat is
formed by admixture of the azaleas and subalpine grasses. The following plants are common:
Geranium psilostemon, Achillea latiloba, Cirsium obvalatum, Campanula hemschinica.
2) Species
Plants: Achillea latiloba, Allium victorialis, Anemone aurea, Anemone fasciculata,
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. caucasica, Athyrium alpestre, Calamagrostis arundinacea,
Campanula hemschinica, Cirsium obvalatum, Daphne glomerata, Deschampsia flexuosa,
Empetrum caucasicum, Geranium psilostemon, Geranium sylvaticum, Juniperus hemisphaerica,
J. sabina, Leontodon danubialis, Parnassia palustris, Polygonum viviparum, Primula amoena,
Pyrola minor, P. rotundifolia, Rhododendron caucasicum, Rhododendron luteum, Rosa
svanetica, Selaginella helvatica, Sorbus boissieri, Trollius patulus, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitisidaea, Woronowia speciosa.
Animals: Main habitat of snow voles (Chionomys gud, C. nivalis); breeding habitat of Caucasian
Black grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi); important habitat for endemic vipers (Vipera dinniki, V.
lotievi). In the Western Lesser Caucasus – a habitat of Caucasian salamander (Mertensiella
caucasica). Butterflies of genus Parnassius (P. apollo, P. nordmanni). Typical snail species are
Bulimus (Pupilla) interrupta, Gibbulinopsis signata, Vallonia costata, Chondrula tridens,
Georginapaeus (zebrina) hohenakeri, Quadriplicata lederi, Calitinaia spp., Phenacolimax
annularis, Limax flavus, Deroceras reticulatus.
3) Corresponding categories
1. 31.42 - Acidocline alpenrose heaths. Rhododendro-Vaccinion. Rhododendron spp.- dominated
heaths of acid podsols in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Dinarids, the Carpathians, the Balkan
Range, the Pontic Range, the Caucasus and the Himalayan system, often with Vaccinium spp.,
sometimes with dwarf pines.
2. 31.43 - Mountain dwarf juniper scrub. Juniperion nanae, Pino-Juniperion sabinae p., PinoCytision purgantis p. Usually dense formations of prostrate junipers of the higher levels of
southern Palaearctic mountains.
3. 31.44 - High mountain Empetrum-Vaccinium heaths. Empetro-Vaccinietum uliginosi.Dwarf
heaths dominated by Empetrum hermaphroditum, Vaccinium uliginosum, with Arctostaphylos
alpina, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium vitis-idaea and lycopodes (Huperzia selago,
Diphasiastrum alpinum), mosses (Barbilophozia lycopodioides, Hylocomium splendens,
Pleurozium schreberi, Rhythidiadelphus triquetrus) and lichens (Cetraria islandica, Cladonia
arbuscula, Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia stellaris, Cladonia gracilis, Peltigera aphthosa) of
the subalpine belt of the Alps, the Carpathians, the Pyrenees, the Central Massif, the Jura, the
Northern Apennines, characteristic of relatively windswept, snow-free stations, in frostexposure
situations that are
4. 31.41 dominate. Unlike the formations of 31.41, those of 31.44 are clearly twolayered.
24
4) Associated habitat: Grassland marshes
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow 460
pp.
4. Nakhutsrishvili G. (1999). The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
5. Nakhutsrishvili, Sh. 1966. Osnovnie cherty rastitel’nogo pokrova iuzhnogo nagoria gruzii. V
kn. rastitel’nii pokrov vysokogorii i ee khoziaistvennoe ispol’zovanie (Main characters of
vegetation of the southern upland of Georgia. In: vegetation of high-mountains and their
sustainable utilization). v. 2, pp. 106-111.
6. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
7. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
8. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
9. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
10. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
11. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
12. Sokolov V. E, Tembotov A. K. 1989. Mammals. Insectivorous. Series Vertebrates of
Caucasus, M. Nauka, 548p. (in Russian)
_______________________________________________
5. SCLEROPHYLLOUS SCRUB (MATORRAL)
________________________________________________
50GE1 Code of Georgia: Mountain xerophytic scrub
1) General description
Xerophytic scrub is wide-spread in Samktske-Javakheti region at the altitude range 900-2200 m.
a.s.l. It dominates in the river Mtkvari gorge and other gorges of Meskheti and Tetrobi limestone
plateau (Javakheti). Edificator species include milk-vetch (Astracantha microcephala), prickly
thrift (Acantholimon armenum, A. glumaceum) and elements of shibliak, including Jerusalem
thorn (Paliurus spina-christi), black buckthorn (Rhamnus pallasii), sumatch (Cotinus
coggygria), berberis (Berberis vulgaris), thorny manna bush (Atraphaxis caucasica), common
cotoneaster (Cotoneaster integerrimus), oriental hawthorn (Crataegus orientalis),serviceberry
(Amelanchier ovalis), honey suckle (Lonicera iberica).
Sub-types:
25
50GE1-01. Xerophyte scrub dominated by spiraea (Spiraea hypericifolia) is found in arid
regions of Meskheti and Kartli, together with Pyrus salicifolia, Cotoneaster fontanesi, Rhamnus
palasii, Rh. cathartica.
50GE1-02. In the inner Kartli, on rocky and stony slopes on the left bank of the river Mtkvari,
the following plants are dominating: Rhamnus palasii, Astracantha microcephala, Atraphaxis
spinosa, Astragalus fabaceus, A. bungeanus, Jurinea elegans, Sosnowskya amblyolepis,
Trigonella striata, T. glomerata, Althaea hirsuta, Acantholimon armenum.
50GE1-03. In the surroundings of Tbilisi, the scrub species composition is similar to other subtypes but the dominant shrub species are Spiraea crenata, Cerasus incana, Cotoneaster spp.,
Crataegus spp., and dominant herbs are Crocus adamii, Iridodyctium reticulatum, Juno
caucasica, Iris pumila, Fritillaria caucasica, Hypericum perforatum, Seseli grandivitattum,
Inula cordata.
50GE1-04. In ruderal places, shrub of Spiraea hypericifolia are found on erosion stricken grazed
slopes (Svaneti). Dominant herbs are Melica transsilvanica, Helianthemum grandiflorum,
Cynanchum albowianum, Thymus serpyllum, Satureja spicigera.
2) Species
Plants: Acantholimon armenum, A. glumaceum, Althaea hirsuta, Amelanchier ovalis,
Astracantha microcephala, Astragalus fabaceus, A. bungeanus, Atraphaxis caucasica,
Atraphaxis spinosa, Berberis vulgaris, Cerasus incana, Cotinus coggygria, Cotoneaster
fontanesi, Cotoneaster integerrimus, Crataegus orientalis, Crocus adamii, Cynanchum
albowianum, Fritillaria caucasica, Helianthemum grandiflorum, Hypericum perforatum, Inula
cordata, Iridodyctium reticulatum, Iris pumila, Juno caucasica, Jurinea elegans, Lonicera
iberica, Melica transsilvanica, Paliurus spina-christi, Pyrus salicifolia, Rhamnus palasii, Rh.
cathartica, Satureja spicigera, Seseli grandivitattum, Sosnowskya amblyolepis, Spiraea crenata,
Spiraea hypericifolia, Thymus serpyllum,Trigonella striata, T. glomerata.
Animals: wood dormouse (Dryomys nitedula), steppe mouse (Apodemys fulvipectus).
Dominating Reptiles are Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo graeca), Schmidt’s racer (Coluber
schmidti), Middle Lizard (Lacerta media) (at lower altitudes), sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) (at
higher altitudes). High diversity of butterflies, including swallowtails of genus Zerynthia, blues
(Polyommates, Agrodiaetus, Everes, Satyrum), Nymphalids, Satyrids.
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat: Tragacanthic scrub
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous
floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi.
6. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
26
7. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
8. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
9. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
10. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
11. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
12. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition.
50GE2 Georgian Code: Scrub dominated by Paliurus spina-christi
1) General description
Jerusalem Thorn scrub (Paliurus spina-christi) is widespread in Georgia, mostly in the eastern
part of the country, in valleys of Mtkvari, Iori, and Alazani. Scrub has plants resistant to drought:
Ephedra procera, Rhamnus pallasii, Pistacia mutica, Atraphaxis spinosa, Caragana grandiflora,
Cotoneaster nummularia. The dominant plant is Jerusalem thorn (Paliurus spina-christi).
Externally similar to the deciduous Ponto-Sarmatic scrub (40C0; PAL.CLASS.:31.8B7), which
can be found in the Ponto and Sarmat regions of the Sub-Euxine province of the Black Sea and
Turkey. Dominant plants, besides the Jerusalem Thorn, are Rhamnus pallasii, Cotinus
coggygria, Cerasus incana, Lonicera iberica, Pyrus salicifolia, Amygdalus georgica, Colutea
orientalis, Caragana grandiflora, Ephedra procera, Juniperus foetidissima, Punica granatum,
Rhus coriaria.
2) Species
Plants: Paliurus spina-christi, Rhamnus pallasii, Cotinus coggygria, Cerasus incana, Lonicera
iberica, Pyrus salicifolia, Amygdalus georgica, Colutea orientalis, Caragana grandiflora,
Ephedra procera, Juniperus foetidissima, Punica granatum, Rhus coriaria.
Animals: wood dormouse (Driomys nitedula), steppe mouse (Apodemys fulvipectus). Reptiles
are Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo graeca), Schmidt’s racer (Coluber schmidti). Common bird
species include a black-headed bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), nightjar (Caprimulgus
europaeus), Eurasian scops (Otus scops).
3) Corresponding categories
40C0 *Ponto-Sarmatic deciduous thickets; PAL.CLASS.: 31.8B7, * Subcontinental periPannonic scrub; PAL.CLASS.: 31.8B12p, 31.8B13, 31.8B14, 31.8B3p.
4) Associated habitat: Tragacanthic scrub
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
27
3. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous
floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi.
4. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
5. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
6. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
7. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
8. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
9. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
50GE3 Georgian Code: Tragacanthic scrub.
1) General Description
At middle elevations (in the arid parts of Meskheti, Kartli, and Kakheti), this community subtype involves 199 species of vascular plants. In Meskheti, the habitat is found along the river
Mtkvari (900-1300 m. a.s.l.) and gorges of the rivers Uraveli, Otskhe, Potskhovi, Kvabliani and
Tsinubnistskali. Tragacanthic vegetation is inclined into the pine forest near village Damala.
Dominating shrubs and grasses are Astragalus arguricus, A. raddeanus, Onobrychis sosnowskyi,
Vicia akhmaganica, Salvia compar, Scutellaria sosnowskyi, Psephellus meskheticus. In some
areas Tragacanthic communities are intruded into the oak forest. In such areas, the following
species are found together with the dominant plants: Dianthus calocephalus, Silene brotherana,
Erysimum caucasicum, Coronilla orientalis, Satureja spicigera, S. laxiflora, Teucrium polium, T.
nuchense, T. orientale, Sideritis comosa, Bupleurum exaltatum, Convolvulus lineatus,
Campanula hohenacker, etc.
Tragacanthic communities of high mountains have 157 species of vascular plants on the
Javakheti plateau (villages Azavreti, Aragva, Kartsakha), in the river Paravani gorge, and near
villages Niali and Busmareti in the southern-east of Meskheti region, in the river
Kazamretistskali gorge, and in Ziareti mountain. Milk-vetch – Astracantha microcephala and A.
caucasicus are the aedificator species in these areas.
In the central Greater Caucasus, (Stepantsminda district) Tragacanthic communities with
Astracantha denudata are dominating. The scrub grows in the sub-alpine zone, at the altitude
1800-2000 m. a.s.l., at the slopes of dry gorges. The following species comprise the community:
Elytrigia gracillima, Allium albidum, Allium ruprechtii, Alopecurus vaginatus, Artemisia
chamaemelifolia, A. marschalliana, A. splenders, Asperula albovii, Astragalus kazbeki, Berberis
vulgaris, Bromopsis riparia, Campanula hohenackeri, Carex buschiorum, Dianthus cretaceus,
Ephedra procera, Festuca sulcata, Juniperus hemisphaerica, Koeleria cristata, Melica
transsilvanica, Myosotis arvense, Onosma armeniaca, Oxytropis cyanea, Scutellaria leptostegia,
Spiraea hypericifolia, Stipa caucasica, Stipa tirsa.
2) Species
Plants: Allium albidum, A. ruprechtii, Alopecurus vaginatis, Artemisia chamaemelifolia, A.
marschalliana, A. splenders, Asperula albovii, Astracantha microcephala. A. denudatus, A.
caucasicus, Astragalus arguricus, A. raddeanus, A. kazbeki, Berberis vulagaris, Bromopsis
riparia, Bupleurum exaltatum, Campanula hohenackeri, Carex buschiorum, Convolvulus
28
lineatus, Coronilla orientalis, Dianthus calocephalus, D. cretaceus, Elytrigia gracillima,
Ephedra procera, Erysimum caucasicum, Festuca sulcata, Juniperus hemisphaeriaca, Koeleria
cristata, Melica transsilvanica, Myosotis arvense, Onobrychis sosnowskyi, Onosma armeniaca,
Oxytropis cyanea, Psephellus meskheticus, Salvia compar, Satureja spicigera, S. laxiflora,
Scutellaria leptostegia, S. sosnowskyi, Sideritis omosa, Silene brotherana, Spiraea hypericifolia,
Stipa caucasica, S. tirsa, Teucrium polium, T. nuchense, T. orientale, Vicia akhmaganica.
Animals: steppe mouse (Apodemys fulvipectus). Dominating Reptiles are Mediterranean tortoise
(Testudo graeca), Schmidt’s racer (Coluber schmidti). High diversity of butterflies, including
swallowtails of genus Zerynthia, Iphiclides and Papilio, blues (Polyommates, Agrodiaetus,
Everes, Satyrum), Nymphalids, Satyrids – over 300 species of butterflies in total (900-1300 m.
a.s.l.). At higher elevations, species diversity rapidly declines.
3) Corresponding categories: Hungarian classification: continental deciduous steppe thickets
(identification code: M6), continental deciduous rock thickets (identification code: M7), whiteoak shrub woodlands (identification code: M1)
4) Associated habitat: Mountain xerophyte scrub, grove of Jerusalem thorn
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ivanishvili, M. 1973. Flora formatsii koliucheastragalovykh tragakantikov severnogo
sklona bol’shogo Kavkaza. (Flora of thorn tragacanthic formations of the northern slope of
Greater Caucasus. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
4. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
5. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
6. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
7. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
8. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
9. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
29
50GE4 Georgian Code: Phryganoidic scrub
1) General description
Ephedra procera and Tanacetum argyrophyllum are dominating shrub species. In Meskheti, near
the village Khertvisi, tickets of Ephedra procera are particularly dense. Other characteristic
species of this community are Caucasian forest cypress (Cytisus caucasicus), broad-leaved
yellow acacia (Caragana grandiflora), clove (Dianthus calocephalus), Italian sainfoin
(Hedysarum turkewiczii), Meskheti sainfoin (Onobrychis meskhetica), germander (Teucrium
polium), Sosnovski thyme (Thymus sosnowskyi), woundworts (Stachys atherocalyx, S. iberica),
fescue (Festuca valesiaca), Hohenaker creeping bellflower (Campanula hohenackeri), creeping
bellflower (C. raddeana), garlic-leaved bellflower (C. alliariifolia), Sosnowski fragrant
wormwood (Artemisia sosnowskyi), feather grass (Stipa capillata), feather grass (S.
pulcherrima), crested hair-grass (Koeleria cristata); Elytrigia elongatiformis, E. trychophora, E.
caespitosa, Agropyron repens var. subulatus, Valerianella plagiostephana.
2) Species
Plants: Tanacetum argyrophyllum, Ephedra procera Cytisus caucasicus, Caragana grandiflora,
Dianthus calocephalus, Hedysarum turkewiczii, Onobrychis meskhetica, Teucrium polium,
Thymus sosnowskyi, Stachys atherocalyx, S. iberica, Festuca valesiaca, Campanula
hohenackeri, C. raddeana, C. alliariifolia, Artemisia sosnowskyi, Stipa capillata, S. pulcherrima,
Koeleria cristata Elytrigia elongatiformis, E. trychophora, E. caespitosa, Agropyron repens var.
subulatus, Valerianella plagiostephana.
Animals: typical mammal species are golden jackal (Canis aureus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), badger
(Meles meles), wild cat (Felis sylvestris), wood dormouse (Dryomys nitedula), steppe mouse
(Apodemys fulvipectus). Dominating Reptiles are Middle Lizard (Lacerta media), Mediterranean
Tortoise (Testudo graeca).
3) Corresponding categories
1. 5410 west Mediterranean clifftop phryganas (Astragalo-Plantaginetum subulatae);
PAL.CLASS.: 33.1
2. 5420 Sarcopoterium spinosum phryganas; PAL.CLASS.: 33.3
3. 5430 Endemic phryganas of the Euphorbio-Verbascion; PAL.CLASS.: 33.4 to 33.A
4) Associated habitat: Mountain xerophylic scrub, grove of Jerusalem thorn
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Nakhutsrishvili G. (1999). The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
4. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous
floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi.
5. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
6. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
7. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
30
8. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
9. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
10. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
50GE5 Georgian Code: Shibliak
1) General description
Widely distributed in Georgia, most typical for Kartli and Kakheti arid foothills. The habitat is
largely degraded as a result of overgrazing. Besides, it is under a strong anthropogenic pressure
in the areas near roads and industrial landscapes.
Edificator species are: Paliurus spina-christi, Berberis vulgaris, Cotynus coggygria,
Punica granatum, Spiraea hypericifolia, Crataegus orientalis, Rhamnus palasii, Athrapaxis
spinosa, Ephedra procera, Pyrus salicifolia, Cornus mas.
2) Species
Plants: Tanacetum argyrophyllum, Ephedra procera, Cytisus caucasicus, Caragana
grandiflora, Dianthus calocephalus, Hedysarum turkewiczii, Onobrychis meskhetica, Teucrium
polium, Thymus sosnowskyi, Stachys atherocalyx, S. iberica, Festuca valesiaca, Campanula
hohenackeri, C. raddeana, C. alliariifolia, Artemisia sosnowskyi, Stipa capillata, S. pulcherrima,
Koeleria cristata, Elytrigia elongatiformis, E. trychophora, E. caespitosa, Agropyron repens var.
subulatus, Valerianella plagiostephana.
Animals: wood dormouse (Driomys nitedula), steppe mouse (Apodemys fulvipectus). Reptiles
are Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo graeca), Schmidt’s racer (Coluber schmidti). Common bird
species include a black-headed bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), nightjar (Caprimulgus
europaeus), Eurasian scops (Otus scops), and dozens of other songbird species.
3) Corresponding categories
1. 5410 west Mediterranean clifftop phryganas (Astragalo-Plantaginetum subulatae);
PAL.CLASS.: 33.1
2. 5420 Sarcopoterium spinosum phryganas; PAL.CLASS.: 33.3
3. 5430 Endemic phryganas of the Euphorbio-Verbascion; PAL.CLASS.: 33.4 to 33.A
4) Associated habitat: Mountain xerophylic scrub, grove of Jerusalem thorn
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Nakhutsrishvili G. (1999). The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
4. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous
floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi.
5. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
6. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
31
7.
Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
8. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
9. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
10. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
____________________________________________________________________
6. NATURAL AND SEMI-NATURAL GRASSLAND
FORMATIONS
____________________________________________________
6.1. Natural mountain grasslands
61GE01 Code of Georgia: Sub-alpine tall herbaceous vegetation
1) General description
Sub-alpine tall herbaceous vegetation is widespread in the sub-alpine zone at the treeline ecotone
(2350-2500 m). Characteristic climatic conditions of the habitat are optimal temperature of air
and soil, high humidity of air and high sun radiation. Tall herbaceous vegetation consists of
plants of 3-4 meters the majority of which is dicotyledons. They are characterized by short tap
root or rhizome. The overall number of species in this habitat is about 90 and the community
itself involves 70 species.
Sub-types :
There are three plant communities:
1) Heracleum mantegazianum, H.grossheimii, H. sosnowskyi, etc.
2) Senecio platyphyllus, Inula grandiflora, etc.
3) Rumex alpinus, Senecio othonae, etc.
2) Species
Plants: Aconitum nasutum, A.orientale, A.adzharica, A.pachyptera, A.tatianae, Angelica
purpurascens, Anthriscus nemorosa, Cephalaria gigantea, C. procera, Cicerbita bourgaei,
Campanula latifolia, Chaerophyllum maculatum, Cicerbita deltoidea, C. macrophylla, C. olgae,
C. petiolata, C. prenanthoides, Cirsium aggregatum, C. albowianum, C. buschianum, C.
czerkessicum, C. gagnidzei, C. kuznetsowianum, C. oblongifolium, C. svaneticum, C.
sychnosanthum, Delphinium bracteosum, D. dasycarpum, D. dzavakhischvilii, D. fedorovii, D.
flexuosum, D. ironorum, D. osseticum, D. pyramidatum, D. speciosum, D. thamarae, Doronicum
macrophyllum, Euphorbia macroceras, Gadelia lactiflora, Geranium kemulariae, Heracleum
aconitifolium, H. asperum, H. cyclocarpum, H. grossheimii, H. mantegazzianum, H. ponticum,
H. sosnowskyi, H. wilhelmsii, Inula magnifica, Knautia montana, Ligusticum alatum, L. arafoe,
L. physospermifolium, Lilium georgicum, L. kesselringianum, L. monadelphum, L. szovitisianum,
Milium effusum, M. schmidtianum, Petasites albus, Prenanthes abietina, Pyrethrum
macrophyllum, Senecio othonnae, S. phatyphylloides, S. pojarkovae, S. propinquus, S.
rhombifolius, S. similiflorus, Telekia speciosa, Tephroseris cladobotrys, T. subfloccosus,
Valeriana alliariifolia, V. colchica, V. tiliifolia, Veratrum lobelianum.
Animals: Gudauri vole (Chionomys gud), birch mice (Sicista caucasica, S. kazbegica). A
flagship bird species is Caucasian black grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi). The area harbors great
rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilla) and Gueldenstadt’s redstart (Phoenicurus erythrogaster). Other
32
typical birds are chuckar (Alectoris chuckar) choughs (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, P. graculus),
raven (Corvus corax), red-headed finch (Serinus pusillus) and dozens of our songbirds and birds
of prey. Most common reptiles are sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), slow worm (Anguis fragilis),
smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), ring snake (Natrix natrix), Lotiev’s and Dinnick’s vipers
(Vipera lotievi, V. dinnicki), the commonest amphibian is Asia Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis).
Rare butterfly species are apollos (Parnassius apollo, P. nordmanni).
3) Corresponding categories
1. United Kingdom classification: "U17 - Luzula sylvatica-Geum rivale tall herb community".
2. German classification: "390101 krautiger Ufersaum an besonnten Gewässern", "39050101
feuchter Staudensaum der planaren bis submontanen Stufe", "390102 krautiger Ufersaum an
beschatteten Gewäsern (z.B. mit Cardamine amara, Bitteres Schaumkraut)", "35020203
nährstoffreiche, Feucht- bzw. Naßgrünlandbrache der planaren bis submontanen Stufe",
"35020303 nährstoffreiche, Feucht- bzw.
Naßgrünlandbrache der planaren bis hochmontanen Stufe", "39050201 montane bis
hochmontane Hochstaudenflur", "39050202 montane bis hochmontane Hochgrasflur
(Calamagrostion arundinaceae)", "6701 subalpine bzw. alpine Hochstaudenflur (Alpen)".
3. Nordic classification: "126 Högörtängsvegetation".
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia15:1-74.
6. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
7. Gagnidze R.I.,1974 - Botanical and geographical analysis of the florocoenotic complex of
tall herbaceous vegetation of the Caucasus. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
8. Gagnidze R.I.,1977 - The ecological-coenotic characteristic and analysis of vertical
distributed of tall herbaceous species in the Caucasus. Zametki po syst.geogr.rast.Institute
botaniki AN GSSR, Tbilisi, 34:41-83.
9. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
10. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian).
11. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
12. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian).
13. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
14. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
33
61GE02 Code of Georgia: Sub-alpine meadows
1) General description
Sub-alpine meadows (1800-2700 m) are distinguished by a great floristic and phyto-sociological
variety.
Sub-types:
61GE02-01. Grass meadows:
1. Bromopsis variegata, Agrostis tenuis, A. planifolia community holds both dry and moist
habitats. Appropriate species of the community are Trifolium ambiguum, Lotus caucasicus,
Alchemilla sericata, etc. It is distributed in whole Caucasus mountain up to the altitude of 2700
meters. It is used for mowing.
2. Hordeum violaceum community holds the lower part of the sub-alpine zone (2000 – 2200 m).
Together with barley, tall herbaceous vegetation elements can be found here - Heracleum
asperum, Anthriscus nemorosa, Seseli transcaucasica.
3. Calamagrostis arundinacea community holds moist slopes and is associated with the subalpine scrub of Caucasian evergreen Rhododendron. It can be common in places emerging as a
result of cutting down the forest. It also creates the grass cover in the high mountain oak
(Quercus macranthera) forest and is associated with the fescue-grass (Festuca varia)
communities. Festuca djimilensis dominates in the westerns Caucasus mountain in this
community.
4. Poa longifolia community occupies the forest edges, openness and moist slopes. The typical
place is in Lagodekhi natural reserve. Related species are: Calamagrostis arundinacea, Festuca
varia, Agrostis planifolia, Geranium ibericum, Stachys macrantha, etc.
5. Deschampsia caespitosa community is common on the river banks and flooded places.
Typical plants are: Equisetum arvense, Carex canescens, C. hirta, C. irrigua, Parnassia
palustris, etc.
6. Fescue-grass (Festuca varia) meadows hold the biggest part of the subalpine zone. It is
distributed on grazed northern slopes in the mountainous part of southern Georgia where they
create the first stage of succession. Calamagrostis arundinacea communities ruined as a result
of intensive grazing are replaced by fescue-grass meadows. Their species are large and other
ones can also be observed on placed between them: Helictotrichon adzharicum, H. pubescens,
Agrostis planifolia, Carex meinshauseniana, Stachys macrantha, Polygonum carneum, etc.
7. Festuca ovina meadows hold the southern slope. It is low, with the low rate of cover and
limited composition of species. Characteristic species are: Koeleria albovii, Bromopsis riparia,
Agrostis tenuis, Carex buschiorum, Pulsatilla violacea,Thymus collinus.
61GE02-02. Herbal and grass-herbal meadows:
1. Trollius patulus meadows are typical in forests, thinned out planted forests and long crevices,
sub-dominant species being Ranunculus caucasicus. As a result of strong grazing, only this
species is preserved on the meadows whereas Trollius patulus is to become extinct.
2. Geranium spp. - 1) Geranium gymnocaulon communities can mainly be found in the alpine
zone of western Caucasus mountain. It rarely comes to the sub-alpine zone. 2) Geranium
platypetalum community is widely distributed both in small and big Caucasus. It is not found in
south Kolkheti but is observed in stony and moraine places. 3) Geranium ibericum holds the
forest, slopes of average incline and the straight place. The sub-dominant species is
Calamagrostis arundinacea, Inula orientalis, Rhododendron caucasicum.
3. Inula orientalis community is created by the pure growth. However, this species can be found
in another community as well. For example, Geranium ibericum and Stachys macrantha. In west
Georgia Inula grandiflora community can be found.
34
4. Scabiosa caucasica community on small Caucasus is rich with various species: Helictotrichon
pubescens, Inula orientalis, Agrostis planifolia, Stachys macrantha, etc. They are also widely
distributed on Javakheti mountain plateau
5. Stachys macrantha community is the typical variant of the sub-alpine meadow. It is
represented in the central and eastern parts of great Caucasus mountain.
6. Anemone fasciculate community occupies the slope of optimal moistness and a straight place.
It is replaced by Hedysarum caucasicum on sunny and dry places.
7. Sub-alpine meadow Veratrum lobelianum is found in the western and central parts of Great
Caucasus and small Caucasian mountians. It is a toxic plant which can not be grazed and,
therefore, is preserved in intensively grazed places. It can be found in Trollius patulus and
Ranunculus caucasicus communities.
8. Pulsatilla violacea community is widely represented in small Caucasus mountains and
Javakheti. It creates small fragments in central Caucasus on slopes of Northern exposition. Here
it is associated with the following species: Festuca ovina, Koeleria albovii, Carex buschiorum.
Pulsatilla aurea and P. albana can be found in north-western Kolkheti
9. Astragalus captiosus creates community on grazed southern slopes in central Caucasus.
2) Species
Plants: Agrostis planifolia, A. tenuis, Alchemilla retinervis, Alchemilla sericata, Anemone
fasciculata, Anthriscus nemorosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Anthyllis variegata, Astragalus
captiosus, Stachys macrantha, Bromopsis riparia, B. variegata, Bupleurum polyphyllum,
Calamagrostis arundinacea, Campanula bellidifolia, Campanula collina, Campanula
trautvetteri, Carex aequivoca, Carex buschiorum, Carum alpinum, Carum carvi, Centaurea
cheiranthifolia, Cerastium arvense, C. cerastoides, C. purpurascens, Cirsium obvallatum,
Coeloglossum viride, Cirsium simplex, Cruciata glabra, Draba hispida, Equisetum palustre,
Euphrasia hirtella, Festuca varia, Galium verum, Genatiana aquatica, Carex meinshauseniana,
Gentiana septemfida, Geranium ruprechtii, Helictotrichon pubescens, Hordeum violaceum,
Inula orientalis, Koeleria caucasica, K. cristata, K. gracilis, Leontodon hispidus, Ligularia
sibirica, Linum catharticum, Lotus caucasicus, Minuartia circassica, M. imbricata, M. oreina,
Myosotis alpestris, M. sylvatica, Pastinaca armena, Pedicularis armena, Phleum pratense, Ph.
phleoides, Plantago caucasica, Poa longifolia, Poa pratensis, Polygala alpicola, Polygonum
alpinum, P. carneum, Potentilla crantzii, P. recta, Primula amoena, Pulsatilla violacea,
Pyrethrum roseum, Ranunculus acutilobus, R. caucasicus, R. oreophilus, Rhinanthus minor,
Rumex acetosa, Scabiosa caucasica, Seseli transcaucasica, Silene ruprechtii, S. vulgaris,
Taraxacum confusum, Thesium procumbens, Thymus nummularius, Tragopogon reticulatus,
Trifolium ambiguum, T. repens, Veronica gentianoides, Vicia alpestris, V. grossheimii.
Animals: voles (Microtus arvalis, Terricola nazarovi, T. daghestanica, Chionomys nivalis, Ch.
gud, Arvicola terrestris), Nehring’s mole-vole (Nannospalax nehringi) (uplands of southern
Georgia only), long-clawed mole-vole (Prometheomys schaposchnikowi) (mostly Greater
Caucasus and Meskheti Range), snow voles (Chionomys gud, C. nivalis), birch mice (Sicista
caucasica, S. kazbegica) (Great Caucasus only). The commonest birds are Buteo buteo, B.
rufinus, Corvus monedula, Oenanthe spp., Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, P. graculus, Corvus corax,
Serinus pusillus and dozens of other songbirds and birds of prey. Most common reptiles are sand
lizard (Lacerta agilis), slow worm (Anguis fragilis), smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), ring
snake (Natrix natrix), Lotiev’s and Dinnick’s vipers (Vipera lotievi, V. dinnicki), the commonest
amphibian is Asia Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis).
3) Corresponding categories
1. United Kingdom classification : "U7 Nardus stricta-Carex bigelowii grass heath", "U8 Carex
bigelowii-Polytrichum alpinum sedge heath", "U9 Juncus trifidus-Racomitrium lanuginosum
rush-heath", "U10 Carex bigelowii-Racomitrium lanuginosum moss heath", "U11 Polytrichum
35
sexangulare-Kiaeria starkei snowbed", "U12 Salix herbacea-Racomitrium lanuginosum snowbed" and "U14 Alchemilla alpina-Sibbaldia procumbensdwarf-herb community".
2. United Kingdom classification: "CG12 Festuca ovina-Alchemilla alpina-Silene acaulis dwarfherb heath", "CG13 Dryas octopetala-Carex flacca heath", "CG14 Dryas octopetala-Silene
acaulis ledge community".
3. Nordic classification: "123 Lågörtvegetation på rikt/kalkrikt underlag".
4. Romanian classification: "R3401-Pajişti sud-est carpatice de Asperula capitata şi Sesleria
rigida", "R3402-Pajişti sud-est carpatice de Helictotrichon decorum", "R3601-Pajişti sud-est
carpatice de rogoz pitic (Kobresia myosuroides) şi Oxytropis carpatica", "R3605-Pajişti sud-est
carpatice de păiuş cu colţi (Festuca versicolor) şi Sesleria rigida subsp. haynaldiana", "R3606Pajişti sud-est carpatice de păiuş de stânci (Festuca saxatilis) ", "R3607-Pajişti sud-est carpatice
de Festuca amethystina şi Dianthus tenuifolius", "R3611- Pajişti sud-est carpatice de coada
iepurelui (Sesleria rigida subsp. haynaldiana) şi rogoz (Carex sempervirens) ", "R3612-Pajişti
sud-est carpatice de rogoz (Carex sempervirens) şicoarnă mare (Sesleria bielzii) ", "R3613Pajişti sud-est carpatice de Carduus kerneri,Festuca carpatica şi
Trisetum fuscum", "R3614-Pajişti sud-est carpatice de Festucaxanthina"
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kimridze, K. 1965. Festuca varia meadows in the Caucasus. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
5. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
6. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
7. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
8. Gagnidze R.I.,1974 - Botanical and geographical analysis of the florocoenotic complex of
tall herbaceous vegetation of the Caucasus. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
9. Gagnidze R.I.,1977 - The ecological-coenotic characteristic and analysis of vertical
distributed of tall herbaceous species in the Caucasus. Zametki po syst.geogr.rast.Institute
botaniki AN GSSR, Tbilisi, 34:41-83.
10. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
11. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
12. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of
Georgia along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from
Georgia-Azerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
13. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
14. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
15. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
36
16. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
6150 Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands
PAL.CLASS.: 36.11, 36.32, 36.34
Alpine meadows are distributed between 2500-2900 m a.s.l. in the Caucasus mountains. Special
type of vegetation accurs on alpine snowbeds, which is covered by snow much longer than
adjacent habitats.
Sub-types:
6150-01. Alpine meadows
Alpine meadows occupy slopes of all expositions in high mountains at the altitude of 2500-2900
meters. The following plant communities are described:
1. Fescue-grass Festuca varia (F. woronowii) communities can be found on inclined slopes of
southern exposition. They are more frequently found in eastern Caucasus. Fescue-grass meadows
are mainly in sub-alpine zones. However, they reach the alpine zone as well if climatic and relief
conditions are favourable for their distribution.
2. Nardus stricta communities are widely distributed in the whole Caucasus. They occur on
slopes of all expositions. Secondary mat-grass communities emerge on extensively grazed
meadows where they replace primary communities. Mat-grass - Fescue-grass mixed community
Festucetum variae can be found in central and western Caucasus. Mat-grass is adapted to moist
areas and is the indicator of identifying moist areas on the meadow. Frequently, it follows the
deepened crevice where the level of moisture is higher than on the even place.
3. Carex tristis community is widely distributed in the alpine zone of Caucasus. It occupies
embossed slopes where in winter there is a significant influence of wind and the sweeping of the
snow cover takes place. It is associated with Festuca supine. Alchemilla caucasica and Kobresia
capilliformis can also be found.
4. Kobresia capilliformis community can be found in the central and western parts of Caucasus.
They are observed on limestone and weeds in central Caucasus. In stony places Kobresieta
schoenoidis is observed.
5. Festuca djimilensis belongs to the number of shrub-like grass of herbal-grass meadows.
Mainly, they are found in the sub-alpine zone. However, it reaches the alpine zone as well. It is
mostly common in the Caucasus.
6. Bromopsis variegata is distributed on the southern slopes of the Alpine zone. In Kolkheti dry
meadows are observed on limestone. Sesleria anatolica is the species characteristic to this
meadow, which is characterized by the creeping root.
7. Geranium gymnocaulon community in western Caucasus is intruded from the sub-alpine zone
and reaches the upper border of vegetation of dense cover. Sometimes, it goes into the subnival
zone.
8. Sibbaldia semiglabra community is the same as the one of S. parviflora. The composition of
its species is very poor.
6150-02. Alpine snowbed habitats
Alpine snowbeds can be found in straight places between large stones and moraines at the upper
border of the alpine zone, where snow melts late and vegetation is late. It constists of the
following grasses: Poa alpina, Phleum alpinum, Festuca supina, etc. and herbal species:
Campanula biebersteiniana, Carum caucasicum, Veronica gentianoides, Gnaphalium supinum,
Pedicularis crassirostris, P. armena, Poa alpina, Taraxacum stevenii, Sibbaldia semiglabra, etc.
Growth similar to alpine snowbeds are observed in the zone of melting snow and the side of the
37
glacier, where Carum caucasicum sometimes creates a pure growth. Often it is associated with
other species Taraxacum stevenii, Campanula biebersteiniana, Plantago saxatilis, Minuartia
aizoides, etc. It also rarely contains Ranunculus oreophilus, R. baidarae, Primula algida,
Gentiana djimilensis (=G. pyrenaica), G. angulosa, G. nivalis, Minuartia aizoides, Cerastium
cerastoides. Pedicularis crassirostris, P. nodrmanniana, Primula auriculata, Poa alpina, etc.
can be found at the side of the stream.
2) Species
Plants: Alchemilla caucasica, Bromopsis variegata, Campanula biebersteiniana, Carex tristis,
Carum caucasicum, Festuca djimilensis, F. supina, F. varia, Gentiana djimilensis (=G.
pyrenaica), G. angulosa, G. nivalis, Geranium gymnocaulon, Cerastium cerastoides,
Gnaphalium supinum, Kobresia capilliformis, Minuartia aizoides, Nardus stricta, Pedicularis
crassirostris, P. armena, P. nodrmanniana, Phleum alpinum, Plantago saxatilis, Poa alpina,
Primula algida, P. auriculata, Ranunculus oreophilus, R. baidarae, Sibbaldia semiglabra,
Taraxacum stevenii, Veronica gentianoides.
Animals: Microtus arvalis, Terricola daghestanica, Chionomys nivalis, Ch. gud, Prometheomys
schaposchnikowi, Sicista caucasica, S. kazbegica. The commonest birds are Buteo buteo, B.
rufinus, Corvus monedula, Oenanthe spp., Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, P. graculus, Corvus corax,
Serinus pusillus and dozens of other songbirds and birds of prey. Most common reptiles are sand
lizard (Lacerta agilis), slow worm (Anguis fragilis), smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), ring
snake (Natrix natrix), Lotiev’s and Dinnick’s vipers (Vipera lotievi, V. dinnicki), the commonest
amphibian is Asia Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis).
3) Corresponding categories
1. United Kingdom classification : "U7 Nardus stricta-Carex bigelowii grass heath", "U8 Carex
bigelowii-Polytrichum alpinum sedge heath", "U9 Juncus trifidus-Racomitrium lanuginosum
rush-heath", "U10 Carex bigelowii-Racomitrium lanuginosum moss heath", "U11 Polytrichum
sexangulare-Kiaeria starkei snowbed", "U12 Salix herbacea-Racomitrium lanuginosum snowbed" and "U14 Alchemilla alpina-Sibbaldia procumbens dwarf-herb community".
2. 6150 Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands; PAL.CLASS.: 36.11, 36.32, 36.34
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kimeridze, K. 1954. Festuca varia meadows in the east Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
4. Kimeridze, K. 1965. Kavkasionis lertsamkuchiani mdeloebi (Festuca varia meadows of the
Caucasus). Tbilisi.
5. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
6. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
7. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The Vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus) - Braun-Blanquetia15:1-74.
8. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
9. Gagnidze R.I.,1974 - Botanical and geographical analysis of the florocoenotic complex of
tall herbaceous vegetation of the Caucasus. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Gagnidze R.I.,1977 - The ecological-coenotic characteristic and analysis of vertical
distribution of tall herbaceous species in the Caucasus. Zametki po syst.geogr.rast.Institute
botaniki AN GSSR, Tbilisi, 34:41-83.
38
11. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
12. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
13. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
14. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
15. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
16. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
6170 Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands
PAL.CLASS.: 36.12, 36.41 to 36.43, 36.37, 36.38
1) Genereal description
Alpine and sub-alpine meadows can be found on alkali soils. Characteristic species: Dryas,
Gentiana, Alchemilla, Anthyllis, Aster, Astragalus, Draba, Globularia, Helianthemum,
Phyteuma, etc. Mainly, distributed in the western Caucasus, on limestone mountain tracts.
Sub-types:
6170-01. Meadows with the participation of Sesleria anatolica, Brachypodium rupestre and
Carex pontica can be found on the Bzifi gorge of Abkhazia limestone massif.
6170-02. Woronowia speciosa (=Geum speciosum) community is characteristic to western
Caucasus (Kolkheti limestone). Usually, these communities cover the slopes with strong karstic
relief. Woronowia speciosa is associated with Carex pontica. This community is extremely
damaged due to grazing and its area is limited. It is replaced by the meadows of tangled thorny
undergrowth (Nardus stricta).
6170-03. Geranium gymnocaulon-Woronowia speciosa- Inula magnifica is an extremely specific
community, which consists of only these species and can be found in Kolkheti.
2) Species
Plants: Sesleria anatolica, Brachypodium rupestre, Carex pontica, Woronowia speciosa, Nardus
stricta, Geranium gymnocaulon, Woronowia speciosa, Inula magnifica.
3) Corresponding categories
1. United Kingdom classification: "CG12 Festuca ovina-Alchemilla alpina-Silene acaulis dwarfherb heath", "CG13 Dryas octopetala-Carex flacca heath", "CG14 Dryas octopetala-Silene
acaulis ledge community".
2. Nordic classification: "123 Lågörtvegetation på rikt/kalkrikt underlag".
3. Romanian classification: "R3401-Pajişti sud-est carpatice de Asperula capitata şi Sesleria
rigida", "R3402-Pajişti sud-est carpatice de Helictotrichon decorum", "R3601-Pajişti sud-est
carpatice de rogoz pitic (Kobresia myosuroides) şi Oxytropis carpatica", "R3605-Pajişti sud-est
carpatice de păiuş cu colţi (Festuca versicolor) şi Sesleria rigida subsp. haynaldiana", "R3606Pajişti sud-est carpatice de păiuş de
39
stânci (Festuca saxatilis) ", "R3607-Pajişti sud-est carpatice de Festuca amethystina şi Dianthus
tenuifolius", "R3611- Pajişti sud-est carpatice de coada iepurelui (Sesleria rigida subsp.
haynaldiana) şi rogoz (Carex sempervirens) ", "R3612-Pajişti sud-est carpatice de rogoz (Carex
sempervirens) şi coarnă mare (Sesleria bielzii) ", "R3613-Pajişti sud-est carpatice de Carduus
kerneri, Festuca carpatica şi Trisetum fuscum", "R3614-Pajişti sud-est carpatice de Festuca
xanthina"
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibiliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia15:174.
6. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
7. Gagnidze R.I.,1974 - Botanical and geographical analysis of the florocoenotic complex of
tall herbaceous vegetation of the Caucasus. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
8. Gagnidze R.I.,1977 - The ecological-coenotic characteristic and analysis of vertical
distribution of tall herbaceous species in the Caucasus. Zametki po syst.geogr.rast.Institute
botaniki AN GSSR, Tbilisi, 34:41-83.
9. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
10. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
11. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of
Georgia along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from
Georgia-Azerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
12. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
13. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
14. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
15. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
6.2. Natural and semi-natural dry grasslands
62GE01 Code of Georgia: semi-desert vegetation
1) General description
Semi-desert vegetation holds a great part of the arid region of eastern and southern Georgia
where scrub is less represented and herbal vegetation is more observed. However, separate
species of shrubs are mixed to this community. Dominant species of these communities are:
Anabasis aphylla, Salsola ericoides, S. dendroides, S. glauca, Gamanthus pilosus, Suaeda
40
microphylla, Petrosimonia brachiata, Aellenia glauca, Kalidium caspicum. Existence of
ephemeres and ephemeroids are characteristic to the semi-desert: Tulipa eichleri, Allium
atroviolaceum, Poa bulbosa, Colpodium humile, Bromus japonicus, Alyssum desertorum,
Helianthemum salicifolium, etc. Scrub is represented by Nitraria schoberi. Eroded and washed
down slopes are thinly covered by grasses and herbal plants - Festuca sulcata, Stipa szovitsiana,
Artemisia fragrans, etc.
Sub-types:
62GE01-01. Artemisia fragrans community can be monodominant of this species or represented
by the domination of two species of Artemisieto-Salsoletum dendroides. Eremopyrum orientale
and Lepidium vesicarium dominate from annual epehemers. Stizolophus coronopifolius is
commonly found.
62GE01-02. Artemisia fragrans-Caragana grandiflora community is created with the
participation of about 24-26 species. Characteristic species are: Alopecurus myosuroides,
Lepidium vesicarium. Rare species - Spergularia diandra, Calendula persica, Tetradiclis tenella,
Aizoon hispanicum. Characteristic species are: Salsola ericoides, S. dendroides, etc. On the Eldar
valley this community includes the following species: Poa bulbosa, Bromus japonicus, Rostraria
glabriflora, Medicago minima, Torularia contortuplicata.
62GE01-03. Artemisia fragrans- Bothriochloa ischaemum community is widely distributed on
the Eldar valley, at grey-brown soil and stony places. Vegetation cover is 30-50 %. Replacement
of buckle with Bluestem indicated reduction of salt in the soil in these places, which can be
caused by washing out of the eroded soil due to excessive grazing. Characteristic species are
Poa bulbosa, Trachynia distachya, Lappula patula, Medicago minima, Velezia rigida, etc.
62GE01-04. Buckle (Artemisia fragrans) community with ephemeres: Adonis aestivalis,
Astragalus hamosus, Koelpinia linearis, Medicago minima, Queria hispanica, etc. can be found
in Gardabani region (lower Kartli).
62GE01-05. Buckle (Artemisia fragrans) community on Iagluja (Lower Kartli) contains the
following species: Salsola dendroides, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Limonium meyeri, etc. Also,
the following rare species are typical: Iris iberica, Iridodychtium reticulatum, Juno caucasica,
Tulipa biebersteinii, T. eichleri, Gagea spp.
2) Species
Plants: Adonis aestivalis, Aellenia glauca, Aizoon hispanicum, Allium atroviolaceum,
Alopecurus myosuroides, Alyssum desertorum, Anabasis aphylla, Artemisia fragrans, Astragalus
brachyceras, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Bromus japonicus, Calendula persica, Caragana
grandiflora, Colpodium humile, Eremopyrum orientale, Festuca sulcata,Gagea spp., Gamanthus
pilosus, Helianthemum salicifolium, Iridodychtium reticulatum, Iris iberica, Juno caucasica,
Kalidium caspicum, Koelpinia linearis, Lappula patula, Lepidium vesicarium, Limonium meyeri,
Medicago minima, Petrosimonia brachiata, Poa bulbosa, Queria hispanica, Rostraria
glabriflora, Salsola dendroides, Salsola ericoides, S. glauca, Spergularia diandra, Stipa
szovitsiana, Stizolophus coronopifolius, Suaeda microphylla, Tetradiclis tenella, Torularia
contortuplicata, Trachynia distachya, Tulipa biebersteinii, T. eichleri, Velezia rigida.
Animals: hamsters (Mesocricetus brandti, Cricetulus migratorius), gerbils (Meriones tristrami,
M. lybicus). Nesting bird communities include fragmentary nesting areas of griffon vulture
(Gyps fulvus), bee-eater (Merops apiaster), hoopoe (Upupa epops), rosy starling (Sturnus
roseus), and over hundred of other nesting birds. Typical reptile species are Mediterranean
tortoise (Testudo graeca), few species of racers (Coluber schmidti, Elaphe sauromates),
41
Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus), Levantine viper (Macrovipera lebetina), lizards
(Eremias velox, Ophysops elegans), long-legged skink (Eumeces schneideri).
3) Corresponding categories: 62C0 *Ponto-Sarmatic steppes; PAL.CLASS.: 34.92
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
6. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
7. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
8. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
9. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of
Georgia along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from
Georgia-Azerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
10. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
11. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
12. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
13. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
62GE02 Code of Georgia: Steppe Vegetation
1) General description
Vegetation of the steppe is distributed in the zone of the front of the mountain (300-700 meters
a.s.l.) in eastern Georgia. It is the continuation of the vegetation of the semi-desert in the arid
region from the sea level in relation with the altitude. On the other hand, it borders with arid
open woodlands. Bluestem - Bothriochloa ischaemum is the dominant species in the steppe. It is
widely distributed in both hemispheres of the world.
Sub-types:
62GE02-01. Glycyrrhizieto-Bothriochloëta is widespread in the lowlands (500-600 m) and rich
with the species. 65 species are found on 100 m2. Characteristic species are: Koeleria cristata,
Phleum phleoides, Medicago caerulea, Bromus japonicus, Trifolium campestre, Vicia
angustifolia, Crucianella angustifolia, Arabidopsis thaliana, Androsace elongata.
42
62GE02-02. Bothriochloëta xeroherbosa can be found on the slopes of the eastern and western
exposition (600-700 meters a.s.l.). Teucrium chamaedrys, Galium verum, Picnis strigosa,
Scorzonera biebersteinii, Inula britannica, Aster ibericus, Stachys atherocalyx can be found
from vegetation. From pulses the following can be found: Onobrychis kachetica, 0. cyri,
Astragalus brachycarpus. Grasses ar represented by Festuca sulcata. Species blooming in early
spring are - Arabidopsis thaliana, Anthemis candidissima, Crocus adamii, Merendera trigyna,
Muscari caucasium, Gagea commutata. Endemic plants are: Polygala transcaucasica, Aster
ibericus, Cephalaria sosnowskyi, Thymus tiflisiensis, etc.
62GE02-03. Bothriochloëta ephemerosa can be found on the south stony slopes. The following
are to be mentioned from ephemers: Alyssum campestre, Callipeltis cucullaria, Sideritis
montana, Meniocus linifolius, Ziziphora capitata, Trigonella spicata. Juno caucasica, Allium
atroviolaceum, etc. are geophytes.
62GE02-04. Festuceta-Bothriochloëta is more localized on the slopes of hills. Festuca sulcata is
associated with Bluestem. Fragments of these communities are found in Iagluja (lower Kartli).
62GE02-05. Bothriochloëta pratoherbosa is less xerophytic community which can be found in
the depression where there are soils similar to the black earth. Besides Bluestem Agropyron
cristatum, A. pectinatum, Elytrigia repens can be found.
62GE02-06. Stipeto-Bothriochloëta communities are widespread on the hill summit and northern
slopes. They are mainly found on stony slopes. The soil is grey-brown, thin and lacks salt.
Existence of certain shrubs – Paliurus spina-christi, Rhamnus pallasii, etc. is characteristic.
From grasses – vegetation species the following can be found - Stipa tirsa, S. lessingiana, S.
pulcherrima, S. capillata, Phleum phleoides. There are as well a lot of ephemeroids.
2) Species
Plants: Bromus japonicus, Carex bordzilowskii, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca sulcata,
Glycyrrhiza glabra, Medicago caerulea, Phleum phleoides, Stipa capillata, Trifolium arvense,
Trisetum pratense, Stipa lessingiana, Botriochloa ischaemum, Stipa capillata, Festuca sulcata,
Stipa pulcherrima, Koeleria macrantha, Phleum phleoides, Cleistogenes bulgarica, Medicago
coerulea, Astragalus brachycarpus, Inula germanica, Stachys iberica, Galium verum,
Thalictrum minus, Leontodon asperrimus, Filipendula vulgaris, Thymus tiflisiensis, Potentilla
recta, Picris strigosa, Veronica multifida, Pimpinella aromatica, Bilacunaria microcarpa,
Tragopogon pusillus, Seseli grandivittatum, Campanula hohenackeri, Cephalaria media,
Crucianella angustifolia, Xeranthemum squarrosum, Trigonella spicata, Bromus japonicus,
Linus nodiflorum.
Animals: hamsters (Mesocricetus brandti, Cricetulus migratorius), voles (Microtus arvalis),
steppe mouse (Apodemus fulvipectus). Nesting birds are larks (Galerida cristata, Eremophilla
alpestris, Miliaria calandra), bee-eater (Merops apiaster), hoopoe (Upupa epops), rosy starling
(Sturnus roseus), and over hundred of other nesting birds. Typical reptile species are
Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo graeca), few species of racers (Coluber schmidti, Elaphe
sauromates), lizards (Lacerta strigata, L. media).
3) Corresponding categories
62C0 *Ponto-Sarmatic steppes; PAL.CLASS.: 34.92
6250 * Pannonic loess steppic grasslands; PAL.CLASS.: 34.91
6250 * Pannonic loess steppic grasslands; PAL.CLASS.: 34.91
6260 * Pannonic sand steppes; PAL.CLASS.: 34.A1, 34.A2
43
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:1-74.
6. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
7. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds., 1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
8. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
9. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
10. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
11. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
12. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
13. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
62GE03 Code of Georgia: Mountain Steppe Vegetation
1) General description
Mountain steppes that are specific to southern Georgia are distributed in the Javakheti volcanic
mountain plateau. Stepe vegetation is represented by various plant communities. The most
characteristic species of grass-herbal polydominant steppes are: sheep fescue - Festuca ovina,
fescue - F. sulcata, feather grass - Stipa tirsa, S. pulcherrima, bluestem - Bothriochloa
ischaemum, dropwort - Filipendula vulgaris, sickleweed - Falcaria vulgaris, bedstraw - Galium
cruciatum, crested hair-grass - Koeleria cristata, Trialeti Lucerne - Medicago hemicycla,
Timothy grass - Phleum phleoides, milkworth - Polygala anatolica, Caucasian thyme - Thymus
caucasicus, etc.
Besides, secondary meadows can also be found here that are developed in the places
occupied by old primary forests. Similar to primary communities, such meadows are created for
the variants of polydominant various grass in which the following participate: common bent
grass - Agrostis planifolia, yarrow – Alchemilla erythropoda, false-brome - Brachypodium
sylvaticum, brome – Bromopsis variegata, smallreed - Calamagrostis arundinacea, red
cornflower - Centaurea salicifolia, cock’s foot - Dactylis glomerata, bird’s foot trefoil - Lotus
caucasicus, sheep clover - Trifolium ambiguum, grey clover - T. canescens, etc. Communities
consisting of such mono-dominant species as Nardus stricta (thorny undergrowth), Anemone
fasciculata (narcissus anemone), Agrostis planifolia (common bent growth), Brachypodium
44
sylvaticum (false-brome), Bromopsis variegata (brome), etc. can be mentioned from monodominant meadows.
Vegetation created as a result of transformation of natural herbal vegetation of Javakheti
plateau is represented by various modifications of meadows turned into steppes and mountain
polydominant steppes. The following participate in creating meadows turned into steppes: sedge
- Carex humilis, multi-coloured fescue – Festuca valesiaca, sheet fescue - F. ovina, dropworth Filipendula vulgaris, milkwort - Polygala anatolica, feathergrowth - Stipa tirsa, etc. Further
secondary meadows dominant species of the forest are: common bentgrass - Agrostis planifolia,
yarrow - Alchemilla erythropoda, checked brome - Bromopsis variegata, small reed Calamagrostis arundinacea, cock’s foot - Dactylis glomerata, cranesbill - Geranium
sylvaticum, bird’s foot trefoil - Lotus caucasicus, Caucasian butter cup - Ranunculus caucasicus,
grey clover - Trifolium canescens, etc. Southern slopes are occupied by polydominant steppes in
the creation of which mainly grasses participate: sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina, checked fescue F. valesiaca, feather grass - Stipa pulcherrima, S. tirsa, Crested hair-grass - Koeleria cristata,
timothy grass - Phleum phleoides. The following are represented from various herbs - dropwort Filipendula vulgaris, crusiate - Cruciata laevipes, Trialetian alfalfa - Medicago hemicycla,
Thyme - Thymus rariflorus, etc.
2) Species
Plants: Agrostis planifolia, Alchemilla erythropoda, Anemone fasciculata, Bothriochloa
ischaemum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromopsis variegata, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Carex
humilis, Centaurea salicifolia, Cruciata laevipes, Dactylis glomerata, Falcaria vulgaris, Festuca
ovina, F. sulcata, F.valesiaca, Filipendula vulgaris, Galium cruciatum, Geranium sylvaticum,
Koeleria cristata, Lotus caucasicus, Lotus caucasicus, Medicago hemicycla, Nardus stricta,
Phleum phleoides, Polygala anatolica, Ranunculus caucasicus, Stipa pulcherrima, S. tirsa,
Thymus caucasicus, Thymus rariflorus, Trifolium ambiguum, Trifolium canescens.
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
6. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
7. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
8. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
9. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
10. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
45
11. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
12. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
62GE04 Code of Georgia: Vegetation of urban and rural areas
1) General description
Vegetation of village settlements and cultivable land is extremely interesting from the point of
view of plants of economic importance. In this habitat there are various species of aborigine,
invasive and adventive cosmopolitan plants related to wild relatives of cultural plants and those
used in traditional (people’s) and scientific medicine, including, Chicory - Cichorium intybus,
meliot - Melilotus officinalis, yarrow - Achillea milllefolium, agrimony – Agrimonia eupatoria,
creeping couch-grass - Agropyron repens, white briony - Bryonia dioica, shepherd’s purse Capsella bursa-pastoris, greater calistine - Chelidonium majus, European dodder - Cuscuta
europaea, henbane - Hyoscyamus niger, mother of nettle - Lamium album, forest mallow Malva sylvestris, mint – Mentha arvensis, great plantain - Plantago major, chickweed - Stellaria
media, dandelion - Taraxacum officinale, coltsfoot - Tussilago farfara, nettle -Urtica dioica, etc.
These plants are distributed on the territories of the city and village settlements, roadsides and
transformed habitats. Most of them, as pioneer plants, create primary successions on eroded
slopes as a result of industrial activities and construction works.
2) Species
Plants: Achillea milllefolium, Aegilops tauschii, Agrimonia eupatoria, Agropyron repens, Avena
barbata, A. fatua, Beta corolliflora, Brassica elongata, Bryonia dioica, Capsella bursa pastoris,
Chelidonium majus,Cichorium intybus, Coriandrum sativum, Cornus mas, Corylus avellana,
Cuscuta europaea, Cydonia oblonga, Ficus carica, Fragaria vesca, Hyoscyamus niger, Juglans
regia, Lamium album, Lathyrus spp., Onobrychis spp., Linum austriacum, Malus oriantalis,
Malva sylvestris, Medicago spp., Melilotus officinalis, Mentha aquatica, Mentha arvensis,
Mespilus germanica, Morus alba, Plantago major, Prunus cerasifera, Punica granatum, Pyrus
caucasica, P. salicifolia, Raphanus rapinastrum, Rubus spp., Satureja spicigera, S. laxiflora,
Setaria viridis, Solanum nigrum, Stellaria media, Taraxacum officinale, Tussilago farfara,
Urtica dioica, Vicia spp.
Animals: common vole (Microtus arvalis), steppe mouse (Apodemus fulvipectus), lizards
(Lacerta media, L. agilis), frogs (Rana ridibunda, R. macricnemis), green toad (Bufo viridis),
jackdaw (Corvus monedula), crow (Corvus coronae cornix), starling (Sturnus vulgaris).
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia15:1-74.
6. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
46
7.
Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
8. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
9. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
10. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
11. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
12. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
13. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
62GE05 Code of Georgia: Vegetation of Pastures
1) General description
Sub-alpine and alpine meadows are mainly used for summer pastures for sheep and livestock.
Grass, sedge and polydominant grass-herbal meadows are characteristic to this type of
vegetation.
Grass-herbal communities are characterized by a great variety. Namely, in each
community more than 30 species are presented. We encounter grass-herbal meadows with the
following dominant species: sheep fescue - Festuca ovina, colourful brome - Bromopsis
variegata, Alpine meadow-grass - Poa alpina, crested hair-grass - Koeleria caucasica, mat-grass
- Nardus stricta or colourful fescue - Festuca woronowii. In this community the following are
associated: butter cup - Ranunculus oreophilus, Ajara brome - Bromopsis adjaricus, sheep clover
- Trifolium ambiguum, clover - T. trichocephalum, T. alpestre, mountain betony - Stachys
macrantha, narcissus anemone - Anemone albana, Caucasian gentian - Gentianella caucasea,
Alpine aster - Aster alpinus, Alpine timothy grass - Phleum alpinus, gentian-type Buxbaum’s
speed well - Veronica gentianoides, etc. The following are dominant species in sedge meadows:
sedge - Carex humilis an C. brevicollis; As for associated species, they are as follows: crested
hair-grass – Koeleria caucasica, Caucasian decampane - Inula glandulosa, Alpine forget-me-not
- Myosotis alpestris, sedge -Carex tristis, Alpine meadow grass - Poa alpina, Alpine dropwort Phleum alpinum, lousewort - Pedicularis caucasica, whitlow-grass - Draba nemorosa, mountain
scabious - Scabiosa caucasica, checkweed - Cerastium purpurescens, etc. The following are
dominant species on meadows composed of herbs: sheep clover - Trifolium ambiguum, to which
the following are associated: sedge - Carex humilis, Ajara brome - Bromopsis adjaricus, Alpine
meadow-grass - Poa alpina, Arenaria - Arenaria steveniana, yarrow - Achillea setacea, oats Avena versicolor,colourful brome - Bromopsis variegata, Fischer’s cornflower - Centaurea
fischeri,centaury - Gentiana septemfida. etc. Species participating in creating the polydominant
various grass meadow are: sibbaldia- Sibbaldia procumbens, fox-tail - Alopecurus vaginatus,
colourful brome - Bromopsis variegata, Alpine timothy grass - Phleum alpinum, sheep clover Trifolium ambiguum, sheep fescue - Festuca ovina, lady-s bedstraw - Galium verum, mountain
betony - Stachys macrantha, etc. Those represented on polydominant Alpine meadows are:
sheep fescue - Festuca ovina, Alpine creeping cinquefoil - Potentilla alpestris, centaury Gentiana septemfida, caraway - Carum caucasicum, hare’s foot clover - Trifolium repens,
47
Alpine aster – Aster alpinus, woodrush - Luzula spicata, creeping bellflower - Campanula
collina, creeping cinquefoil - Potentilla gelida, etc. Indicator of degradation of pastures weed
plant agaric is distributed on almost the whole territory of pastures. This is a poisonous plant
which is not grased by domestic animals and, therefore, it is widely distributed on sub-alpine and
alpine meadows.
2) Species
Plants: Achillea setacea, Alopecurus vaginatus, Anemone albana, Arenaria steveniana, Aster
alpinus, Bromopsis variegata, B. villosula, Campanula collina, Carex brevicollis, C. humilis, C.
tristis, Carum caucasicum,Centaurea cheiranthifolia, Cerastium purpurescens, Colpodium
versicolor, Draba nemorosa, Festuca ovina, F. varia, Galium verum, Gentiana caucasica, G.
septemfida, Inula glandulosa, Koeleria caucasica, Luzula spicata, Myosotis alpestris, Nardus
stricta, Pedicularis caucasica, Phleum alpinum, Poa alpina, Potentilla alpestris, P. gelida,
Ranunculus oreophilus, Scabiosa caucasica, Sibbaldia procumbens, Stachys macrantha,
Trifolium ambiguum, T. trichocephalum, T. alpestre, T. repens, Veratrum lobelianum, Veronica
gentianoides.
Animals: Microtus arvalis, Terricola daghestanica, T. majori, Prometheomys schaposchnikowi.
The commonest birds are Buteo buteo, B. rufinus, Corvus monedula, Oenanthe spp.,
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, P. graculus, Corvus corax. Most common reptiles are sand lizard
(Lacerta agilis), slow worm (Anguis fragilis), smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), ring snake
(Natrix natrix), Lotiev’s and Dinnick’s vipers (Vipera lotievi, V. dinnicki), the commonest
amphibian is Asia Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis).
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:1-74.
6. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
7. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
8. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
9. Tarkhnishvili, D., A. Kandaurov, Z. Gurielidze, and I. Matcharashvili. 1996. Review of
Literature and Other Sources about Condition of the Environment on the Territory of Georgia
along the Early Oil Transportation Pipeline Corridor and Adjacent Territories from GeorgiaAzerbaijan Border to Supsa Terminal. Zoology. pp. 1-53, Tbilisi, GPC: 1-53.
10. Gabrielian, G. (ed.) 1986. Physical Geography of the Caucasus. Yerevan, Publ. Yerevan
State Univ. (in Russian).
11. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
48
12. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
13. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
_____________________________________________________
7. RAISED BOGS AND MIRES AND FENS
___________________________________________________
Vegetation of marshes is typical to Georgia. It covers approximately 200 hectares of the area.
Marshes are especially typical on the Kolkheti lowland. However, it also occupies many areas on the
volcanic upland of Javakheti and the Alpine zone in whole Caucasus. The majority of marshes is
eutrophic; mezo- and oligotrophic marshes are limited in the amount. Complexes of marsh vegetation
are distributed on a large area of Kolkheti lowland that consists of a variety of phytocoenosis of
marshy and sphagnum-herbaceous bogs. They are developed on peat covering of various capacities
the depth of which is 10-12 meters in certain places.
7110* Mezo-oligotrophic marshes with sphagnum (Sphagneta palustrae)
1) General description
Peaty marshes are typical on the Kolkheti lowland. However, oligotrophic peaty marshes are
found on the rocky places of the sub-alpine zone. Vertical distributed of peaty marshes in west
Georgia involves all the altitudes from the sea level to the sub-alpine zone. Peat marshes in the
alpine zone are rare due to severe climatic conditions. However, peaty marshes in eastern
Georgia can be found only above 2000 meters due to aridity of the climate.
Peaty marshes of Kolkheti area unique biogeographical phenomenon on the whole
Eurasian continent both with the terms and peculiarities of developing marshes and geobotanical
contents of modern vegetation. It has a great scientific value and practical importance.
Mezo-oligotrophic peaty marshes are found only in west and south Georgia. They are
mainly found in the pine and fir forests and moderately moist beech forest. The following
obligatory halophites are characteristic: Scheuchzeria palustris, Carex flava, Viola palustris,
Cardamine seidlitziana, Heracleum apiifolium, Sredinskya grandis, Rhynchospora alba,
Drosera rotundifolia, D. intermedia, D. anglica.
Marsh vegetation characteristic to North Eurasia is distributed in the seaside region of
Ajara. For example, in Kobuleti surroundings there are Ispani I and Ispani II. Here, in the space
covered with peat moss shrubs and ferns are spread: Rhododendron ponticum, Rh. luteum,
Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Frangula alnus, Osmunda regalis, etc. The orchid characteristic to
Eurasian marshes Spiranthes amoena is found. The following can be found from endemic
species: Hibiscus ponticus, Heracleum apiifolium, Rhynchospora caucasica, Scirpus colchicus,
Sredinskya grandis, Carex szovitsii, Cardamine seidlitziana, Primula luteola, Siphonostylis
lazica, Oenanthe abchasica, Pycreus colchicus, Swertia iberica.
On Ispani I and Ispani II marshes the Imeretian sedge is quite distributed. It is created by
high growing grasses - Molinia litoralis.This formation is quite varied typologically and is
frequently associated with peat moss. It is distributed on the relatively small slopes with
dominating sedge - Carex lasiocarpa. This sedge is typologically the same on Kobuleti marshes.
In the described formation obligate halophytes - Rhynchospora caucasica, Rhynchospora alba,
several species of peat moss, etc. participate with enough majority. On the peaty marsh of
Kobuleti Sphagnum imbricatum and Sphagnum palustre mainly create sphagnum bogs. Some
other species can be rarely found but their cenotic importance is relatively limited. On the total
cover created by sphagnum species mainly sinusien of herbal plants are developed. Main
components of this sinusia are: Molinia litoralis, Rhynchospora caucasica, Carex lasiocarpa,
49
etc. Drosera rotundifolia, Osmunda regalis, Menyanthes trifoliata, Rhynchospora alba etc.are
more rarely found.In some places there are such shrubs, as azalea Rhododendron luteum, Pontic
rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum, Frangula alnus, and shrubbed Alnus barbata, etc.
Scrub-sphagnum bogs are represented on small area plots and developed on embossed
surfaces of peat. Community Sphagnetum (auriculatum, palustre) caricosum is situated in the
peaty massive of Churia. Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum palustre, Carex acutiformis, Carex
lasiocarpa, Rhynchospora alba, Potentilla erecta, Lycopus europaeus, Holcus lanatus,
Scutellaria galericulata, Galium palustre, Calystegia silvatica, Succisella inflexa, Eupatorium
cannabinum, Centaurium erythraea, Lysimachia vulgaris, Stachyspalustris, Cladium mariscus,
Thelypteris palustris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Hypericum tetrapterum.
2) Species
Plants: Alnus barbata, Calystegia silvatica, Canrdamine seidlitziana, Carex acutiformis, Carex
flava, C. lasiocarpa, C. szovitsii, Centaurium erythraea, Cladium mariscus, Drosera
rotundifolia, D. intermedia, D. anglica, Eupatorium cannabinum, Frangula alnus, Galium
palustre, Heracleum apiifolium, Hibiscus ponticus, Holcus lanatus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris,
Hypericum tetrapterum, Lycopus europaeus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Menyanthes trifoliata,
Molinia litoralis, Oenanthe abchasica, Osmunda regalis, Potentilla erecta, Primula luteola,
Siphonostylis lazica, Pycneus colchicus, Rhododendron luteum, R. ponticum, Rhynchospora
alba, R. caucasica, Scheuchzeria palustris, Scirpus colchicus, Scutellaria galericulata,
Sphagnum auriculatum, S. imbricatum, S. palustre, Sredinskya grandis, Stachys palustris,
Succisella inflexa, Swertia ibenica, Thelypteris palustris, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Viola
palustris.
Animals: birds - Podiceps cristatus, P. grisegena, P. nigricollis, Egretta garzetta, Cosmerodius
albus, Ardeola ralloides, Platalea leucorodia, Plegadis falcinellus, Anser erythropus, Anas
platyrhynchos, Tadorna ferruginea, Tringa stagnatilis, Charadrius dubius, Numenius arquata,
Calidris alba, Glareola nordmanni, Stercorarius parasiticus, Gallinago media, Fulica atra,
Haliaeetus albicilla, Aquila clanga.
3) Corresponding categories:
1. United Kingdom classification: "M1 Sphagnum auriculatum bog pool community", "M3
Eriophorum angustifolium bog pool community", "M18 Erica tetralix-Sphagum papillosum
raised and blanket mire", "M20a Eriophorum vaginatum blanket and mixed mire - species poor
sub community".
2. German classification: "360101 Hochmoor der planaren bis submontanen Stufe", "360102
Hochmoor der montanen bis hochmontanen Stufe".
3. Nordic classification: "312 Ristuvvegetation", "313 Fastmattevegetation", "314 Mjukmatteoch lösbottenvegetation" and "311 Skogmossvegetation" when comprising a part of the mire
complexe.
4) Associated habitat: All types of marshes
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kimeridze, K. 1966. Kavkasiashi chaobis mcenareulobis gavrcelebis kanonzomierebis
sakitkhisatvis. (Distribution pattern of wetland vegetation in Caucasus). Bull. Georg. Acad.
Scien. 43, 2:234-245.
4. Kimeridze, K. 1975. Sakartvelos mtianetis kolboxovani islianebi. (Tufted sedge wetlands of
mountains of Georgia). Bull. Geor. State Museum. 28-a.
5. Kimeridze, K. 1985. Marsh vegetation of Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
50
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Kimeridze, M., Chelidze, D., Kikodze, D. 2001. Preliminary study of flora and vegetation of
the Kolkheti protected territory. Tbilisi.
Kimeridze, M. 2007. Marshes of volcanic mountainous plateau of southern Georgia. Tbilisi.
Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow
460 pp.
Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
70GE01* Code of Georgia: Tall grass marshes
1) General description
Tall grass marshes can be found on the Kolkheti valley and volcanic upland of South Georgia.
The upper margin of distribution is 2000 meters a.s.l..
Sub-types:
70GE01-01. Phragmiteta communis - reed bed where Phragmites australis dominates; Other
species are - Juncus acutus, Typha angustifolia, Scirpus lacustris (Schoenoplectus lacustris),
Echinochloa crusgalli (on dry hard clod of earth).
70GE01-02. Typheta angustifoliae – The dominant species of the marsh overgrown with
reedmace are Typha latifolia, T angustifolia or T. laxmanii. Community of Typhetum
angustifoliae Purum is found in the great peat marsh placed in the east of Paliastomi Lake. The
contents of species are - Carex acutiformis, Galium palustre, Iris pseudacorus, Lycopus
europaeus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Phragmites australis, Scutellaria galericulata, Sphagnum
auriculatum, Typha angustifolia. In the nearby territory of Kulevi terminal, especially, on the
banks of river Khobi the thick undergrowth (Typha latifolia, T. angustifolia) of marsh overgrown
with reedmace is distributed. They are not of a big size and can be encountered sporadically.
70GE01-03. Schoenoplecteta – Schoenoplectus lacustris or S. tabennaemontani is observed in
bulrush. It is characterized by high grass but less density. The height of the grass of bulrush
community - Schoenoplectetum lacustris purum exceeds 2 meters.
70GE01-04. Cladieta marisci - Cladium mariscus dominates in Mariskusiani and can be
observed in lowland places. The upper margin of its distributed is 800 meters a.s.l.. Cladium
mariscus-Carex acutiformis community is found in big peat marshes located in the east of the
Paliastomi lake (near the lake side). Species include - Alnus barbata, Calystegia silvatica, Carex
acutiformis, Carex lasiocarpa, Hibiscus ponticus, Inula aspera, Juncus articulatus, Lycopus
europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Molinia litoralis, Phragmites australis, Sphagnum palustre,
Stachys palustris, Typha angustifolia.
70GE01-05. The groups with the following are rare: Phalaroides arundinacea and Glyceria
arundinacea.
51
2) Species
Plants: Alnus barbata, Calystegia silvatica, Carex acutiformis, C. lasiocarpa, Cladium
mariscus, Echinochloa crusgalli, Galium palustre, Glyceria arundinacea, Hibiscus ponticus,
Inula aspera, Iris pseudacorus, Juncus acutus, J. articulatus, Lycopus europaeus, Lysimachia
vulgaris, Mentha aquatica, Molinia litoralis, Phalaroides arundinacea, Phragmites australis
Schoenoplectus lacustris, S. tabennaemontani, Scirpus lacustris (Schoenoplectus lacustris),
Scutellaria galericulata, Sphagnum auriculatum, S. palustre, Stachys palustris, Typha
angustifolia, T. latifolia, T. laxmanii.
Animals: Birds - Podiceps cristatus, P. grisegena, P. nigricollis, Egretta garzetta, Cosmerodius
albus, Ardeola ralloides, Bubulcus ibis, Ardea cinerea, A. purpurea, Ixobrychus minutes,
Botaurus stellaris, Platalea leucorodia, Plegadis falcinellus, Anser erythropus, Anas
platyrhynchos, Tadorna ferruginea, Tringa stagnatilis, Charadrius dubius, Numenius arquata,
Calidris alba, Glareola nordmanni, Stercorarius parasiticus, Gallinago media, Fulica atra, Crex
crex,Haliaeetus albicilla, Circus aeruginosus, C. pygagrus.
3) Corresponding categories
1. 7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs, PAL.CLASS.: 54.5
2. United Kingdom classification: "M4 - Carex rostrata-Sphagnum recurvum mire", "M5 Carex rostrata-Sphagnum squarrosum mire", "M8 - Carex rostrata-Sphagnum warnstofii mire",
"M9 Carex rostrata-Calliergon cuspidatum/giganteum", "S27 -Carex rostrata-Potentilla
palustris fen".
3. German classification: "360201 Übergangs- oder Zwischenmoor der planaren bis
submontanen Stufe", "360202 Übergangs- oder Zwischenmoor der montanen bis hochmontanen
Stufe".
4. Nordic classification: "312 Ristuvvegetation", "32 Fattigkärrvegetation (except 321)", "314
Mjukmatte-och lösbottenvegetation på öppna mossar", "3321 Trichophorum caespitosumMolinia caerulea-Sphagnum spp.-Drepanocladus spp.-typ", "3323 Carex nigra-Drepanocladus
exannulatus-Calliergon spp.-typ", "Trichophorum caespitosum-Drepanocladus revolvens-variant
of 3323", "3331 Carex spp.-Sphagnum spp.-Drepanocladus spp.-typ", "Carex spp.-Sphagnum
fallax-subsecundum-variant of 3331", "3333 Potentilla palustris-Carex spp.- Sphagnum spp.Drepanocladus exannulatus-typ", "3341 Carex spp.-Phragmites- Iris pseudacorus-Sphagnumtyp".
4) Associated habitat: All types of marshes and habitats of water vegetation
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kimeridze, K. 1966. Kavkasiashi chaobis mcenareulobis gavrcelebis kanonzomierebis
sakitkhisatvis. (Distribution pattern of wetland vegetation in Caucasus). Bull. Georg. Acad.
Scien. 43, 2:234-245.
4. Kimeridze, K. 1975. Sakartvelos mtianetis kolboxovani islianebi. (Tufted sedge wetlands of
mountains of Georgia). Bull. Geor. State Museum. 28-a.
5. Kimeridze, K. 1985. Marsh vegetation of Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
6. Kimeridze, M., Chelidze, D., Kikodze, D. 2001. Preliminary study of flora and vegetation of
the Kolkheti protected territory. Tbilisi.
7. Kimeridze, M. 2007. Marshes of volcanic mountainous plateau of southern Georgia. Tbilisi.
8. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
52
9. Kutubidze, M. 1985. Key of the birds of Georgia. Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University Publ. (in
Georgian).
10. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
11. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
12. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow 460
pp.
13. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:1-74.
14. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
70GE02* Code of Georgia: Low grass marshes
1) General description
Low grass swamps are distributed up to 2300 meters a.s.l.. Communities with the horse tail Equisetum heleocharis, E. palustris, E. ramosissimum dominate in the lowland and low zone of
the mountain. Hyppuris vulgaris is a rare obligatory hellophyte. Sparganium erectum (S.
polyedrum) or S. simplex creates the most widely distributed community. Butomus umbellatus is
rare in various places of Georgia. On Javakheti upland there is Equisetetum palustrae purum,
which is developed around the surface flowing water. The substrate is with silt. The composition
of species is as follows - Equisetum palustre, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, Carex acuta, C.
rostrata (=C. inflata), Ranunculus repens, Heleocharis palustris.
Sub-types:
70GE02-01. Iriseta pseudacorus – iris growth is observed in peaty massifs of Maltakva, to the
west of river Gurinka. There is water between emery stone. Fragments of pure reedbed are
developed on relatively more watery peaty places. On smaller plots dominates reedmace Typha
angustifolia. The species are - Angelica adzharica, Calystegia silvatica, Carex acutiformis,
Galium palustre, Holcus lanatus, Iris pseudacorus, Lycopus europaeus, Molinia litoralis,
Phragmites australis, Scrophularia nodosa, Stachys palustris, Typha angustifolia
70GE02-02. Sparganieta polyedris – the bur reed community is found in village Grigoleti
surroundings. The following species are: Butomus umbellatus, Iris pseudacorus, Lemna minor,
Potamogeton pectinatus, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Salvinia natans, Sparganium erectum (S.
polyedrum), Trapa colchica, Typha angustifolia.
70GE02-03. Cypereta longus –in Kulevi surroundings are found together with sedge groupings Cyperus badius, C. longus, Scirpus lacustris, S. tabaernemontani, Juncellus serotinus.
70GE02-04. Bolboschoeneta maritimae – seaclub-rush (Bolboschoenus maritimus) is commonly
found in Kolkheti, on the sea side. The sensus is made in the surroundings of Kulevi.
70GE02-05. Schoenoplecteta triqueter – low bull rush is found in Maltakva surroundings,
Kaparchina coast, the peat-sandy substrate with temporary standing water. Species areEchinochloa crusgalli (on dry hard clods of land), Juncus acutus, Phragmites australis, Scirpus
lacustris (Schoenoplectus lacustris), S. triqueter (Schoenoplectus triqueter), Typha angustifolia
70GE02-06. Leersieta orizoides community dominant species is rice-like leersia - Leersia
oryzoides. It is the type of the grass. It is distributed in Europe, Azia and America. It is a
perennial plant with the root with the hight of 1-1.5 meters. Leaves are of 28 cm long with thinly
dentate leaves. It is extremely rare in high-grass marshes of Kolkheti. The species are - Bidens
53
tripartita, Carex acuta, Echinochloa crusgalli, Mentha arvensis, Oenanthe aquatica, Sagittaria
sagittifolia, Sium latifolium, Sparganium erectum, Trapa colchica, Xanthium strumarium.
2) Species
Plants: Angelica adzharica, Bidens tripartita, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Butomus umbellatus,
Calystegia silvatica, Carex acuta, C. acutiformis, C. rostrata (C. inflata), Cyperus badius, C.
longus, Echinochloa crusgalli, Equisetum heleocharis, E. palustris, E. ramosissimum, Galium
palustre, Heleocharis palustris, Holcus lanatus, Iris pseudacorus, Juncellus serotinus, Juncus
acutus, J. inflexus, J. articulatus, Leersia oryzoides, Lemna minor, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha
arvensis, Molinia litoralis, Oenanthe aquatica, Phragmites australis, Potamogeton pectinatus,
Ranunculus repens, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Salvinia natans, Scirpus lacustris (Schoenoplectus
lacustris), S. triqueter (Schoenoplectus triqueter), S. tabaernemontani, Scrophularia nodosa,
Sium latifolium, Sparganium erectum (S. polyedrum), S. simplex, Stachys palustris, Trapa
colchica, Typha angustifolia, Xanthium strumarium.
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat: All types of marshes and habitats of water vegetation
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kimeridze, K. 1966. Kavkasiashi chaobis mcenareulobis gavrcelebis kanonzomierebis
sakitkhisatvis. (Distribution pattern of wetland vegetation in Caucasus). Bull. Georg. Acad.
Scien. 43, 2:234-245.
4. Kimeridze, K. 1975. Sakartvelos mtianetis kolboxovani islianebi. (Tufted sedge wetlands of
mountains of Georgia). Bull. Geor. State Museum. 28-a.
5. Kimeridze, K. 1985. Marsh vegetation of Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
6. Kimeridze, M., Chelidze, D., Kikodze, D. 2001. Preliminary study of flora and vegetation of
the Kolkheti protected territory. Tbilisi.
7. Kimeridze, M. 2007. Marshes of volcanic mountainous plateau of southern Georgia. Tbilisi.
8. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
11. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow 460
pp.
12. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:1-74.
13. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
70GE03* Code of Georgia: Tussock sedge wetlands
1) General description
Tussock sedge swamps are distributed on seaside wet sandy ground, lagoons, channels and river
sides the level of water of which varies according to the season and waters. Sedges are
represented by many communities: Cariceta dichoandrae, Cariceta acutiformis, Cariceta
elatae, Cariceta caespitosae, Cariceta wilnicae and Magnojunceta. Cariceta elatae is very rare,
as well as Cariceta caespitosae which is found on the Javakheti high land at the height of 200054
2100 meters and Ajara mountains. Magnojunceta is different from tussock sedge swamps.
Juncus effusus or J. inflexus dominate here. Prickly-ivy rush Juncetum acutae purum is found in
Maltakva region with the following species - Echinochloa crusgalli (on emery stones), Juncus
acutus, Phragmites australis, Scirpus lacustris (Schoenoplectus lacustris), Typha angustifolia.
Sub-types:
70GE03-01. Cariceta acutiformis-emery stone - sedge. Bush-grass is mainly settled on emery
stone. The mentioned sedge is related with alder grove, which is scrubbed, on a better provided
rough peat substrate. In certain parts of the association there are the following plants besides the
mentioned ones: Carex lasiocarpa, Centaurium erythraea, Potentilla erecta, Rhynchospora
caucasica, etc. Caricetum acutiformis varioherbosum community in Kulevi peat massive, on the
wide coast of a lake. Composition of species - Alisma plantago-aquatica, Alnus barbata,
Calamagrostis epigeios, Calystegia silvatica, Carex acutiformis, Galium palustre, Hibiscus
ponticus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Hypericum tetrapterum, Inula aspera, Iris pseudacorus, Juncus
effusus, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Osmunda regalis, Phragmites australis,
Sphagnum auriculatum (on emery stone) Stachys palustris, Typha angustifolia
70GE03-02. Junceta effusus – is described in the eastern part of prickly Palistomi Lake. The
species are: Alnus barbata, Calamagrostis epigeios, Carex acutiformis, C. lasiocarpa, Drosera
rotundifolia, Holcus lanatus, Juncus effusus, Menyanthes trifoliata, Molinia litoralis, Potentilla
erecta, Sphagnum palustre, Thelypteris palustris. In Kulevi the community of this type consists
of the following species - Juncus effusus, Scirpus lacustrum, Alnus barbata, Hydrocotyle sp.,
Galium palustre, Leucojum aestivum, Polygonum hydropiper, Iris pseudacorus.
70GE03-03. Junceta acutae-Prickly rush. Juncetum acutae purum near Maltakva, on the bank of
river Kaparchina. The following are noteworthy from the species - Echinochloa crusgalli (on
emery stone), Juncus acutus, Phragmites australis, Scirpus lacustris (Schoenoplectus lacustris),
Typha angustifolia.
2) Species
Plants: Alisma plantago-aquatica, Alnus barbata, Calamagrostis epigeios, Calystegia silvatica,
Carex acutiformis, C. lasiocarpa, Centaurium erythraea, Drosera rotundifolia, Echinochloa
crusgalli, Galium palustre, Hibiscus ponticus, Holcus lanatus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Hypericum
tetrapterum, Inula aspera, Iris pseudacorus, Juncus acutus, J. effusus, J. inflexus, Leucojum
aestivum, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Menyanthes trifoliata, Molinia litoralis,
Osmunda regalis, Phragmites australis, Polygonum hydropiper, Potentilla erecta, Rhynchospora
caucasica, Scirpus lacustris (Schoenoplectus lacustris), Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum
palustre, Stachys palustris, Thelypteris palustris, Typha angustifolia.
3) Corresponding categories
1. German classification : "6402 Alpine Scwemmböden mit niedriger Vegetation".
2. Corresponding category of the Nordic vegetation types: "3422 Carex atrofuscaDrepanocladus revolvens-typ" and "3423 Carex saxatilis-Drepanocladus revolvens-typ".
4) Associated habitat: All types of marshes and habitats of water vegetation
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
55
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Kimeridze, K. 1966. Kavkasiashi chaobis mcenareulobis gavrcelebis kanonzomierebis
sakitkhisatvis. (Distribution pattern of wetland vegetation in Caucasus). Bull. Georg. Acad.
Scien. 43, 2:234-245.
Kimeridze, K. 1975. Sakartvelos mtianetis kolboxovani islianebi. (Tufted sedge wetlands of
mountains of Georgia). Bull. Geor. State Museum. 28-a.
Kimeridze, K. 2985. Marsh vegetation of Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Kimeridze, M., Chelidze, D., Kikodze, D. 2001. Preliminary study of flora and vegetation
of the Kolkheti protected territory. Tbilisi.
Kimeridze, M. 2007. Marshes of volcanic mountainous plateau of southern Georgia.
Tbilisi.
Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow
460 pp.
Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
70GE04* Code of Georgia: Short rhizome sedge marshes
1) General description
Vegetation of eutrophic swamps includes plants with short rhizomes which is characteristic to
the sub-alpine zone. Several communities reach the alpine zone. For example, Cariceta daciae
(Cariceta transcaucasicae). Cariceta kotschyana is typical to the alpine zone. It can be found at
the altitude of 2000-2900 meters a.s.l.. Blysmus compressus is the dominant species which can
be found on whole Caucasus. Peat moss is not found in this community. The significant
component of peat swamps is Molinia litoralis. It's distribution is limited to the Kolkheti
lowland. Molinietum litoralis purum is found in peaty massifs of Maltakva, to the west of river
Gurinka. Composition of species - Angelica adzharica, Calystegia silvatica, Carex acutiformis,
Galium palustre, Holcus lanatus, Iris pseudacorus, Lycopus europaeus, Molinia litoralis,
Phragmites australis, Scrophularia nodosa, Stachys palustris, Typha angustifolia. Community of
Rhynchospora caucasica and Rhynchospora alba is typical to the Kolkheti swamp.
Sub-types:
70GE04-01. Molinieta litoralis – Imereti sedge. Molinietum litoralis purum is described to the
west of river Gurinka, in the peaty massive of Maltakva. The species are - Angelica adzharica,
Calystegia silvatica, Carex acutiformis, Galium palustre, Holcus lanatus, Iris pseudacorus,
Lycopus europaeus, Molinia litoralis, Phragmites australis, Scrophularia nodosa, Stachys
palustris, Typha angustifolia
70GE04-02. Rhynchosporeta caucasici and Rhynchosporeta albae communities are found in the
peaty massive of Imnati above the Bokveradze garden. Composition of species - Alnus barbata
(scrubbed), Athyrium filixfemina, Bidens tripartita, Carex lasiocarpa, Erechtites valerianifolia,
Eupatorium cannabinum, Frangula alnus, Hypericum mutilum, Menyanthes trifoliata, Molinia
litoralis, Osmunda regalis, Rhododendron luteum, Rhynchospora alba, Rh. caucasica,
Sphagnum palustre.
56
2) Species
Plants: Alnus barbata (shrubbed), Angelica adzharica, Athyrium filix-femina, Bidens tripartita,
Blysmus compressus, Calystegia silvatica, Carex acutiformis, C. lasiocarpa, Erechtites
valerianifolia, Eupatorium cannabinum, Frangula alnus, Galium palustre, Holcus lanatus,
Hypericum mutilum, Iris pseudacorus, Lycopus europaeus, Menyanthes trifoliata, Molinia
litoralis, Osmunda regalis, Phragmites australis, Rhynchospora alba, Rh. caucasica,
Rhododendron luteum, Rhynchospora caucasica, Scrophularia nodosa, Scrophularia nodosa,
Sphagnum palustre, Stachys palustris, Typha angustifolia.
3) Corresponding categories: 7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion;
PAL.CLASS.: 54.6
4) Associated habitat: All types of swamps and habitats of water vegetation.
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kimeridze, K. 1966. Kavkasiashi chaobis mcenareulobis gavrcelebis kanonzomierebis
sakitkhisatvis. (Distribution pattern of wetland vegetation in Caucasus). Bull. Georg. Acad.
Scien. 43, 2:234-245.
4. Kimeridze, K. 1975. Sakartvelos mtianetis kolboxovani islianebi. (Tufted sedge wetlands of
mountains of Georgia). Bull. Geor. State Museum. 28-a.
5. Kimeridze, K. 2985. Marsh vegetation of Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
6. Kimeridze, M., Chelidze, D., Kikodze, D. 2001. Preliminary study of flora and vegetation of
the Kolkheti protected territory. Tbilisi.
7. Kimeridze, M. 2007. Marshes of volcanic mountainous plateau of southern Georgia. Tbilisi.
8. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
11. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow 460
pp.
12. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:1-74.
13. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
70GE05* Code of Georgia: Long-rhizome sedge marshes
1) General description
Eumezotrophic swamp vegetation, which includes herbal and long rhizome plants. It is also
found in the sub-alpine zone. It plays a great role in the accumulation process. The typical
representative of this community is Carex cinerea (=C. canescens). From mosses Calliergon
stramineum and C. giganteum are typical. C. richardsonii and C. cordifolium are rare. The
following types of sedge are common – Carex rostrata (=C. inflata) and holoarctic species - C.
lasiocarpa. A typical species Carex chordorrhiza is widely distributed in Northern Eurasia and
is rare, but still found, in Georgia. It is an obligatory hellophite. Carex songorica is extremely
rare in Georgia. It is found in limestone places.
Sub-types:
57
70GE05-01. Cariceta lasiocarpae – sedge. Caricetum lasiocarpae purum is found in Imnati
swamps. The following species are the consisting parts - Alnus barbata, Arthraxon ciliaris var.
langsdorffii, Carex acutiformis, C. lasiocarpa, Centaurium erythraea, Cladium mariscus,
Frangula alnus, Holcus lanatus, Hypericum tetrapterum, Lycopus europaeus, Lysimachia
vulgaris, Molinia litoralis, Potentilla erecta, Pycreus flavescens, Stachys palustris. Community
Sphagnetum-palustrae-caricoso-lasiocarpae-moliniosum is found on the territory of the Imnati
swamp.
Composition of species - Alnus barbata (shrubbed), Athyrium filixfemina, Bidens
tripartita, Carex lasiocarpa, Erechtites valerianifolia, Eupatorium cannabinum, Frangula alnus,
Hypericum mutilum, Menyanthes trifoliata, Molinia litoralis, Osmunda regalis, Rhododendron
luteum, Rhynchospora alba, Rh. caucasica, Sphagnum palustre.
The swamp is developed on the Javakheti upland, near the side of the river Kikhr-Bulagi,
Taparavani basin. From the northern side this river joins Paravani river ~ 2280 meters a.s.l.. The
dried-up lake is fully covered with the sedge swampy complex - Caricetum lasiocarpae purum.
Composition of species - Carex lasiocarpa, C. acuta, C. cinerea, C. rostrata (=C. inflata), C.
vesicaria, Comarum palustre, Deschampsia caespitosa, Poa palustris, Festuca rubra.
70GE05-02. Meniantheta trifoliatae-water clover. Menyanthes trifoliata in mountain swamps is
found at up to 2250 meters of height. It is also typical at the sea side. It is described in the large
peaty swamps located at the eastern side of Paliastomi river. Species are - Alnus barbata,
Calamagrostis epigeios, Carex acutiformis, Carex lasiocarpa, Drosera rotundifolia, Holcus
lanatus, Juncus effusus, Menyanthes trifoliata,Molinia litoralis, Potentilla erecta, Sphagnum
palustre, Thelypteris palustris.
2) Species
Plants: Alnus barbata (shrubbed), Arthraxon ciliaris var. langsdorffii, Athyrium filix-femina,
Bidens tripartita, Calamagrostis epigeios, Calliergon stramineum, C. giganteum. C.
richardsonii, C. cordifolium, Carex acuta, C. acutiformis, C. cinarea, Carex chordorrhiza, C.
lasiocarpa, C. rostrata (C. inflata), C. songorica, C. vesicaria, Centaurium erythraea, Cladium
mariscus, Comarum palustre, Deschampsia caespitosa, Drosera rotundifolia, Erechtites
valerianifolia, Eupatorium cannabinum, Festuca rubra, Frangula alnus, Holcus lanatus,
Hypericum mutilum, Hypericum tetrapterum, Juncus effusus, Lycopus europaeus, Lysimachia
vulgaris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Molinia litoralis, Osmunda regalis, Poa palustris, Potentilla
erecta, Pycreus flavescens, Rhododendron luteum, Rhynchospora alba, Rh. caucasica,
Sphagnum palustre, Stachys palustris, Thelypteris palustris.
3) Corresponding categories
1. United Kingdom classification: "M4 - Carex rostrata-Sphagnum recurvum mire", "M5 Carex rostrata-Sphagnum squarrosum mire", "M8 - Carex rostrata-Sphagnum warnstofii mire",
"M9 Carex rostrata-Calliergon cuspidatum/giganteum", "S27 -Carex rostrata-Potentilla
palustris fen".
2. German classification: "360201 Übergangs- oder Zwischenmoor der planaren bis
submontanen Stufe", "360202 Übergangs- oder Zwischenmoor der montanen bis hochmontanen
Stufe".
3. Nordic classification: "312 Ristuvvegetation", "32 Fattigkärrvegetation (except 321)", "314
Mjukmatte-och lösbottenvegetation på öppna mossar", "3321 Trichophorum caespitosumMolinia caerulea-Sphagnum spp.-Drepanocladus spp.- typ", "3323 Carex nigra-Drepanocladus
exannulatus-Calliergon spp.-typ", "Trichophorum caespitosum- Drepanocladus revolvensvariant of 3323", "3331 Carex spp.-Sphagnum spp.- repanocladus spp.-typ", "Carex spp.Sphagnum fallaxsubsecundum-variant of 3331", "3333 Potentilla palustris-Carex spp.Sphagnum spp.- Drepanocladus exannulatus-typ", "3341 Carex spp.-Phragmites-Iris
pseudacorus-Sphagnum-typ".
58
4) Associated habitat: All types of swamps and habitats of water vegetation.
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Kimeridze, K. 1966. Kavkasiashi chaobis mcenareulobis gavrcelebis kanonzomierebis
sakitkhisatvis. (Distribution pattern of wetland vegetation in Caucasus). Bull. Georg. Acad.
Scien. 43, 2:234-245.
4. Kimeridze, K. 1975. Sakartvelos mtianetis kolboxovani islianebi. (Tufted sedge wetlands of
mountains of Georgia). Bull. Geor. State Museum. 28-a.
5. Kimeridze, K. 2985. Marsh vegetation of Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
6. Kimeridze, M., Chelidze, D., Kikodze, D. 2001. Preliminary study of flora and vegetation
of the Kolkheti protected territory. Tbilisi.
7. Kimeridze, M. 2007. Marshes of volcanic mountainous plateau of southern Georgia.
Tbilisi.
8. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
11. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow
460 pp.
12. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
13. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
______________________________________________________
8. ROCKY HABITATS AND CAVES
_____________________________________________________
8.1. Screes
8110 Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels
PAL.CLASS.: 61.1
1) General description
Vegetation is rare in alpine zone on the crushed rock ridge and creates an open cover.
Characteristic features are: Astragalus incertus, Oxytropis lazica, Gypsophila silenoide,
Coronilla balansae. The system of deep roots is characteristic to plants developed on the
landslide, with which the total crushed rock system is criss-crossed. Such a root system is
characteristic to the following - Dentaria bipinnata, Saxifraga laevis, Valeriana saxicola, Viola
minuta, Lamium tomentosum, Trisetum distichophyllum. Other forms also appear on landslides
and cliffs - Astragalus incertus, Draba polytricha, Campanula aucheri. The following developed
on landslides belong to another ecological type chasmophytes - Saxifraga sibirica, S. flagellaris,
Senecio renifollius, Viola biflora, V. caucasica, Omphalodes rupestris, Saxifraga cartilaginea, S.
kolenatiana. Campanula hypopolia and Primula nivalis are endemic species. The following
vegetation is developed on landslides and crushed rock - Alopecurus sericeus, Thalictrum
59
foetidum, Sedum opositifollium, Sempervivum tectorum, Saxifraga kolenatiana, Genista
svanetica, Hypericum orientale, Digitalis ciliata, Thymus nummularius, Anthemis rudolphiana.
Only several species are common on the non-stable landslide in the subnival zone - Cerastium
kazbek, Delphinium caucasicum; on the slightly moving remains Veronica minuta, V.
telephiifolia, Scrophularia minima, Lamium tomentosum can be found whereas Aetheopappus
caucasicus, Symphyoloma graveolens, Jurinella subacaulis, Minuartia inamoena are common
on the hard remains. Primula bayernii, Draba bryoides, Saxifraga moschata, S. exarata grow on
cliffs.
2) Species
Plants: Aetheopappus caucasicus, Alopecurus sericeus, Anthemis rudolphiana, Astragalus
incertus, Campanula aucheri, Campanula hypopolia, Cerastium kazbek, Coronilla balansae,
Delphinium caucasicum, Dentaria bipinnata, Digitalis ciliata, Draba bryoides, D. polytricha,
Genista svanetica, Gypsophila silenoide, Hypericum orientale, Jurinella subacaulis, Lamium
tomentosum, Minuartia inamoena, Omphalodes rupestris, Oxytropis lazica, Primula bayernii, P.
nivalis, Saxifraga cartilaginea, S. kolenatiana, S. laevis, S. moschata, S. exarata, S. sibirica, S.
flagellaris, Scrophularia minima, Sedum opositifollium, Sempervivum tectorum, Senecio
renifollius, Symphyoloma graveolens, Thalictrum foetidum, Thymus nummularius, Trisetum
distichophyllum, Valeriana saxicola, Veronica minuta, V. telephiifolia, Viola biflora, V.
caucasica, V. minuta.
Animals: Rock lizards of genus Darevskia: D. caucasica, D. daghestanica, D. mixta, D.
parvula, D. rudis, D. dahli, D. armeniaca in different geographic regions. Fragmentarily found
endemic vipers – Vipera dinnicki, V. lotievi. Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). Shelters for
green toads (Bufo viridis). Snails of genera Zebrina, Helicella.
3) Corresponding categories
1. United Kingdom classification: "U21 Cryptogramma crispa-Deschampsia flexuosa
community" and "U18 Cryptogramma crispa-Athyrium distentifolium snow bed".
2. German classification: "6304 Silikatschutthalde der Alpen".
3. Nordic classification: "1251a Cryptogramma crispa-variant", "7141 Veronica fruticans -typ"
and "7142 Veronica fruticans-Juniperus communis -typ".
4) Associated habitat: Alpine snowbeds
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants),
v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
6. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Colchis. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU
7. Moscow 460 pp.
8. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia
9. 15:1-74.
10. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
60
8120 Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels
PAL.CLASS.: 61.2
1) General description
Vegetation of limestone rock and remains is found in the Great Caucasus mountains, mainly in
its western part. It holds the biggest territory in Abkhazia, Svaneti, Samegrelo and RachaLechkhumi. However, it can be found in the form of small fragments in other regions of the
Caucasus as well. Abkhazian limestones are mainly settled with endemic species. Daphne
sericea is noteworthy from scrub, olives – Olea europaea are grown in wilderness in the
outskirts of Gagra and Psirtskha. The following perennial herbs can be observed Psephellus
barbeiye, Campanula mirabilis, C. longestyla, Gentiana paradoxa, Melilotus hirsutus.The given
endemic species can be observed in Semegrelo limestone - Geum speciosum, Carex pontica,
Astrantia colchica, Alboviodoxa elegans, Kelumariella colchica, Achillea griseo-virens,
Campanula dzaaku, Scutellaria pontica.
2) Species
Plants: Achillea griseo-virens, Alboviodoxa elegans, Astrantia colchica, Campanula dzaaku, C.
mirabilis, C. longestyla, Carex pontica, Daphne sericea, Gentiana paradoxa, Geum speciosum,
Kelumariella colchica, Melilotus hirsutus, Olea europaea, Psephellus barbeiye, Scutellaria
pontica.
Animals: High variety of land snails. Dominating species are Cochlostoma lederi, Pomatias
rivulare, Chondrina avenacea, Caucasotachea calligera, Vallonia costata, Pyramidula rupestris,
Georginapaeus (Zebrina) hohenakeri, Elia derasa, Quadriplicata lederi, Calitinaia spp,
Phenacolimax annularis, Limax flavus, Deroceras reticulatus. Butterflies and moths of families
Lycaenidae, Zygaenidae, Saturniidae.
3) Corresponding categories: German classification: "320401 natürliche Schutthalde aus
Karbonatgestein".
4) Associated habitat: Limestone rock vegetation
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants),
v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
6. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Colchis. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow
460 pp.
7. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
8. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
61
8.2. Rocky vegetation
8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation
PAL.CLASS.: 62.1
1) General description
Vegetation of limestone rock is compatible with the vegetation of limestone remains and can be
found mainly in western Caucasus from Abkhazia including Racha. Significant rock massifs can
be found in the gorge of River Tskhenistskali on mountain massifs of Askhi and Khvamli.
Communities of the vegetation of limestone rock are very well manifested in the gorge of river
Jonoula at Askhi. They include the following species: Symphyandra pendula var.
transcaucasica, Scabiosa imeretina, Umbilicus oppositifolius, Asplenium ruta-muraria, etc. On
mountains of Askhi, Jvari and Migaria there are communities of endemic plants - Geum
speciosum, Scutellaria pontica, Carex pontica, Cyclamen colchica. The same community is
found on limestones of Abkhazia - Geum speciosum, Carex pontica, Astrantia colchica,
Alboviodoxa elegans, Kelumariella colchica, Achillea griseo-virens, Campanula dzaaku,
Scutellaria pontica. The following need to be highlighted from non-endemic species that are
found on limestone - Cyclamen europaeus, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. caucasica. In the
Alpine zone and below Daphne sericea and Umbilicus oppositifolius are observed. Allium
globosum grows on the limestone rock in Racha-Lechkhumi.
A very interesting community of limestone rock massif is in Javakheti, on the Chobareti
mountain range, plateau of Tetrobi, which is recognized as a protected territory. According to the
composition the Tetrobi pine forest is considered as a peculiar refugium, where pine trees are
mixed with mountain steppes. In this community only 48 species of vascular plants are
represented. The following species of herbal plants are associated with Pinus kochiana in this
community: Steven arenaria - Arenaria steveniana, Sosnowski chickweed - Cerastium
sosnowskyi, Voronov minuartsia - Minuartia woronowii, campion – Silene dianthoides,
Sosnowski houseleek - Sempervivum sosnowskyi, astragalus - Astragalus arguricus, A.
campylosema, Javakheti alfalfa Medicago dzhawakhetica, sun-rose
- Helianthemum
nummularium, H. orientale, Transcaucasian daphne - Daphne transcaucasica, prickly thrift Acantholimon glumaceum, hog weed - Heracleum antasiaticum, bedstraw - Galium grusinum,
cornflower - Centaurea bella, hawksbeard - Crepis pinnatifida, grapevine hyacinth - Muscari
sosnowskyi, etc. This phytocoenosis is quite rich with endemic species that are mainly found on
the limestones of the Tetrobi plateau. The following are especially noticeable: red heliotrope Diphelypaea coccinea (blooming parasite) and asphodel - Asphodeline taurica.
2) Species
Plants: Acantholimon glumaceum, Achillea griseo-virens, Allium globosum, Alboviodoxa
elegans, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. caucasica, Arenaria steveniana, Asphodeline taurica,
Asplenium ruta-muraria, Astragalus arguricus, A. campylosema, Astrantia colchica, Campanula
dzaaku, Carex pontica, Centaurea bella, Cerastium sosnowskyi, Crepis pinnatifida, Cyclamen
colchica,Cyclamen europaeus, Daphne sericea, Daphne transcaucasica, Diphelypaea coccinea,
Galium grusinum, Geum speciosum, Helianthemum nummularium, H. orientale,Heracleum
antasiaticum, Kelumariella colchica, Medicago dzhawakhetica, Minuartia woronowii, Muscari
sosnowskyi, Pinus kochiana, Scabiosa imeretina, Scorzonera dzhawakhetica, S. ketzkhowelii,
Scutellaria abchasica, Scutellaria pontica, Sempervivum sosnowskyi, Silene dianthoides,
Symphyandra pendula var. transcaucasica,Umbilicus oppositifolius, Umbilicus oppositifolius.
Animals: High variety of land snails. Dominating species are Cochlostoma lederi, Pomatias
rivulare, Chondrina avenacea, Caucasotachea calligera, Vallonia costata, Pyramidula rupestris,
Georginapaeus (Zebrina) hohenakeri, Elia derasa, Quadriplicata lederi, Calitinaia spp,
Phenacolimax annularis, Limax flavus, Deroceras reticulatus. Butterflies and moths of families
Lycaenidae, Zygaenidae, Saturniidae.
62
3) Corresponding categories
1. German classification : "320101 natürlicher Karbonatfels (Kalk, Dolomit)".
2. Nordic classification: "712 Klippvegetation på rika/kalkbergarter".
4) Associated habitat
Limestone remains vegetation
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
6. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Colchis. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow
460 pp.
7. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
8. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
9. Sosnovski, DI. 1933. About floristical character of Javakheti. ZakGiz. Tbilisi. pp. 227235.
10. Troitski, N. 1927. Remnants of forest in Akhalkalaki. Not. Tbilisi Bot. Gard. 3-4:107121.
11. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii.
(Xerophytous floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi.
8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation
PAL.CLASS.: 62.2
1) General description
Rocky areas can be found in all mountainous regions. Rocks of volcanic origin are more
common. However, there are a lor of slate rocks as well. Rock vegetation, as a rule, is adapted to
the dry environment. However, there exist moistened cliffs where ground water seeps. Grasses
- Festuca sulcata, Helictotrichon adzharicum, and tall herb elements - Heracleum spp., Cirsium
spp., Petasites spp., Hesperis matronalis grow here. Anthemis macroglossa, Dianthus spp is
characteristic to the sub-alpine zone. On cliffs in the alpine and sub-nival zone grow pillow-type
plants - Draba bryoides, Saxifraga cartilagiena, Sempervivum pumilum, Sedum spp. SamtskheJavakheti rock remains vegetation has the xerophytic features. It is widespread in the boundaries
of Akhaltsikhe depression (900-1500 m) and Tetrobi plateau. 80 species overall are represented
in this biome, including: Erisimum - Erysimum szowitsianum, creeping bellflower - Campanula
crispa, Lebanese Buxbaum’s speedwell - Veronica livanensis, cornfklower - Centaurea bella,
minuartia - Minuartia micrantha, Iurinea - Jurinea carthaliniana,wild chamomile - Matricaria
rupestris, etc.
2) Species
Plants: Anthemis macroglossa, Campanula crispa, Centaurea bella, Cirsium spp., Dianthus
spp., Draba bryoides, Erysimum szowitsianum, Festuca sulcata, Helictotrichon adzharicum,
Heracleum spp., Hesperis matronalis, Jurinea cartaliniana, Matricaria rupestris, Minuartia
micrantha, Petasites spp., Saxifraga cartilagiena, Sedum spp., Sempervivum pumilum, Veronica
livanensis.
63
Animals: High variety of reptiles. Most typical and wide-spread are rock lizards (Darevskia
spp.), among those the commonest are D. rudis, D. portschinskii, D. mixta, D. parvula, D.
caucasica, D. daghestanica, D. valentini, D. dahli, D. armeniaca. Smooth snake (Coronella
austriaca); a higher variety of snakes in the south-east of the country. Green toad (Bufo viridis).
Pomatias rivulare, Caucasotachea calligera, Vallonia costata, Pyramidula rupestris,
Georginapaeus (zebrina) hohenakeri, Elia derasa, Quadriplicata lederi, Mucronaria acuminata,
Calitinaia spp, Phenacolimax annularis, Limax flavus, Deroceras reticulatus. Birds (see the
relevant animal habitat descriptions).
3) Corresponding categories
1. German classification: "320102 natürlicher Silikatfels (ohne Serpentinit)", "320103 natürlicher
Serpentinitfels".
2. Nordic classification: "711 Klippvegetation på fattiga bergarter", "713 Klippvegetation på
serpentinbergarter.
4) Associated habitat
Vegetation of remains, morenas and rocky bank
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
6. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
7. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
8. Sosnovski, DI. 1933. About floristical character of Javakheti. ZakGiz. Tbilisi. pp. 227-235.
9. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous
floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi.
8.3 Other rocky habitats
8310* Caves
PAL. CLASS.: 65
1) General description
Many karst caves are in the calcareous massif of the western Caucasus. Most deep cave (2,191 m
depth) Krubera is located in Gagra range with highest peak Mt. Arabika (2656 m). Most large
cave (1,5 mill. m3) is Akhali Atoni in Bzifi range with highest peak Napra (2684 m). Caves
contain many endemic amphibians. There are bat populations. Flora in karst caves is
representing by mossess, - Campylophyllum halleri, Lichens and algaes. i
2) species
Plants: The cave flora is rather poor, represented by mosses - Campylophyllum halleri,
Dicranum bonjeanii, Neckera besseri, Trichostomum crispulum, Schistostega pennata, Lichens
and algaes, only in relatively illuminated parts of the caves.
Animals: A highly specialized fauna. In the day hours, the caves shelter variety of bat species,
including Rhinolophus hipposideros, R. mehelyi, Myotis bechsteini, M. daubentonii, M.
64
emarginatus, Miniopterus schreiberi, Barbastella barbastellus and several other species.
Common invertebrates are cave spiders, ground beetles and side-swimmers (Gammaridae). In
the caves of the western Georgia, an endemic shrimp Troglocaris kutaissiana is found, a sister
species of the balcan cave shrimps.
3) Corresponding categories:
German classification: "3101 natürliche Höhlen und Balmen", "310201 Balme (Halbhöhle) bzw.
Eingangsbereich mit Tageslichteinfluß", "310202 natürliche Höhle (Bereiche ohne
Tageslichteifluß).
4) Associated habitat:
De Broyer C. Vers la conservation intégrée des habitats souterrains. Naturopa, nouvelles de
l'environnement n° 94-5. Conseil de l'Europe, 1-4.
5) Bibliography:
10. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
11. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
12. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
13. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
14. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
15. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
16. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
17. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
18. Sosnovski, DI. 1933. About floristical character of Javakheti. ZakGiz. Tbilisi. pp. 227-235.
19. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous
floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi.
8340* Rock and true glaciers
PAL.CLASS.: 63.2 and 63.3
1) General description
Habitats adjacent to glaciers are subnival (2900-3750 m) and nival (3700-4000 m) vegetation
zones. The heighest level of vascular plant distribution is 4000 m a.s.l. in the Central Greater
Caucasus where endemic species Cerastium kazbek is found on the Mt. Kazbegi. In the altitudinal
zone 3800-4000 m is discribed only 9 vascular plant species from the 300 total species found in the
subnival zone. The heighest distributional level have the following species: Saxifraga moschata, S.
exarata, S. flagellaris, Tripleurospermum subnivale, Colpodium versicolor, Alopecurus
dasyanthus, Draba supranivalis, Veronica minuta, V. telephiifoliaa, Senecio karjagini,
Cerastium pseudokasbek, Pseudovesicaria digitata.
2) Species:
Plants: Aetheopappus caucasicus, Alopecurus dasyanthus, Cerastium kazbek, C. pseudokasbek,
Colpodium versicolor, Delphinium caucasicum, Draba bryoides, D. supranivalis, Jurinella
subacaulis, Lamium tomentosum, Minuartia inamoena, M. oreina, M. trautvetteriana, Primula
bayernii, Pseudovesicaria digitata, Saxifraga exarata, S. flagellaris, S. moschata, Scrophularia
minima, Scrophularia minima, Silene marcowiczii, Senecio karjagini, Symphyoloma graveolens,
Tripleurospermum subnivale, Vavilovia formosa, Veronica minuta, V. telephiifolia,
65
Mosses: Dicranum elongatum, Dicranoweisia crispula, Pohlia elongata, Pogonatum nanum,
Tortella tortuosa, Tortula muralis.
Lichens: Cetraria islandica, C.nivalis, Caloplaca elegans, Thamnolia vermicularis, Hypogimnia
encausta, Lecidea atrobrunea, Parmelia vagans, Placolecanora melanophthalma, P. rubina, P.
murilis, Rhizocarpon geographicum, Stereocaulon alpinum, Umbilicaria cylindrica.
3) Corresponding categories:
None
4) Associated habitat:
None
5) Bibliography:
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
5. Nakhutsrishvili, G., Svanidze, T., Kikodze, D. 2001. Report of Environmental impact
Assesment on local vegetation by Kulevi terminal constraction works. Tbilisi.
6. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
7. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
8. Muskhelishvili, T.A. 1970. Reptiles of eastern Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba (in Russian)
9. Sosnovski, DI. 1933. About floristical character of Javakheti. ZakGiz. Tbilisi. pp. 227-235.
10. Khintibidze, L. 1990. Kserofil’nye floristicheskie kompleksi iuzhnoi gruzii. (Xerophytous
floristical complexses of South Georgia). Thesis Doc. Diss. Tbilisi.
66
__________________________________________________________________________
9. FORESTS
______________________________________________________
Definition: the forest is natural or semi-natural woody vegetation, which consists of local
species and creates a forest that involves the understories and meets the following criteria: has
rare, residual species and/or those interesting for the community.
9.1. Forests of temperate Europe
91F-GE: Beech forests
PALL. CLASS.: 41.1
Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) is wide-spread throughout Georgia. Beech forests occupy
1.035.800 hectares throughout the country. They present in the Lesser and the Greater Caucasus,
Crimea, NE Turkey, and northern part of Iran. In western Georgia, the beech grows up to 22002380 meters a.s.l. In Eastern Georgia it is found from 300-400 to 2250 meters a.s.l. (Alasani
valley). It absents from the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus and is relatively rare in
Meskheti historical province.
9110GE Code of Georgia: Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests
9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests (Luzulo-Fagetum)
PAL. CLASS.: 41.11
1) General description
In Georgia, as well as in the central Europe, Luzulo-Fagetum (Fageta luzulosa) is found at
elevations 1700-2150 meters. The habitat is found in Upper and Lower Svaneti, on Egrisi and
Svaneti ranges, at the upper part of rivers Enguri and Tskhenistkali. On the slopes with the
inclination of 20-45ºof all kinds of exposition, communities are created by the following
dominant species: Luzula sylvatica, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Laurocerasus officinalis,
Rhododendron luteum, Viburnum orientale. Daphne pontica is a rare species.
2) Species
Plants: Fagus orientalis, Abies nordmanniana, Acer trautveterii, Asperula odorata, Betula
litwinowii, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Laurocerasus officinalis, Ligusticum physospermifolium,
Luzula sylvatica, Milium schmidtianum, Oxalis acetosella, Paeonia wittmanniana, Paris
incompleta, Prenanthes purpurea, Ranunculus cappadocicus, Rhododendron luteum, Sorbus
caucasigena, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, V. myrtillus, Viburnum orientale, etc.
Animals: Gueldenstaedt’s redstart (Phoenicurus erythrogaster). Typical small mammals are
snow and Gudauri voles (Chionomys nivalis, C. gud), birch mice (Sicista spp.; only Greater
caucasus). Endemic rock lizards – Darevskia caucasica, D. brauneri (on the rock faces).
3) Corresponding categories
1. Interpretation Manual - EUR25 Page 96
2. 41.112 Medio-European montane woodrush beech forests
3. 41.111 Medio-European collinar woodrush beech forests
4. Nordic classification: "2221 Fagus sylvatica-Deschampsia flexuosa-Vaccinium myrtillus-typ"
4) Associated habitats: None
5) Bibliography
67
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds., 1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian
Biodiversity. In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
9120GE Code of Georgia: Beech forests with Ilex and sometimes also Taxus in the
shrublayer (Fageta taxceto-ilicitosa)
9120 Atlantic acidophilic beech forest with the sub forest (Ilici- Fagenion) of holly (Ilex) and
sometimes Yew (Taxus).
PAL. CLASS.: 41.12
1) General description
Beech with holly (Ilex cochica) cover, Ilici-Fagenion (=Fageta ilicitosa) is mainly found in west
Georgia, on carbonated soils in the circumstances of high humidity. However, it is characteristic
to eastern Georgia’s several Kolketi type refugiums. Borders of its distribution are 500-2180
meters, it is typical at the height of 1000-1800 meters a.s.l.. This type of biotope corresponds to
Colchic type forests, namely, beech with the understories of laurel and Pontic rhododendron.
Sub-types:
There are 4 sub-types:
9120GE-01 Typical beech forest with the holly understory (Fageta ilicitosa typica) is found in
west Georgian middle mountain zone (1000-1500 meters). It is associated with laurel
(Laurocerasus officinalis) and Caucasian blueberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos).
9120GE-02 Beech forest of the upper zone of the mountain with the holly understory (Fageta
ilicitosa superior) is characteristic to only west Georgia. Holly here is of the prostrate form and
associated with other understory species of Colchic forest: Laurocerasus officinalis, Ruscus
colchicus, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Viburnum orientale.
68
9120GE-03 Beech forest with the holly understory and mountain fescue (Festuca drymeja)
cover (Fageta festucoso-ilicitosa) is found in fragments in west and east Georgia (on water
dividing ranges of Saguramo, Gombori and Iori-Alazani). Associated types are: Ruscus cochicus,
Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Rhododendron luteum.
9120GE-04 Beech forest with Yew (Taxus baccata), holly and ivy (Hedera pastuchovii)
understory (Fageta taxceto-ilicitosa-hederosa) is widespread on Kakhetian Caucasus (Batsara
and Pankisi gorges), Trialeti (Nichbisi), Aragvi gorge of Pshavi (near Kanatia). Assocated
species: Taxus baccata, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus iberica, Carpinus betulus, etc.
2) Species
Plants: Fagus orientalis, Taxus baccata, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus iberica, Carpinus betulus,
Ruscus colchicus, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Paris incompleta, Dentaria bulbifera,
Trachystemon orientalis, Rubus spp., Festuca drymeja, Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium
filixfemina, etc.
Animals: woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major, D. minor, D. medius, D. syriacus, Dryocopus
martius, Picus viridis), owls (Otus scops,Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars
(Caprimulgus europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), firecrest (Regulus ingicapillus),
blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos
caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia europaea), bullfinch (Pyrrhula
pyrrhula), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Typical amphibians are Asia
Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), common treefrog (Hyla arborea); banded newt (Ommatotriton
ophryticus). Reptiles – slow worm (Anguis fragilis), Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini),
meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola); Caucasian viper (Vipera kaznakowi); ring snake (Natrix
natrix). At the rock faces in the mountain forest belt typical reptiles are rock lizards with local
distributions (Darevskia portschinskii, D. rudis, D. dahli, D. armeniaca, D.parvula, D. mixta, D.
caucasica, D. clarkorum, D. brauneri ), smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). Small mammals
are small and yellow-necked mice (Sylvaemus flavicollis, S. uralensis), and a number of endemic
species: Chionomys roberti, Sorex raddei, S. volnuchini, Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon,
Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus. Typical insects are butterflies of families Satyridae and
Lycaenidae, near brooks – ground beetles of genus Pterostichus, endemic large land snail Helix
buchi, high diversity of soil invertebrates. Flagship animal typical for this particular type of
forests is Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus).
3) Corresponding categories
1. 41.121 North Sea acidophilous beech forest (Perichymeno-Fagetum, Ilici-Fagetum, FagoQuercetum).
2. 41.122 Sub-Atlantic acidophilous beech forests (Deschampsio-Fagetum).
3. 41.123 Armorican acidofilous beech forests (Rusco-Fagetum).
4. 41.124 Pyreneo-Cantabrian acidophilous beech forests (Saxifrago hirsulate-Fagetum).
5. 41.125 western Cantabrian acidophilous beech forests (Luzulo henriquesii-Fagetum).
6. 41.126 Galician acidophilous beech forests (Luzulo henriquesii-Fagetum mercurialetosum
perennis).
7. 41.127 Humid Iberian acidophilous beech forests (Galio rotundifolii-Fagetum)
8. 41.128 Hyper-humid Iberian acidophilous beech forests (Ilici Fagetum).
9. 41.129 Ayllon acidophilous beech forests (Galio rotundifolii-Fagetum).
4) Associated habitat
1. Beech forest with Colchic understory
5) Bibliography
69
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery
of Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol.
2. Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The
vegetation of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants),
v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian
Biodiversity. In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
9130GE Code of Georgia: Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests
9130 Beech with the woodruff cover (Asperulo-Fagetum)
PAL. CLASS.: 41.13
1) General description
Asperulo-Fagetum (=Fageta asperulosa) is distributed on the slopes of northern exposition
having small or average inclination. The altitude a.s.l. varies between 1100 and 1550 meters. It is
found in moist environment, on brown soils of well drainaged forests. It mainly consists of the
beech and does not have an understory. The forest woodruff Asperula odorata (=Galium
odoratum) comprises 30-90% of grass cover in such types of forests. It differs from
Corresponding European communities by the floristic composition, which is mainly expressed
rarely in the existence of separate bushes of the holly (Ilex colchica). Such cases are rarely
reported in Kolkheti and eastern Georgia, at a water division of Iori-Alazani upper streams.
That’s why, A. Dolukhanov (2010) differentiated it from European communities and called it
Fageta asperulosa caucasica. Together with the beech the following species of trees are found Carpinus betulus, Acer platanoides, Tilia begoniifolia.
Sub-types:
Two sub-types are distinguished in the beech forest with woodruff cover. One is common on the
carbonated soils of Gombori range whereas the second type is disseminated in local places of
small Caucasus. It is intended to include beech communities in this type of habitat where the
understory is weakly represented and grass cover is well developed:
70
9130GE-01 Gombori beech forest with woodruff cover. (Fageta asperulosa gomborica).
Asperula odorata holds 30-95% of grass cover in this association. Besides, the following species
dominate: Dryopteris filix-mas, Epipactis helleborine, Geranium robertianum, Viola
reichenbachiana etc.
9130GE-02 South Caucasus beech forest with woodruff cover (Fageta asperulosa
transcaucasica) contains many species, that are identical to the first sub-type. However,
Epipactis helleborine, Mycelis muralis, Viola alba, Primula woronowii, Geranium robertianum,
etc. can not be found here. Although, there are no species that can’t be found in the Gombori
association - Solidago virgaurea, Pachyphragma macrophyllum, Neottia nidus-avis, Daphne
pontica, Symphytum grandiflorum, Paris quadrifolia, Brachypodium sylvaticum.
2) Species
Plants: Fagus orientalis, Acer platanoides, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Carex sylvatica,
Carpinus betulus, Cephalanthera damasonium, C. helleborine, C. longifolia, C. rubra, Daphne
pontica, Dryopteris filix-mas, Epilobium montanum, Epipactis helleborine, Geranium
robertianum, Hordelymus europaeus, Lamium album, Mycelis muralis, Neottia nidus-avis, Poa
nemoralis, Pachyphragma macrophyllum, Paris quadrifolia, Primula woronowii, Salvia
glutinosa, Solidago virgaurea, Symphytum grandiflorum, Tamus communis, Tilia begoniifolia,
Vicia crocea, Viola alba, V. odorata, V. reichenbachiana, etc.
Animals: woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major, D. minor, D. medius, D. syriacus, Dryocopus
martius, Picus viridis), owls (Otus scops,Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars
(Caprimulgus europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), firecrest (Regulus ingicapillus),
blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos
caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia europaea), bullfinch (Pyrrhula
pyrrhula), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Typical amphibians are Asia
Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), common treefrog (Hyla arborea); banded newt (Ommatotriton
ophryticus). Reptiles – slow worm (Anguis fragilis), Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini),
meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola); ring snake (Natrix natrix); Transcaucasian sand viper
(Vipera transcaucasiana). At the rock faces in the mountain forest belt typical reptiles are rock
lizards with local distributions (Darevskia portschinskii, D. rudis, D. dahli, D. armeniaca,
D.parvula, D. mixta, D. caucasica, D. clarkorum, D. brauneri), smooth snake (Coronella
austriaca). Small mammals are small and yellow-necked mice (Sylvaemus flavicollis, S.
uralensis), and a number of endemic species: Chionomys roberti, Sorex raddei, S. volnuchini,
Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus. Typical insects are
butterflies of families Satyridae and Lycaenidae, near brooks – ground beetles of genus
Pterostichus, endemic large land snail Helix buchi, high diversity of soil invertebrates. Flagship
animal typical for this particular type of forests is Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus).
3) Corresponding categories
1. 41.131 - Medio-European collinar neutrophilous beech forests
2. 41.132 - Atlantic neutrophile beech forests
3. 41.133 - Medio-European montane neutrophilous beech forests
4. 41.134 - Bohemian lime-beech forests
5. 41.135 - Pannonic neutrophilme beech forests
6. United Kingdom classification: "W12 Fagus sylvatica-Mercurialis perennis woodland
p.p." and "W14 Fagus sylvatica-Rubus fruticosus woodland p.p.".
7. Nordic classification: "2222 Fagus sylvatica-Lamiastrum galeobdolon-Melica unifloratyp"
and "2223 Fagus sylvatica-Mercurialis perennis-Allium ursinum-typ".
4) Associated habitat
1. Dark-coniferous forests
71
2. Beech forest with Colchic understory
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
8. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
11. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
12. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
13. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
14. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
9140GE* Code of Georgia: Subalpine beech forest with Acer spp.
9140 Middle European sub-alpine beech forest with Acer and Rumex arifolius
PAL. CLASS.: 41.15
1) General description
Oriental beech - Fagus orientalis, creates dwarf trees in the sub-alpine zone. It is associated with
the following species - Acer trautveterii, Quercus macranthera, Betula litwinowii, Sorbus
caucasigena, etc. The Colchic understory is represented by sprawling bushes - Vaccinium
arctostaphylos, Ilex colchica, Laurocerasus officinalis, Ruscus colchica and rarely by
Rhododendron ponticum. In eastern Georgia in the circumstances of a drier climate the beech
forest in the sub-alpine zone is associated with the cover of the mountain fescue (Fageta
festucosa). In the grass cover the following species dominate: Festuca drymeja, Calamagrostis
arundinacea, Milium schmidtianum, Calamintha grandiflora, Geranium sylvaticum, etc. The
upper border of the sub-alpine krummholz beech forest is 2300 meters from the sea level.
However, in the humid mountain places of south Kolkheti this community is found at the altitude
of 2350-2570 meters a.s.l.. Rumex spp. is not typical to this habitat compared to the middle
European sub-alpine beech forest.
2) Species
Plants: Fagus orientalis, Acer trautveterii, Betula litwinowii, Calamagrostis arundinacea,
Calamintha grandiflora, Corylus colchica, Gentiana schistocalyx, Ilex colchica, Laurocerasus
72
officinalis, Monotropa uniflora, Neottia nidus-avis, Oxalis acetosella, Quercus macranthera,
Rhamnus imeretina, Rhododendron luteum, Ruscus colchica, Salix spp., Solidago virgaurea,
Sorbus subfusca, Trachystemon orientalis, Vaccinium arctostaphylos.
Animals: Caucasian black grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi), red-fronted serine (Serinus pusillus),
locally (greater Caucasus only) large rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilla) and Gueldenstaedt’s
redstart (Phoenicurus erythrogaster). Typical small mammals are snow and Gudauri voles
(Chionomys nivalis, C. gud), birch mice (Sicista spp.; only Greater caucasus). Near rock faces endemic rock lizards with local distributions – Darevskia rudis, D. caucasica, D. mixta, D.
parvula, D. brauneri, D. daghestanica, D. derjugini, D. dahli, D. armeniaca. Smooth snake
(Coronella austriaca), vipers (V. dinnicki, V. lotievi) (Greater Caucasus only).
3) Corresponding categories
1. 9140 Medio-European subalpine beech woods with Acer and Rumex arifolius
2. PAL.CLASS.: 41.15
4) Associated habitat: Sub-alpine birch grove
5) Bibliography
1. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
2. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
3. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
4. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia15:1-74.
5. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
6. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
7. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds., 1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
9150GE* Code of Georgia: Limestone beech forests (Cephalanthero-Fagion)
9150 Middle European limestone beech forest (Cephalanthero-Fagenion)
PAL. CLASS.: 41.16
1) General description
Xero-thermophyllic beech forest is widespread on calcium-rich soils and can be found in the
whole area of the forest at the altitude from 600 to 1600 meters. It is more characteristic to
Kakhetian Caucasus. It is situated at the slopes of the inclination of 10-25º, on moderately
moistened soils, where grass cover and scrub understory are quite well represented.
Characteristic species are calcareous orchids - Cephalanthera spp., Epipactis spp. and Neottia
nidus-avis.
The following are characteristic from arboreal plants: an oak (Quercus iberica),
hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), the following are distinguished from the
grass cover: sedge (Carex sylvatica), mountain fescue (Festuca drymeja), meadow grass (Poa
nemoralis), etc. Existence of Colchic boxwood (Buxus colchica) bushes is possible in the
understory.
Sub-types:
73
9150GE-01: Hemixerophillic forest of Fagus orientalis (Fageta hemixerophylla) can be found
in the middle mountain zone of east Georgia on calcium-rich soils, normally, on significantly
stretched downhill slopes. In west Georgia it is rare and is associated with azalea groups. The
following types of arboreal plants are mixed with the beech in small amounts: Georgain oak Quercus iberica, ash - Fraxinus excelsior, maple - Acer laetum, mountain ash - Sorbus
torminalis. The following form the understory: medlar- Mespilus germanica, dog rose - Rosa
spp., hawthorn - Crataegus spp., etc. sedge - Carex sylvatica represents the grassy sward.
Festuca drymeja, Poa nemoralis, Brachypodium sylvaticum – grasses; - Cephalanthera
damasonium, C. longifolia, C. helleborine, C. rubra, Epipactis leptochila ssp. leptochila, E.
leptochila ssp. neglecta, E. microphylla, E. persica, E. viridiflora ssp. kunkeleana, Neottia nidusavis, etc. Epipogium aphyllum is very rare.
9150GE-02: The beech forest without understory (Fageta nuda) can be found on the southern
slopes of the Great Caucasus, in the lower zone of the mountain, 500-1200 meters a.s.l.. Annual
precipitation does not exceed 850 mm. The understory is scarce, contains the species of
Rhododendron luteum, Ilex colchica, Vaccinium arctostaphylos. Grassy sward is rare. The
following can be found: ivy - Hedera pastuchowii in east Georgia and H. colchica in west
Georgia.
9150GE-03: The beech forest with forest bastard cabbage cover - Fageta dentariosa iberica,
Common in the Alazani river basin. Together with the beech the following can be found: lime,
sometimes chestnut and maple (Acer laetum). The understory is represented by blackberry, ivy
and ferns. Orchids - Cephalanthera spp., Neottia nidus-avis, Pachyphragma macrophyllum can
also be found.
2) Species
Plants: Fagus orientalis, Acer laetum, Castanea sativa, Tilia begoniifolia, Achillea biserrata,
Bromopsis benekenii, Campanula rapunculoides, Carex digitata, C. sylvatica, Festuca drymeja,
Cephalanthera damasonium, C. longifolia, C. rubra, Epipactis helleborine, E. leptochila ssp.
leptochila, E. leptochila ssp. neglecta, E. microphylla, E. persica, E. viridiflora ssp.
kuenkeleana, Neottia nidus-avis, Orobus hirsutus, Rubus spp., Serratula quinquefolia, Solidago
virgaurea.
Animals: woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major, D. minor, D. medius, D. syriacus, Dryocopus
martius, Picus viridis), owls (Otus scops, Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars
(Caprimulgus europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), firecrest (Regulus ingicapillus),
blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos
caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia europaea), bullfinch (Pyrrhula
pyrrhula), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Typical amphibians are Asia
Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), common treefrog (Hyla arborea); newts (Ommatotriton
ophryticus, Triturus karelinii, Lissotriton vulgaris). Reptiles – slow worm (Anguis fragilis),
Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini), meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola); ring snake (Natrix
natrix). At the rock faces in the mountain forest belt typical reptiles are rock lizards with local
distributions (Darevskia portschinskii, D. rudis, D. caucasica), smooth snake (Coronella
austriaca). Small mammals are small and yellow-necked mice (Sylvaemus flavicollis, S.
uralensis), and a number of endemic species: Chionomys roberti, Sorex raddei, S. volnuchini,
Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus. Typical insects are
butterflies of families Satyridae and Lycaenidae, near brooks – ground beetles of genus
Pterostichus, endemic large land snail Helix buchi, high diversity of soil invertebrates. Flagship
animal typical for this particular type of forests is Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus).
3) Corresponding categories
1. Nordic classification: "2223 Fagus sylvatica-Mercurialis perennis-Allium ursinum -typ".
74
2. 41.161 - Middle European dry-slope limestone sedge beech forests (Carici Fagetum).
3. 41.162 - North-western Iberian xerophile beech woods (Epipacto helleborine-Fagetum).
4) Associated habitat
1. Beech forest with azalea understory (Fageta azaleoza).
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
8. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
11. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
12. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
13. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
14. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
91FC-GE* Code of Georgia: Beech forests with Colchic understory (Fageta fruticosa
colchica)
1) General description
The existence of the dense understory differentiates the beech forest of Georgia from the one in
the rest of Europe. The beech forest with the Colchic understory is the composing part of the
eco-region of Colchic mixed broad leaved forest. It is widespread in west Georgia on Northernwestern slopes of Great Caucasus and the Ajara-Imereti Ridge. The climate is moist with about
2500 mm of annual precipitation. In South Colchic forests of this type start from the sea coast. In
the Northern part it does so at the 200 meters a.s.l. and reaches about 2250 meters. As a result,
the type of vegetation significantly differs. There are several sub-types. Sometimes sub-types are
mixed with each other, which makes their classification difficult.
Colchic forests are extremely rich in terms of flora. They contain relict species of the
tertiary period – fern, Hymenophyllum tunbrigense, arboreal plants - Fagus orientalis, Castanea
sativa, Zelkova carpinifolia, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Diospyros lotus, Taxus baccata. Species
mixed with the beech tree are: Abies nordmanniana, Picea orientalis, Pinus kochiana, Quercus
imeretina, Q. hartwissiana, Acer laetum, Carpinus caucasica, Tilia begoniifolia, Ficus carica,
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Pyrus caucasica, Malus orientalis, Staphylea colchica, S. pinnata etc. The following bushes
create the understory in the beech forest - Laurocerasus officinalis, Rhododendron panticum, R.
ungernii,Ruscus panticus, R. colchicus, Ilex colchica, Daphne pontica, Epigaea gaultherioides,
Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Viburnum orientale da Buxus colchica. The following lianas can be
found - Hedera colchica, Dioscorea caucasica, Tamus communis, Periploca graeca. Ferns Matteuccia struthiopteris, Athyrium filix-femina, Polypodium vulgare, Phyllitis scolopendrium,
Pteris cretica, etc. The following are worth-mentioning from the grass cover - Asperula odorata,
Calamintha grandiflora, Festuca drymeja, Salvia glutinosa, Viola alba.
Sub-types:
91FC-GE01 Beech forest with the Pontic rhododendron understory - Fageta rhododendrosa
(Rhododendron ponticum, R. ungernii) for the typical Colchic forest. The understory with
Rhododendron ponticum can be found in almost all forest massifs of west Georgian forests. It is
rare in east Georgia and can be found in Baniskhevi, Kvabliani and Nedzvistskali gorges. The
average annual precipitation amount in the scope of its distribution amounts to 1400 mm. The
scope of its distribution starts from the sea coast and ends at 1950 meters a.s.l.. In the mountains
of high level of moisture in Guria and Ajara it can reach the height of 2100-2200 meters. It
grows both in flat open places and heavily inclined slopes. It gives preference to Northern
exposition slopes but in the circumstances of high level of moisture grows in the place of
southern exposition. It does not like depressed relief with high level of moisture and badly
drained soil.
Two types of communities are given:
1) Typical beech with Pontic rhododendron understory (Fageta rhododendrosa typical), which is
widespread at the altitude of 400-1700 meters a.s.l.. The annual amount of precipitation is 17002500 mm. Pontic rhododendron cover is extremely dense. Other common plants are
Trachystemon orientalis, Buxus colchica, Rubus spp.
2) Beech forest with the understory (Fageta rhododendrosa ungernii) of Ungern rhododendron
(Rhododendron ungernii), which is a relict and local endemic. It can be found in the conditions
of high moisture. Annual average precipitation in these places reaches 3000 mm. Small
populations can be found in the seaside mountains of Ajara in the upper part of the gorge –
Bartskhana, Chakvistskali, Koronistskali and Kintrishi. They are also common at the upper
stream of other rivers of Kolkheti – Bzhuzha, Natanebi, Bakhvistskali and Supsa.
91FC-GE-02 Beech forest with the laurel (Laurocerasus officinalis) understory Fageta
laurocerasosa similar to Pontic rhododendron is common in the conditions of high level of
moisture, where the amount of average annual precipitation amounts to 2000 mm. The amplitude
of vertical spreading varies between 700 and 2000 meters. Different from Pontic rhododendron,
laurel grows well on limestone and well-illuminated slopes of the south. Besides Kolkheti, it is
common in the form of small populations far from the areal. For example, in east Georgia it is
widespread in the Alazani basin and river Ilto gorge. Existence of such a widely disseminated
areal of distribution is related to ornithochoria, since birds feed on its fruit and disseminate seeds
on large distances. Different from Pontic rhododendron, in the laurel understory the grassy cover
- Sanicula europaea, Asperula odorata, Viola alba, V. reichenbachiana, Dentaria bulbifera,
Calamintha grandiflora, Salvia glutinosa, Geranium gracile, etc. ferns - Dryopteris filix-mas, D.
carthusiana, D. assimilis, Polystichum braunii. are better developed.
Three types of communities are observed:
1) Typical beech forest with laurel (Laurocerasus officinalis) subforest (Fageta laurocerasosa
typica) is widespread in the places where annual amount of precipitation does not exceed 1700
mm.
2) Beech forest with the understory (Fageta ilicitoso-laurocerasosa) of holly (Ilex colchica)
and laurel (Laurocerasus officinalis) can be found on limestone mountains in Abkhasia and
Samegrelo – on mountain massives of Kvira, Migaria and Askhi.
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3) Beech forest with the mountain fescue (Festuca drymeja) cover and laurel understory (Fageta
festucoso-laurocerasosa) are described only in two places. The first is in the tract of mountain
Kvira, in the upper part of the karstic limestone macro-slope with the inclination of 28º at the
altitude of 1780 meters. The second one is on the same mountain at the 1700 meters on the
southern slope of 30 º inclination. In the first place the forest is represented only by the beech
whereas in the second one, Acer trautveterii is also mixed.
91FC-GE-03 Beech forest with the butcher’s broom (Ruscus colchicus) understory Fageta
ruscosa is quite rare. However, the butcher’s broom itself is characteristic to quite many various
communities. But it is a small type of a plant and, therefore, is less visible. It is common in large
quantities when other species of Colchic understory are excluded from communities due to
certain circumsrances. That’s why, the existence of the understory of only butcher’s broom is the
indicator of the reduction of those conditions that are essential for the existence of the Colchic
type understory. Firstly, this community was described by V.A. Povarnitsin (1931) on the
northern-eastern border of Kolkheti, in the basin of Kvirila river, Jalabeti forest massif.
91FC-GE-04 Beech forest with the typical understory (Fageta magnovacciniosa) of Caucasian
blueberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos). It is most widely distributed in Kolkheti. In east Georgia
it is common in the Lagodekhi region. Two types of communities are differentiated:
1) Beech forest with the typical understory of Caucasian blackberry (Fageta magnovacciniosa
Typical. It is common in west Georgia, distributed in the middle and upper zones of the forest at
the altitude of 900-2150 meters. In east Georgia it is common in the Lagodekhi reserve and
extends to the Zakatala reserve on the territory of Azerbaijan. Besides Vaccinium arctostaphylos,
the understory is created by ivy - Hedera colchica (west Georgia), or H. pastuchowii (east
Georgia), Blackberry - Rubus spp., mountain blueberry – Vaccinium myrtillus, fern Gymnocarpium dryopteris, grass cover – Festuca drymeja, Paris incompleta, Oxalis acetosella,
these species are rare species - Trachystemon orientalis, Neottia nidus-avis, Monotropa uniflora.
2) Beech forest with the cover of mountain fescue (Festuca drymeja) and Caucasian blueberry
understory (Fagetum festucoso-magnovacciniosa) are common on the slopes of the Southern
exposition, in the upper zone of the forest (900-1500 m). The understory is sparse. Besides
Caucasian blueberry, azalea (Rhododendron luteum) is represented.The following dominate in
the grass cover - Solidago virgaurea,Gentiana schistocalyx, Calamintha grandiflora, Oxalis
acetosella, alamagrostis
arundinacea.
91FC-GE -05 Beech forest with azalea (Rhododendron luteum) understory (Fageta azaleoza) is
less dependent on moisture conditions and frequently found on dry southern slopes as well. As
usual, besides the beech forest it grows in oak-hornbeam forests.
Three communities are differentiated:
1) Beech forest with the azalea (Fageta azaleosa media) understory of the middle zone of the
forest is common in mountain massifs of west Georgia with the average annual precipitation of
800-1500 mm. Characteristic landscape is the southern slope with the embossed relief of average
inclination. Hornbeam, Georgian oak and Caucasian maple (Acer velutinum) are mixed with the
beech. Species of the lower layer are: Festuca drymeja, Rubus spp., Vicia crocea, Trachystemon
orientalis.
2) The beech forest with azalea (Fageta azaleosa superior) is maily common at the height of
1700-1900 meters. The spruse (Picea orientalis) is also mixed with the beech.
3) East Georgia beech forest with the azalea understory (Fageta azaleosa iberica) is widespread
in Aragvi gorge, the upper current areal of Iori and Alazani and mountains of the left side of the
valley. It grows on slopes of different exposition having the embossed relief, at the height from
1000-1700 meters, or even higher in some places.
77
91FC-GE-06 Beech forest with viburnum (Viburnum orientale) understory - Fageta
viburnosa is characterized by a small synecological areal of distribution. The viburnum creates
the understory mainly in the beech forest. It rarely does so in the fir-forest or other types of
forests. From different forms of the Colchic type understory it holds the most moistened
location. It can be common outside Kolkheti in the upper streams of rivers Aragvi and Alazani.
The area of its distributed varies between 900 and 1900 meters. It mostly grows on the slopes of
northern exposition of little hillside or flat open space. It can not be found on the slope of more
than 25º of inclination. Viburnum is the Colchic relict. Its close relative species Viburnum
acerifolium grows in the eastern part of the USA.
Three communities are differentiated:
1) Beech forest with the typical understory of viburnum (Fageta viburnosa typica) grows in the
middle zone of the forest of west Georgia, 1100-1600 meters a.s.l.. It is more common on slopes
of small and middle inclination of Great Caucasus. Besides it, Caucasian blueberry and laurel
grow in the understory. From other plants blackberry, box, Trachystemon orientalis, Dentaria
bulbifera, Paris incomplete, etc. dominate.
2) The beech forest with blackberry-viburnum understory (Fageta ruboso-viburnosa) is common
in Kokheti forests and extreme east of the area of its distributed, Aragvi gorge. Together with the
beech, the maples (Acer platanoides, A. pseudoplatanus, A. trautvetteri) can be found, from
bushes – blackberry, Caucasian blueberry, holly, nut (Corylus avellana), elder (Sambucus nigra)
and ferns - Dryopteris filix-mas, Athirium filix-femina.
3) Beech forest of the upper forest zone with the viburnum understory (Fageta viburnosa
superior) can be found only in west Georgia at the height above 1700 meters and is rare. There
are the following species that are characteristic to the upper zone of the forest and drier biotopes:
Calamagrostis arundinacea, Gentiana schistocalyx, Oxalis acetosella, Gymnocarpium
dryopteris, Festuca drymeja, Asperula odorata, Cardamine pectinata, Neottia nidus-avis,
Epilobium montanum, etc.
2) Species
Plants: Fagus orientalis, Abies nordmanniana, Acer laetum, A. platanoides, A. pseudoplatanus,
A. trautvetteri, Asperula odorata, Buxus colchica, Calamintha grandiflora, Carpinus caucasica,
Castanea sativa, Daphne pontica, Dentaria bulbifera, Dioscorea caucasica, Diospyros lotus,
Epigaea gaultherioides, Epilobium montanum, Festuca drymeja, Ficus carica, Gentiana
schistocalyx, Geranium gracile, Hedera colchica, Ilex colchica, Laurocerasus officinalis, Malus
orientalis, Neottia nidus-avis, Oxalis acetosella, Paris incompleta, Periploca graeca, Picea
orientalis, Pinus kochiana, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Pyrus caucasica, Quercus imeretina, Q.
hartwissiana, Rhododendron panticum, R. ungernii, Ruscus colchicus, R. panticus, Salvia
glutinosa, Sanicula europaea, Staphylea colchica, S. pinnata, Tamus communis, Taxus baccata,
Tilia begoniifolia, Trachystemon orientalis, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Viburnum orientale,
Viola alba, V. reichenbachiana, Zelkova carpinifolia, etc. ferns - Athyrium filix-femina,
Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Polypodium
vulgare, Pteris cretica, etc.
Animals: woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major, D. minor, D. medius, D. syriacus, Dryocopus
martius, Picus viridis), owls (Otus scops,Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars
(Caprimulgus europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), firecrest (Regulus ingicapillus),
blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos
caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia europaea), bullfinch (Pyrrhula
pyrrhula), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Typical amphibians are Asia
Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), Caucasian parsley frog (Pelodytes caucasicus), common toad
(Bufo (bufo) verrucosissimus), common treefrog (Hyla arborea); banded newt (Ommatotriton
ophryticus), in the Lesser Caucasus – Caucasian salamander (Mertensiella caucasica). Reptiles –
slow worm (Anguis fragilis), Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini), meadow lizard (Darevskia
praticola); Caucasian viper (Vipera kaznakowi); ring snake (Natrix natrix). At the rock faces in
78
the mountain forest belt typical reptiles are rock lizards with local distributions (Darevskia rudis,
D.parvula, D. mixta, D. caucasica, D. clarkorum, D. brauneri ), smooth snake (Coronella
austriaca). Small mammals are small and yellow-necked mice (Sylvaemus flavicollis, S.
uralensis), and a number of endemic species: Chionomys roberti, Sorex raddei, S. volnuchini,
Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus. Typical insects are
butterflies of families Satyridae and Lycaenidae, near brooks – ground beetles of genus
Pterostichus, endemic large land snail Helix buchi, high diversity of soil invertebrates.
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat
1. Beech forest with holly tree understory (Fageta ilicitosa typica)
2. Beech forest of the upper montane zone with holly tree understory (Fageta ilicitosa superior)
3. Beech forest with the holly tree understory and mountain fescue (Festuca drymeja) cover
(Fageta festucoso-ilicitosa)
4. Beech forest with the understory (Fageta taxceto-ilicitosa-hederosa) of yew (Taxus baccata),
holly (Ilex colchica) and ivy (Hedera pastuchovii)
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
8. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
11. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
12. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a new
species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
13. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:1-74.
14. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
15. Povarnitsin, VA. 1931. Tipi bukovykh lesov Jalabetskogo lesnogo maciva (Types of beech
forest of the Jalabadski forst massif). Works SOPS AS USSR. Ser. Zakav. 2.
79
91SF-GE Code of Georgia: Beech forests without understory (Fageta sine fruticosa)
1) General description
In this type of habitat those communities of the beech are associated where there is no understory
represented by bushes and developed significantly, which is characteristic to the beech forest
with the Colchic type understory. In this case, vegetation of the lower tier is represented by
grasss - Festuca drymeja, herbal species - Trachystemon orientalis, Pachyphragma
macrophyllum, blackberry runner/undergrowth - Rubus spp., ferns, etc.
Sub-types:
91SF-GE 01 Beech forest with the mountain fescue (Festuca drymeja) cover (Fageta festucosa)
is the most widely distributed community in the beech forests in east Georgia, at the altitude of
1000-1750 meters. In east Georgia this association is more rare and is expelled by the forests of
spruce and fir or the beech forest having the Colchic understory where Vaccinium
arctostaphylos, Rhododendron luteum and Ilex colchica dominate.The following are common
from arboreal plants: Carpinus betulus, Acer laetum, A. platanoides, Tilia begoniifolia, Castanea
sativa, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus iberica, Prunus avium, etc. The grass cover in the beech
forest of the sub-alpine zone is associated with the mountain fescue cover (Fageta festucosa).
Festuca drymeja, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Milium schmidtianum, Calamintha grandiflora,
Geranium sylvaticum, etc. dominate here.
91SF-GE 02 Beech forest with the phachyphragma (Pachyphragma macrophyllum) cover
Fageta pachyphragmosa is common in more moist areas than the sub-types of the beech
described above not having the understory. In Kakheti the beech in this sub-type of the habitat is
mixed with the maple (Acer velutinum), in west Georgia - with the mountain maple (Acer
pseudoplatanus), Norway maple - (Acer platanoides), lime, ash, hornbean, sometimes fir. The
understory is represented by the elderberry and the nut. Pachyphragma, which is the relict plant
of the monotype species, and Colchic local endemic, mainly create the herbal cover. However, it
is common as well in east Georgia. Namely, in the Lagodekhi reserve. Pachyphragma is the
indicator species, its existence is related to the humus rich soil. It is distributed in the areas that
are moderately moist at the 500-1000 meters a.s.l.. It reaches the margin of maximum
distribution, 1820 meters in Upper Svaneti. Blackberry, ivy, woodruff, as well as the species
blooming in spring - Galanthus lagodechianus, Scilla sibirica, Anemone caucasica, Corydalis
caucasica, C. marschalliana, Viola alba, V.odorata, Dentaria bulbifera, etc. participate in
forming the lower layer.
91SF-GE 03 Beech forest with blackberry (Rubus hirtus) cover (Fageta rubosa) is widely
distributed in the middle zone of the forest, on the moderately moist slopes of the southern
exposition of the Great Caucasus, at the altitude of 1100-1600 meters. It is quite rare in small
Caucasus. Rubus hirtus is characterized by great polymorphism. Other species of blackberry
include R. serpens, R. platyphyllus, R. caucasicus, R. ponticus, R. candicans, R. cartalinicus, R.
georgicus, R. tomentosus, R. piceetorum, R. dolichocarpus, etc. The grass cover is quite arid and
is observed in small quantities Cephalanthera longifolia, C.rubra, C. damasonium, Epipactis
helleborine, E. microphylla, Neottia nidus-avis, Dentaria bulbifera, Arum albispathum.
91SF-GE 04 Beech forest with borage (Trachystemon orientalis) cover Fageta trachystemosa is
characteristic to the beech forests of west Georgia. Borage is the relict species of Kolkheti. The
amplitude of its distribution varies according to the height up to almost the sub-alpine zone from
the sea level. However, it is more typical in the middle zone of the forest (700-1200 meters). At
the low height it is under strong anthropogenic impact, which causes decrease of its number. At
higher altitude it is expelled by the communities of coniferous forests. In the circumstances of
wet climate borage is associated with blackberry. The understory is not developed but in certain
80
cases there are separate species of the nut and elder. Herb cover is represented by the following
species - Polygonatum orientale, Paris incompleta, Dentaria bulbifera, Tamus communis,
Actaea spicata, Euphorbia macroceras, Circaea lutetiana, Vicia crocea. From ferns dominate Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Polystichum braunii.
91SF-GE 05 Beech forest with fern (Dryopteris filix-mas, D. pseudomas, etc.) cover (Fageta
filicosa) is the indicator of the humid biotope, provides creation and maintenance of environment
conditions of the specific micro-habitat. Dominant species of the fern that create a massive cover
are - Dryopteris filix-mas, D. pseudomas, Athyrium filix-femina and Matteuccia struthiopteris. In
the upperborder of the forest the following species are also observed - Dryopteris oreades,
Oreopteris limbosperma and Athyrium distentifolium. The rest are large size ferns - Dryopteris
assimilis, D. expansa, D. alexeenkoana, D. liliana, Polystichum spp., that are common in the
form of separate species but do not create a massive cover.
There are 4 types of communities:
1) The beech forest with the black-berry-male-fern cover (Fageta ruboso-dryopteridosa) in east
Georgia is distributed at the altitude of 1300-1700 meters. In the eastern part of Trialeti range in
the circumstances of drier climate it reaches the altitude of 1800 meters. Together with the beech
Caucasian lime, mountain maple and Norway maple are common. Caucasian elm (Ulmus
elliptica) and the hazelnut (Corylus iberica) are rare. In the understory elder, nut, Caucasian
jasmine (Phyladelphus caucasicus) and Caucasian honeysuckle (Lonicera caucasica) are rare.
Among other plants the following are worth noting - Symphytum grandiflorum, Valeriana
alliariifolia, Geranium robertianum, Paeonia wittmanniana, Ranunculus ampelophyllus.
2) The beech forest with large-fern cover (Fageta athyriosa) is characterized by the domination
of the mountain holly-fern (Athyrium filix-femina) and intensive development of the fern cover. 2
separate communities are differentiated. The first in the middle zone of the forest at the height of
1300-1500 meters and the second one at the height of more than 1750 meters. There are
transition forms among them. From the fern species the following can be found in the middle
zone of the forest: Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. pseudomas, D. assimilis and
Matteuccia struthiopteris. From other species the following need to be mentioned: Euphorbia
macroceras, Paris incompleta, Pachyphragma macrophyllum, Actaea spicata, Petasites alba.
The community of the mountain holly-fern is found in the upper zone of the forest together with
the sub-alpine forest species - Acer trautveterii, Sorbus caucasigena, the beech in this case does
not create the bending forest. The following can be found in the understory: Ribes biebersteinii,
Rubus idaeus and Daphne mezereum.
3) The beech forest with the black fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) cover (Fageta
struthiopteridosa. The black fern is the biggest size fern distributed in Georgia, which is the
strong edifier and expels other ferns and herbal plants from the habitat. Single species of the
following may co-exist with it:
Symphytum grandiflorum, Paris incompleta, Rubus spp.,
Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina, Impatiens noli-tangere, Polygonatum orientale,
Pachyphragma macrophyllum, Asperula odorata, Hedera colchica, Euphorbia macroceras,
Tamus communis, Urtica dioica, Dentaria bulbifera, etc.
2) Species
Plants: Fagus orientalis, Acer laetum, A. platanoides, A. pseudoplatanus, A. velutinum, Actaea
spicata, Anemone caucasica, Arum albispathum, Asperula odorata, Athyrium distentifolium,
Athyrium filix-femina, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Calamintha grandiflora, Carpinus betulus,
Castanea sativa, Prunus avium, Circaea lutetiana, Corydalis caucasica, C. marschalliana,
Dentaria bulbifera, Dryopteris assimilis, D. alexeenkoana, D. expansa, Dryopteris filix-mas, D.
liliana, Dryopteris oreades, D. pseudomas, Euphorbia macroceras, Festuca drymeja, Fraxinus
excelsior, Galanthus lagodechianus, Geranium robertianum, Geranium sylvaticum, Hedera
colchica, Ilex colchica, Impatiens noli-tangere, Lonicera caucasica, Matteuccia struthiopteris
Milium schmidtianum, Neottia nidus-avis, Oreopteris limbosperma, Pachyphragma
81
macrophyllum, Paeonia wittmanniana, Paris incompleta, Petasites alba, Phyladelphus
caucasicus, Polygonatum orientale, Polystichum braunii, Quercus iberica, Ranunculus
ampelophyllus, Rhododendron luteum, Rubus hirtus, R. serpens, R. platyphyllus, R. caucasicus,
R. ponticus, R. candicans, R. cartalinicus, R. georgicus, R. tomentosus, R. piceetorum, R.
dolichocarpus, Scilla sibirica, Symphytum grandiflorum, Tamus communis, Tilia begoniifolia,
Ulmus elliptica, Urtica dioica, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Valeriana alliariifolia, Vicia crocea,
Viola alba, V. odorata.
Animals: woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major, D. minor, D. medius, D. syriacus, Dryocopus
martius, Picus viridis), owls (Otus scops,Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars
(Caprimulgus europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), firecrest (Regulus ingicapillus),
blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos
caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia europaea), bullfinch (Pyrrhula
pyrrhula), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Typical amphibians are Asia
Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), Caucasian parsley frog (Pelodytes caucasicus), common toad
(Bufo (bufo) verrucosissimus), common treefrog (Hyla arborea); banded newt (Ommatotriton
ophryticus), in the Lesser Caucasus – Caucasian salamander (Mertensiella caucasica). Reptiles –
slow worm (Anguis fragilis), Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini), meadow lizard (Darevskia
praticola); Caucasian viper (Vipera kaznakowi); ring snake (Natrix natrix). At the rock faces in
the mountain forest belt typical reptiles are rock lizards with local distributions (Darevskia rudis,
D.parvula, D. mixta, D. caucasica, D. clarkorum, D. brauneri ), smooth snake (Coronella
austriaca). Small mammals are small and yellow-necked mice (Sylvaemus flavicollis, S.
uralensis), and a number of endemic species: Chionomys roberti, Sorex raddei, S. volnuchini,
Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus. Typical insects are
butterflies of families Satyridae and Lycaenidae, near brooks – ground beetles of genus
Pterostichus, endemic large land snail Helix buchi, high diversity of soil invertebrates.
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat
1. 9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests (Luzulo-Fagetum)
2. Code of Georgia: 9130GE Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests
3. 9150GE-01: Hemixerophillic forest of Fagus orientalis (Fageta hemixerophylla)
4. 9150GE-02: The beech forest without understory (Fageta nuda)
5. 9150GE-03: The beech forest with forest bastard cabbage cover - Fageta dentariosa iberica
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
8. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
82
9. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
11. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
12. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a new
species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
13. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:1-74.
14. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
9160GE Code of Georgia: - Oak or oak-hornbeam forests (Quercitum -Carpinion betuli)
9160 Sub-atlantic and middle European oak or oak-hornbeam forests - Carpinion betuli
PAL. CLASS.: 41.24
1) General description
Oak forests in Georgia are mainly created by two species – the Georgian oak (Quercus iberica)
and high mountain oak (Q. macranthera). Other oak species - Q. pedunculiflora, Q.
hartwissiana, Q. imeretina, Q. pontica, Q. dshorochensis, are mixed with other species in the
forests of a different type, such as, Colchic mixed forest (Q. hartwissiana, Q. pontica, Q.
dshorochensis), or the Riparian forest (Q. pedunculiflora, Q. imeretina).
The Georgian oak forest is widespread in almost all forest regions of Georgia. It is not
found in Tusheti, northern Khevsureti and Khevi. It holds about 200 thousand hectares of the
area. In eastern Georgia it is found from 350-500 to 1000-1550 meters. In west Georgia it’s
distributed at the height of 1500-1800 m a.s.l. (Svaneti). The following species can be found
together with the oak: Carpinus betulus, C. orientalis, Acer laetum, Sorbus torminalis, Zelkova
carpinifolia, Ostrya carpinifolia.
High mountain oak (Quercus macranthera) is common in the eastern part of the Great
Caucasus on both southern and northern micro slopes, small Caucasus and west Georgia,
Svaneti. It holds the middle, upper and sub-alpine zones of the mountain, within the limits of
1450-2400 meters. In some places the upper margin of its distribution reaches 2600-2700 meters.
The optimal height of distribution varies between 1450 -1600 meters.
Sub-types:
4 types of oak forests are differentiated:
9160GE-01Georgian oak monodominant forest (iberica Quercitum) is characterized by the welldeveloped understory. It is situated at the altitude of 1000-1550 meters a.s.l.. The following oak
forests are differentiated: hemi-xerophytic, growing in the arid regions of eastern Georgia and
xero-mezophytic, characteristic to the rest of the places.
6 communities are differentiated:
1. Georgian oak forest with varied dry understory (Quercetum iberici multifruticosum siccum),
where Spiraea hypericifolia, Pyracantha coccinea, Juniperus oblonga create the understory. In
Abkhasia the oak forest with Sesleria anatolica and Psoralea bituminous can be found.
2. Georgian oak forest with understory (Quercetum iberici cotinosa) of Cotynus coggygria.
3. Georgian oak forest with herbal cover (Quercetum iberici herbosa), where the following are
observed from herbal species: Campanula rapunculoides, Carex bushiorum, Clinopodium
vulgare, Dactylis glomerata, Polygonatum glaberrimum, Veronica peduncularis, etc.
4. Georgian oak forest with barren-worth (Epimedium colchicum) cover (Quercetum hypericosoepimediosa), which can be found in Abkhasia, where the following dominate: Epimedium
colchicum, Hypericum xylosteifolium and Dioscorea caucasica.Widely distributed species are:
Sesleria anatolica, Trachystemon orientalis, Ruscus ponticus, Carex transsilvanica, Dorycnium
graecum, etc. Rare species are: Iris colchica, Dianthus imereticus, Hypochaeris radiata,
83
Psoralea bituminosa, Aristolochia steupii, A. iberica, Primula sibthorpii, Veronica peduncularis,
Helleborus abchasicus, etc. Among the bushes, the following are found: Rhododendron luteum,
R. ponticum, Vaccinium arctostaphylos. Erica arborea, Lonicera caprifolium, Smilax excels
grow on the rocky cape of Bichvinta. Arbutus andrachne is at the sea side.
5. The species characteristic to the community of Iberica-Quercetum-genistosum to the east is
Genista transcaucasica, to the west - G. kolakowskyi and G. abchasica.
6. Oak forest with Colchic understory: 1. Oak forest with azalea - Quercita azaleoza
(Rhododendron luteum), oak forest with Pontic rhododendron, Quercita rhododendrosa (R.
ponticum), oak forest with bladder-nut, Querceta staphyleosa (Staphylea colchica, S. pinnata).
9160GE-02 Oak-oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) forest (Iberica-Quercetum-Carpinion
orientale) in east Georgia is distributed at the height of 600- 1000 meters a.s.l.. In the west from 350 to 700-800 meters. It can be found in the limestone region of Abkhasia and Samegrelo
and eastern Georgia on rocky slopes.
3 types of oak forests are differentiated:
1. With the oak-oriental hornbeam - sedge (Carex buschiorum) xerophytic cover (CarpinetoQuercetum-xerocaricosum)
2. With the oak- oriental hornbeam -meadow grass (Poa nemoralis) cover (CarpinetoQuercetum- poosum)
3. With the oak- oriental hornbeam - false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) cover (CarpinetoQuercetum -brachypodiosum)
9160GE-03 Oak-hornbeam forest (Quercetum-Carpinion betulii) is distributed at the altitude of
600-1100 meters a.s.l.. Tree species found: Quercus iberica, Carpinus betulus, C. orientalis,
Sorbus torminalis, Acer laetum, Picea orientalis, Abies nordmaniana. Bushes - Cornus mas,
Corylus avellana, Swida australis, Chamaecytisus caucasica, Lonicera caucasica, Mespilus
germanica. Herbaceous plants - Festuca drymeja, Clinopodium vulgare, Veronica peduncularis,
Polygonatum glaberrimum, Campanula rapunculoides, Dactylis glomerata. Oak-hornbeam
forest with the sedge understory is characteristic to Georgia.
9160GE-04 Oak- and hop-hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia) forest (Quercetum-ostryosa) in
Samtskhe is the distinguished quality in that in the upper border of this type of this forest (12001600 m) hornbeam is substituted by the hop hornbeam forest - Ostrya carpinifolia. These forests
occupy significant territory in the gorges of Uraveli and Kvabliani. As a result of the degradation
of natural oak forests, vegetation of shibliak mixed with the oak is represented in the lower
border of their distribution with the participation of Jerusalem thorn - Paliurus spina-christi,
black buckthorn - Rhamnus pallasii, Spiraea hypericifolia, etc. Honey suckle - Lonicera iberica
is rare in these forests.
9160GE-05 The oak-pine-oriental hornbeam forest (Pineto-Quercetum-Carpinion orientale) is
widespread in eastern Georgia (Borjomi gorge, Gombori range) at the altitude of 1000-1200
meters a.s.l. It can be found on the slopes of various inclination of the southern-western
exposition.
9160GE-06 High mountain oak forest (Quercus macranthera) creates mixed and monodominant
forests. The mixed forest is represented by the association of the following species: 1. Q.
macranthera da Betula litwinowii, 2. Q. macranthera, B. litwinowii da Sorbus caucasigena; 3.
Q. macranthera da Acer trautvetteri. Dominant species are - Acer platanoides, A. hyrcanum,
Sorbus caucasigena, Lonicera caucasica, Ribes biebersteinii, etc.
2) Species
84
Plants: Quercus iberica, Q. macranthera, Abies nordmanniana, Acer laetum, A. platanoides, A.
hyrcanum, Arbutus andrachne, Aristolochia steupii, A. iberica, Betula litwinowii, Campanula
rapunculoides, Carex transsilvanica, Carpinus betulus, C. orientalis, Chamaecytisus caucasica,
Clinopodium vulgare, Cornus mas, Corylus avellana, Cotinus coggygria, Cytisus caucasicus,
Dactylis glomerata, Dianthus imereticus, Dioscorea caucasica, Dorycnium graecum,
Epimedium colchicum, Erica arborea, Festuca drymeja, Helleborus abchasicus, Hypericum
xylosteifolium, Hypochaeris radiata, Iris colchica, Laser trilobum, Lathyrus roseus, Ligustrum
vulgare, Lonicera caucasica, L. caprifolium, Mespilus germanica, Orobus laxiflorus, Ostrya
carpinifolia, Peucedanum caucasicum, Physospermum cornubiense, Picea orientalis, Poa
nemoralis, Polygonatum glaberrimum, Primula sibthorpii, Psoralea bituminosa, Rhododendron
luteum, R. ponticum, Ribes biebersteinii, Rosa canina, Ruscus ponticus, Sesleria anatolica,
Smilax excelsa, Sorbus caucasigena, Sorbus torminalis, Swida australis, Trachystemon
orientalis, Vaccinium arctostaphylos,Veronica peduncularis.
Animals: woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major, D. minor, D. medius, D. syriacus, Dryocopus
martius, Picus viridis), owls (Otus scops, Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars
(Caprimulgus europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), firecrest (Regulus ingicapillus),
blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos
caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia europaea), bullfinch (Pyrrhula
pyrrhula), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Typical amphibians are Asia
Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), common treefrog (Hyla arborea); newts (Ommatotriton
ophryticus, Triturus karelinii, Lissotriton vulgaris). Reptiles – slow worm (Anguis fragilis),
Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini), meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola); Transaucasian viper
(Vipera transcaucasiana); ring snake (Natrix natrix). At the rock faces in the mountain forest
belt typical reptiles are rock lizards with local distributions (Darevskia rudis, D. portschinskii ),
smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). Small mammals are small and yellow-necked mice
(Sylvaemus flavicollis, S. uralensis), and a number of endemic species: Chionomys roberti, Sorex
raddei, S. volnuchini, Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus.
Typical insects are butterflies of families Satyridae and Lycaenidae, near brooks – ground
beetles of genus Pterostichus, endemic large land snail Helix buchi, high diversity of soil
invertebrates.
3) Corresponding categories
1. 91G0 * Pannonic woods with Quercus petraea and Carpinus betulus
2. PAL.CLASS.: 41.2B, 41.266, 41.267
3. German classification: "430703 Stieleichen-Hainbuchenwald feuchter bis frischer Standorte".
4. Nordic classification: "2223 Fagus sylvatica-Mercurialis perennis-Allium ursinum-typ".
4) Associated habitat: None
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
85
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
9180 GE* Code of Georgia: Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines
9180 * Forests of the slope, remains and the cleft (Tilio-Acerion)
PAL. CLASS.: 41.4
1) General description
Mixed forests (Tilio-Acerion) are created by secondary species (Acer spp., Fraxinus excelsior,
Ulmus glabra, Tilia begoniifolia, T. cordata, etc.) and are located on steep rocky slopes, mainly
on limestone, sometimes on siliceous ground material at various elevations. One group is
differentiated. It grows in more moist areas (hygroscopic and shadow resistant forest, suballiance - Lunario-Acerenion), where species of a maple dominate. In the outskirts of Manglisi,
Bedeni plateau and Aghbulaghi, among oak- and sedge forests, mixed forests occupy large areas,
where the following can be found in a mixed form: maples (Acer laetum, A. campestre, A.
platanoides, A. hyrcanum), Caucasian elm (Ulmus elliptica), lime (Tilia begoniifolia) and aspen
(Populus spp.).
On southern slopes of the central Caucasus original mixed forests belonged to holly
places, so-called “Khati's Forests” are preserved. Such a forest is described in Kaishauri gorge,
where the following can be found - Acer trautveterii, A. platanoides, Fagus orientalis, Ulmus
elliptica, Fraxinus excelsior, Padus avium, Betula litwinowii, B. raddeana, Sorbus caucasigena,
Rubus idaeus, Euonymus verrucosa, Viburnum opulus,Corylus avellana, Rhododendron luteum,
Poa nemoralis, Circaea alpina, Aruncus vulgaris, Scutelalria altissima, Veronica peduncularis,
Valeriana officinalis, V. alliariifolia, V. tiliifolia, Doronicum macrophyllum, Campanulla
collina, Polemonium caucasicum, Athyrium filix-femina, Polystichum braunii, Geranium
robertianum, etc.
Forests with maple trees are found in Kolkheti at higher altitudes, where the beech is the
prevailing species mixed with the lime, Caucasian elm, oak and maple (Acer velutinum). The
following can also be found here: Cherry - Prunus avium, maple - Acer laetum, A. platanoides, a
more rare species is Yew - Taxus baccata. From lianas there is Colchic ivy - Hedera colchica,
the understory is created by meddler, sour plum, cornelian cherry, elder dog weed, guilder rose,
Caucasian jasmine, azalea and blueberry. Herbal species that are common are: Salvia glutinosa,
Stachys sylvatica, Sanicula europaea, Asperula odorata, Pyrethrum parthenifolium, Geranium
robertianum, Aristolochia iberica, Impatiens noli-tangere, Neottia nidus-avis, etc. The following
are reported from relict species: Pachyphragma macrophyllum, Brunnera macrophylla.
A second variety of the mixed forest is the one which is typical to dry and warm slopes
and sptread out places (xero-thermophyllic forest, sub-alliance Tilio-Acerenion), where species
of lime dominate. There is also hornbeam, with which grow oriental hornbeam (Carpinus
orientalis), hazelnut (Corylus avellana), elm (Ulmus glabra, beech (Fagus orientalis),lime (Tilia
begoniifolia), simple adler (Alnus barbata), clematis (Clematis vitalba), wild grapevine (Vitis
86
vinifera ssp. sylvestris), herbaceous plants blooming early - Scilla sibirica, Primula woronowii,
Helleborus caucasicus, Viola alba, V. odorata etc. In summer the following replace them - Poa
nemoralis, Piptatherum virescens, Polygonatum glaberrimum, Tamus communis, Laser trilobum,
from fern-like plants there is Dryopteris filix-mas, In rocky places there are - Asplenium
trichomanes, Polypodium vulgare.
Beech and high mountain oak significantly decrease in Ajara, middle zone of the
mountain and hornbeam, elm (Ulmus glabra), lime (Tilia begoniifolia), ash (Fraxinus excelsior
dominate. From the herbaceous cover these are common - Circaea lutetiana, Poa nemoralis,
Stachys silvatica, Salvia glutinosa and ferns.
2) Species
Plants: Lunario-Acerenion - Acer campestre, A. laetum, A. hyrcanum, A. platanoides, A.
pseudoplatanus, Acer velutinum, Actaea spicata, Aristolochia iberica, Aruncus vulgaris,
Asperula odorata, Athyrium filix-femina, Betula litwinowii, B. raddeana, Brunnera macrophylla,
Campanulla collina, Circaea alpina, Corylus avellana, Doronicum macrophyllum, Euonymus
verrucosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Geranium robertianum, Impatiens noli-tangere, Lunaria annua,
Neottia nidus-avis, Pachyphragma macrophyllum, Padus avium, Poa nemoralis, Polemonium
caucasicum, Polystichum braunii, Prunus avium, Pyrethrum parthenifolium, Rhododendron
luteum, Rubus idaeus, Salvia glutinosa, Sanicula europaea, Scutellaria altissima, Sorbus
caucasigena, Stachys sylvatica, Taxus baccata, Ulmus elliptica, U. glabra, Valeriana officinalis,
V. alliariifolia, V. tiliifolia, Veronica peduncularis, Viburnum opulus. Tilio-Acerenion - Alnus
barbata, Asplenium trichomanes, Carpinus betulus, Circaea lutetiana, Clematis vitalba, Corylus
avellana, Fagus orientalis, Helleborus caucasicus, Laser trilobum, Piptatherum virescens, Poa
nemoralis, Polygonatum glaberrimum, Primula woronowii, Quercus iberica, Salvia glutinosa,
Scilla sibirica, Stachys sylvatica, Tamus communis, Tilia begoniifolia, T. cordata, Ulmus
elliptica, U. glabra, Viola alba, V. odorata, Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris.
Animals: woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major, D. minor, D. medius, D. syriacus, Dryocopus
martius, Picus viridis), owls (Otus scops,Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars
(Caprimulgus europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), firecrest (Regulus ingicapillus),
blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos
caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia europaea), bullfinch (Pyrrhula
pyrrhula), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Typical amphibians are Asia
Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), Caucasian parsley frog (Pelodytes caucasicus), common toad
(Bufo (bufo) verrucosissimus), common treefrog (Hyla arborea); banded newt (Ommatotriton
ophryticus), in the Lesser Caucasus – Caucasian salamander (Mertensiella caucasica). Reptiles –
slow worm (Anguis fragilis), Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini), meadow lizard (Darevskia
praticola); Caucasian viper (Vipera kaznakowi); ring snake (Natrix natrix). At the rock faces in
the mountain forest belt typical reptiles are rock lizards with local distributions (Darevskia rudis,
D.parvula, D. mixta, D. caucasica, D. clarkorum, D. brauneri), smooth snake (Coronella
austriaca). Small mammals are small and yellow-necked mice (Sylvaemus flavicollis, S.
uralensis), and a number of endemic species: Chionomys roberti, Sorex raddei, S. volnuchini,
Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus. Typical insects are
butterflies of families Satyridae and Lycaenidae, near brooks – ground beetles of genus
Pterostichus, endemic large land snail Helix buchi, high diversity of soil invertebrates.
3) Corresponding categories:
1. United Kingdom classification: "W8 Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis
woodland" and "W9 Fraxinus excelsior-Sorbus aucuparia-Mercurialis perennis woodland".
2. German classification: "430604 Sommerlinden-Begulmen-Blockschuttwald", "430603 AhornLinden-Hangschuttwald (wärmere Standorte)", "430602 Eschen-Ahorn-Schluchtbzw. -Hangwald
(fleucht-kühle Standorte)", "430601 Sommerlinden-Hainbuchen-Schuttwald".
87
3. Nordic classification: "2233 Ulmus glabra -typ", "2235 Tilia cordata -typ" and "2236 Quercus
robur-Ulmus glabra-Tilia cordata-typ". In Boreal region corresponding species-poor
communities often with Anemone nemorosa, Corydalis spp., Primula veris.
4) Associated habitat: Hornbeam forest
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
8. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
11. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
12. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
13. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
14. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
91D0* Code of Georgia: Bog woodland
91D0* Marsh forest
PAL. CLASS.: from 44.A1 to 44.A4
1) General description
The marshy forest is mainly distributed on the lowland. It holds an especially large area in
Kolkheti. It is distributed from the sea coast to the Rioni lowland and reaches Samtredia,
Gubistskali river gorge where it is not preserved in its original form. Also, it is found in the form
of small planted forests on the Alazani valley and great and small Caucasus in various places of
the forest zone of the mountain. On the lowland the dominant species of the marshy forest is a
common alder Alnus barbata – whereas in higher mountainous areas there is white adler - A.
incana.
The common alder is not evenly distributed in the forest. It creates planted forests among
which the forest sections covered with water are developed. The level of water there goes down
in summer sometimes even drying up completely. The Colchic marsh forest, together with the
adler trees contains 160 species of vascular plants. However, other species of trees are rare. In
Samegrelo at the sea coast and along the lowland of river Rioni wing-nut (Pterocarya
fraxinifolia) is quite rare. In Guria, between Supsa and Natanebi as well as the sea shore there
88
are: Salix caprea, Frangula alnus, in high mountaineous places Ruscus colchicus is rare. In
Kakheti adler forest grows skirret - Sium sisaroideum, in Abkhazeti - S. latifolium. The
following large size herbs are to be noted: darewort (Sambucus ebulus), water iris (Iris
pseudacorus), Telekia speciosa, Ponto hogweed (Heracleum ponticum). Herbal plants Leucojum aestivum, Oenanthe abchasica, etc. In Guria, places covered with water there are the
following marsh plants - Sparganium microcarpum, Polygonum hydropiper, Mentha aquatica,
Scirpus tabernaemontani. In high places sedge dominates - Carex contigua, C. remota. From
grasses there is Oplismenus undulatifolius. In marshy forests there are characteristic lianas
everywhere - Smilax excelsa, Humulus lupulus, Periploca graeca, and blackberry - Rubus spp.
White alder communities are of another composition and frequently develops on peaty
marshes. The forest of this type is found in the western part of Upper Imeteri, in the gorge of
river Kvirila, near village Sakara.
2) Species
Plants: Alnus barbata, A. incana, Frangula alnus, Heracleum ponticum, Humulus lupulus, Iris
pseudocorus, Leucojum aestivum, Mentha aquatica, Oenanthe abchasica, Oplismenus
undulatifolius, Periploca graeca, Polygonum hydropiper, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Ruscus
colchicus, Salix caprea, Sambucus ebulus, Scirpus tabernaemontani, Sium sisaroideum, S.
latifolium, Smilax excelsa, Sparganium microcarpum, Telekia speciosa.
Animals: Caucasian mole (Talpa caucasica), small mouse (Apodemys uralensis). Bird fauna
similar to other forest types, in addition – aquafilous raptors, including white-tailed eagle
(Haliaeetus albicilla). Amphibians- smooth and eastern crested newts (Triturus karelinii,
Lissotriton vulgaris), lake frog (Rana ridibunda), common treefrog (Hyla arborea). Reptiles –
ring and dice snakes (Natrix natrix, N. tesselata), slow worm (Anguis fragilis), sand lizard
(Lacerta agilis), Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini), European marsh turtle (Emys orbicularis).
Large snails – Helix buchi and Caucasotachea caligera.
3) Corresponding categories:
1. 44.A1 - Sphagnum birch woods
2. 44.A2 - Scots pine mire woods Interpretation Manual - EUR25 Page 102
3. 44.A3 - Mountain pine bog woods
4. 44.A4 - Mire spruce woods
5. United Kingdom classification : "W4 Betula pubescens-Molinia caerulea woodland".
6. German classification: "430101 Birken-Moorwald", "440104 Latschen-Moorwald",
"440101 Fichten- Moorwald", "440103 Spirken-Moorwald", "440102 WaldkiefernMoorwald".
7. Nordic classification: "311 Skogsmossevegetation", "321 Skogs-och
krattkärrvegetation".
4) Associated habitat
1. Marsh
2. Riverside forest
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
89
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
91E0* Code of Georgia: Alluvial forests
91E0* Alluvial forest with Adler trees - Alnus glutinosa and ash - Fraxinus excelsior (AlnoPandion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)
PAL. CLASS.: 44.3, 44.2 and 44.13
1) General description
Riverside forests are developed both in the forest zone and places without the forest, where it
grows as a narrow line along the river-bed. In the forest zone the riparian forest is less
distinguished from the structure of the bordering forest. However, it always has a characteristic
composition of species. The wing-nut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia) always grows in the riparian
forest in Abkhazia, Kolkheti and Kakheti. Common alder forest is frequently grown in the
riparian forest but it is not as typical as in the marshy forest. Holcus lanatus, Paspalum
paspaloides, Briza minor, Pycreus colchicus, Poa trivialis, Polygonum persicaria, etc. are
characteristic from herbaceous species.
In Ajara, the riparian forest is deeply intruded into the mountains. Besides wing-put and
alder trees there is an ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa), aspen (Populus tremula); from lianas there are:
smilax (Smilax excelsa) and ivy (Hedera colchica). In the outskits of Natanebi and Vakejvari
moist sides of the narrow gorges are covered with the invasive plant - Perilla nankinensis. In
Rioni gorge near Kutaisi there are alders and persimmons. Along the Kakheti river wing-nut and
bladder-nut (Staphylea pinnata) are common.
Sub-types:
91E0 *01. Floodplain forest.
In Abkhazia, the wide bed of rivers is periodically covered with water, which causes washing
away of the vegetation existing there. However, after a certain period they will again return to
the initial conditions. Mainly, such places are covered by annual plants, such as, Aira capillaris.
Epilobium palustre is found on high places which rarely get covered by water. In Svaneti and
Lechkhumi the vegetation of riverside rock on the banks of river Enguri and its tributary also
gets covered with water during the summer flood. Common (Alnus barbata) and white (A.
incana) adler and species of the willow (Salix spp.) grow here. Among the bushes there area lot
of amounts of nut and azalea. From ferns we can see Matteuccia struthiopteris. White adler in
these gorges reaches the sub-alpine zone. In Meskheti, on the sandy-rocky banks of rivers
Mtkvari and Potskhovi scrub composed of various species of buckthorn and willow is widely
distributed. In Middle Kartli the vegetation of the Mtkvari riverside rock is often washed away
90
during the flood. Here vegetation is well developed in the second part of summer when the level
of water in Mtkvari significantly decreases. Mainly grasses and sedges participate in forming this
vegetation cover. The following are worthnoting: grasses - Calamagrostis glauca, sedges Cyperus fuscus, Pycreus flavescens, Eleocharis palustris, Fimbrystilis bisumbellata,rushes Juncus articulatus, J. tenageia. Dicotyledons - Pulicaria dysenterica, Mentha aquatica,
Eupatorium cannabinum.
91E0*02 River silt vegetation
Rioni silt banks are covered with bushes which consist of species of buckthorn and willow. In
Upper Imereti there are hawthorn and oriental hornbeam. Buckthorn and Jerusalem thorn are
rare. Willow, tamarisk, blackberry and many herbal plants - Galium articulatum, Senecio
grandidentatus grow in Kartli, oon islands covered with silt, which is rarely covered by water.
Clematis vitalba, asparagus (Asparagus verticillatus) and madder (Rubia tinctorum) are to be
mentioned from bindweed plants.
2) Species
Plants: Aira capillaris, Alnus barbata, Asparagus verticillatus, Calamagrostis glauca, Carpinus
orientalis, Clematis vitalba, Cyperus fuscus, Eleocharis palustris, Epilobium palustre,
Eupatorium cannabinum, Fimbrystilis bisumbellata, Fraxinus oxycarpa, Galium articulatum,
Hedera colchica, Hyppophaë rhamnoides, Juncus articulatus, J. tenageia. Matteuccia
struthiopteris, Mentha aquatica, Paliurus spina-christi, Perilla nankinensis Populus hybrida, P.
tremula, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Pulicaria dysenterica, Pycreus flavescens, Rubia tinctorum,
Salix abla, S. excelsa, Senecio grandidentatus, Smilax excelsa, Staphylea pinnata, Tamarix
ramosissima.
Animals: social vole (Microtus socialis). Amphibians – green toad (Bufo viridis), lake and Asia
Minor frog (Rana ridibunda, R. macrocnemis), common treefrog (Hyla savignyi), green and
common toads (Bufo viridis, B. (bufo) verrucosissimus), parsley frog (Pelodytes caucasicus);
reptiles – ring and dice snakes (Natrix natrix, N. tesselata), sand lizard (Lacera agilis), meadow
lizard (Darevskia praticola). Birds as in surrounding forest habitats.
3) Corresponding categories:
1. United Kingdom classification: "W5 Alnus glutinosa-Carex paniculata woodland", "W6 Alnus
glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland)" and "W7 Alnus glutinosa-Fraxinus excelsior- Lysimachia
nemorum woodland".
2. German classification: "43040401 Weichholzauenwald mit weitgehend ungertörter
Überflutungsdynamik", "43040402 Weichholzauenwald ohne Überflutung", "430403
Schwarzerlenwald (an Fließgewässern)", "430402 Eschenwald (an Fließgewässern)", "430401
Grauerlenauenwald (montan, Alpenvorland, Alpen).
3. Nordic classification: "2234 Fraxinus excelsior-typ" and "224 Alskog".
4) Associated habitat: Forests of this type border with moist meadows and flood plane forests.
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
91
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kolakowski, AA. 1961. Rastitel'nyi mir Kolkhidi (Plants of the Kholkheti). Moscow, Nauka.
8. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
9. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
10. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
11. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
12. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
13. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
14. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a new
species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
15. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:1-74.
16. Ochiauri, D. 1965. Materials for flora of Pshavi and Khevsureti. Tbilisi, Metsniereba, pp.
105.
17. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
91F0 GE Code of Georgia: Riparian mixed forests
91F0 of Quercus robur, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor, Fraxinus excelsior or Fraxinus
angustifolia didi mdinareebis gaswvris (Ulmenion minoris)
PAL. CLASS.: 44.4
1) General description
The riparian forest is common on the banks of large rivers and lowland areas. Dominant species
are: Flood plane oak (Quercus pedunculiflora=Q. longipes), wing-nut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia),
white aspen (Populus alba), oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia), tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima,
T. hohenackeri), buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides. Trees are covered with lianas - Vitis
vinifera ssp. sylvestris, Periploca graeca, Cynanchum acutum, Solanum persicum, etc.
In Colchic riparian forests are dominated by hornbeam and beech. Rhododendron, Ponto
and Colchic butcher’s broom, blackberry, smilax and silk-vine create a understory in Abkhazia.
In Samegrelo oak and wild pear adds to the beech and hornbeam. Planted forests of the small
area of such a forest are common in the gorges of rivers Tekhura and Abasha.
In Kartli, on the bank of river Mtkvari the forest dominating with flood-plane oak and
white aspen is developed. In the middle of the Kartli elm (Ulmus minor) and mulberry (Morus
alba) add to these species with multiple scrub and lianas. In Tbilisi surroundings the flood plane
is developed in the gorges of river Mtkvari (village Kavtiskhevi) and river Aragvi (village
Natakhtari). Here the white leaf aspen (Populus hybrida) is the dominant species. The rest are
those growing in the above-described forests – flood plane oak, mulberry, elm, buckthorn,
tamarisk, silk-vine, smilax, honey suckle, hops, clematis. The herbal cover is rich. European
dogbane (Apocynum) and Solenanthus biebersteinii are found only in this place.
At the lower current of Mtkvari, from Gardabani to the border of Azerbaijan a typical
aluvial forest is developed. A. Grosshaim calls it the Tugai type forest. Forests of such a type are
common in Georgia in the coast line of Iori, Alazani and Mtkvari.
The moist riparian forest at the lower stream of river Mtkvari is composed of large size
trees that are covered with lianas. From trees the following can be found: the flood plane oak
(Quercus pedunculiflora), black aspen (Populus nigra), the white leaf aspen (Populus hybrida),
elm (Ulmus minor), white willow (Salix alba); From bushes: hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna),
cornelius (Cornus mas), blackberry (Rubus spp.), privet (Ligustrum vulgare); lianas – ivy
92
(Hedera helix), wild vine (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris), smilax (Smilax excelsa), silk-vine
(Periploca graeca), valerian (Clematis vitalba); Herbaceous plants are: red clover (Trifolium
pratense), white clover (T. repens), cock’s foot (Dactylis glomerata).
In Kakheti riparian forests are extremely moist and frequently get covered with water.
Alazani flood planes occupy the largest area, which is stretched along the central part of Alazani
valley and its width gradually increases towards the direction of Kiziki. The forest is extremely
dense and almost impassable. Besides the oak tree the species that dominate are: hornbeam
(Carpinus betulus), maple (Acer velutinum), lime (Tilia begoniifolia), ash (Fraxinus excelsior),
elm (Ulmus minor), wild pear (Pyrus caucasica), mulberry (Morus alba), black mulberry (M.
nigra). In more moist areas dominate wing-nut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia), persimmon (Diospyros
lotus), black aspen (Populus nigra), white leaf aspen (Populus hybrida), species of the willow
and alder. The understory is created by hawthorn (Crataegus pentagyna), medlar (Mespilus
germanica), nut, elder dogwood. In drier places there are species of hawthorn, cornel, sour plum,
quince, apple, wild pear, and common maple. From lianas there are: ivy (Hedera helix), wild
grapevine (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestis), Clematis vitalba, smilax (Smilax excelsa). From
herbaceous plants - Oplismenus undulatifolium, Circaea lutetiana, Stachys sylvatica, Asperula
odorata, Pachyphragma macrophyllum, Lapsana grandiflora, Sanicula europaea, Geranium
robertianum, Salvia glutinosa. Fern and danewort are widely distributed. Here as well Althaea
cannabina, A. officinalis, Datisca cannabina, Lysimachia dubia, L. verticillaris are mixed. The
Iori flood plane is preserved in its original form in Koruhi, Sagarejo region and is strentxhed at
the length of about 1 km. The types common in this forest are: flood plane oak, wtite aspen and
elm. Ash, mulberry and oleaster are rare. In the understory tamarisk, hawthorn, pomegranate and
berberis are common. As for liana type plants, those widespread here are clematis, from
herbaceous plants - Cynanchum acutum, Plantago lanceolata, Sisymbrium loeselii and sedges.
2) Species
Plants: Acer campestre, A. velutinum, Alnus barbata, Althaea cannabina, A. officinalis,
Apocynum venetum, Asperula odorata, Berberis iberica, Carpinus betulus, Circaea lutetiana,
Clematis vitalba, Crataegus pentagyna, Cydonia oblonga, Cynanchum acutum, Dactylis
glomerata, Datisca cannabina, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Fraxinus excelsior, Geranium
robertianum, Hedera helix, Lapsana grandiflora, Lysimachia dubia, L. verticillaris, Malus
orientalis, Mespilus germanica, Morus alba, M. nigra, Oplismenus undulatifolius,
Pachyphragma macrophyllum, Periploca graeca, Plantago lanceolata, Populus alba, P.
hybrida, P. nigra, Prunus divaricata, Punica granatum, Pyrus caucasica, Quercus
pedunculiflora, Salvia glutinosa, Sambucus ebulus, Sanicula europaea, Sisymbrium loeselii,
Smilax excelsa, Solenanthus biebersteinii, Stachys sylvatica, Tamarix ramosissima, T.
hohenackeri, Tilia begoniifolia, Trifolium pratense T. repens, Ulmus minor, Vitis sylvestris.
Animals: social vole (Microtus socialis). Nesting birds are black stork (Ciconia nigra), whitetailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), locally – imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), pheasant (Fasianus
colchicus), francoline (Francolinus francolinus). Amphibians – green toad (Bufo viridis), lake
frog (Rana ridibunda), yellow-lemon treefrog (Hyla savignyi); reptiles – ring and dice snakes
(Natrix natrix, N. tesselata), red-bellied racer (Coluber schmidti), olive racer (Coluber najadum),
European glass lizard (Pseudopus apodus), middle lizard (Lacera media), Mediterranean tortoise
(Testudo graeca), occasionally – Levantine viper (Macrovipera lebetina).
3) Corresponding categories:
1. German classification: "43040501 Hartholzauenwald mit weitehend ungestörter 2.
Überflutungsdynamik", "43040502 Hartholzauenwald ohne Überflutung".
3. Nordic classification: "2223 Ulmus glabra-typ", "2236 Quercus robur-Ulmus glabra-Tilia
cordata typ".
4) Associated habitats: Riparian forests, Moist meadows, Marsh, Salty semi-desert areas
93
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery
of Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol.
2. Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The
vegetation of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kolakowski, AA. 1961. Rastitel'nyi mir Kolkhidi (Plants of the Kholkheti). Moscow,
Nauka.
8. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
9. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
10. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
11. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants),
v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
12. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
13. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
14. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
15. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
16. Ochiauri, D. 1965. Materials for flora of Pshavi and Khevsureti. Tbilisi, Metsniereba, pp.
105.
17. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian
Biodiversity. In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No
2.
91I0* Code of Georgia: Xero-thermophyte oak forest
91I0 * Euro-Siberian steppic woods with Quercus spp.
PAL. CLASS.:41.7A
1) General description
Xero-thermophyte oak forest can be found in the lower zone of east and west Georgia, southern
slopes, where Georgian oak (Quercus iberica) is mixed with the oriental hornbeam (Carpinus
orientalis). It is distributed 500-1100 meters a.s.l., grows in dry and sometimes limestone soil.
The understory usually is weakly developed and is mainly represented by the cornel and cotynus.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna,), spindle (Euonymus europaea, E. verrucosa), Swida australis,
medlar (Mespilus germanica) and oriental fleabane (Lonicera orientalis) are rare. Herbal cover
and sedge are very well developed.
2) Species
Plants: Quercus iberica, Carpinus orientalis, Acer campestre, Buglossoides purpuro-caerulea
(=Aegonichon purpuro-caeruleum), Carex michelii, Cornus mas, Cotinus coggygria, Crataegus
monogyna, Dactylis glomerata, Geum urbanum, Euonymus europaea, E. verrucosa, Lathryrus
94
aphaca, Lonicera orientalis, Mespilus germanica, Polygonatum multiflorum, Prunus spinosa,
Pulmonaria dacica, Pyrus salicifolia, Rhamnus cathartica, Sorbus torminalis, Tanacetum
vulgare, Ulmus minor, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria.
Animals: woodpeckers and other forest birds (Dendrocopus spp., Dryocopus martius, Picus
viridis), owls (Otus scops, Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars (Caprimulgus
europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia
spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia
europaea), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) and a number of other wide-spread songbirds. Typical
amphibians are Asia Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), common treefrog (Hyla arborea; at the
forest edges); in the forest ponds – Ommatotriton ophryticus, Triturus karelinii. Reptiles – slow
worm (Anguis fragilis), sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini), locally meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola); near puddles and ponds – ring snake (Natrix natrix). At
the rock faces in the mountain forest belt typical reptiles are rock lizards (Darevskia
portschinskii, D. rudis, D. dahli), smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), sporadically – in the
Lesser Caucasus – sand viper (Vipera transcaucasiana). Small mammal fauna has wide-spread
Western Ertasian species of martens and rodents – small and yellow-necked mice (Sylvaemus
flavicollis, S. uralensis), and a number of endemic rodents and insectivores: Sorex raddei, S.
volnuchini, Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus). Typical
insects are butterflies of families Satyridae and Lycaenidae, large land snails (Helix buchi, H.
lucorum, Caucasotachea calligera).
3) Corresponding categories:
1. 91I0 * Euro-Siberian steppic woods with Quercus spp.
2. PAL. CLASS.:41.7A
4) Associated habitat: This type of habitat as well as in Europe, is heavily fragmented by the
intrusion of the invasive soecies Robinia pseudoacacia.
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
8. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
10. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
11. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
12. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
13. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
95
14. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
15. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian Biodiversity.
In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
91PA-GE Code of Georgia: Dark-coniferous forest (Piceeta orientale-Abieta nordmanniana)
1) General description
After the beech forest the spruce (Picea orientalis) and the fir (Abies nordmanniana) forest is at
the second place. It occupies 15.6 % of the overall area of the forest. Out of this amount 5.6 % is
occupied by the spruce whereas 10% is dedicated to the fir. Beeches and pines are most
commonly mixed in these forests. Dark coniferous forests are common in both east and west
Georgia. It does not create the united zone and holds a specific habitat from 1000 to 2000 meters
of height. Separate species can be grown at the lower altitude (200-300 meters) or even higher
(2300-2350). On great Caucasus in east Georgia, the spruce is widely distributed in the gorge of
river Didi Liakhvi. To the east it is common in separate groups and reaches the most extreme
border of its distributed in the Aragvi gorge of river Pshavi. On small Caucasus spruce is
common in the gorge of the river Tedzami, on the slopes of the Northern exposition. In the form
of separate groups it almost reaches Tbilisi and is found in the upper part of the river Vere. The
eastern border of the distribution of the fir on Great Caucasus flows in the Didi Liakhvi gorge
whereas the Corresponding border on small Caucasus is in Algeti reserve.
Sub-types
91PA-GE-01 Dark coniferous forest without the understory (Piceeto-Abieta sine fruticosa)
The following communities are differentiated
1. The spruce forest with the moss cover (Piceeta orientale maculato-muscosa) is distributed at
the height of 1100-2100 meters. On the soil it is characterized by the thick layer of moss. The
understory is not found. However, rarely there can be found species of Caucasian honey-suckle
(Lonicera cauacsica) and spindle (Euonymus leiophloea). From the herbal cover the following
are common: Festuca drymeja, Campanula cordifolia, Oxalis acetosella, Vicia crocea, Orobus
hirsutus, Viola alba, Veronica officinalis. Above 1700 meters the following can be found:
Calamagrostis arundinacea, Valeriana alliariifolia, Calamintha grandiflora, Lapsana
grandiflora, Lilium szowitsianum, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Vaccinium myrtillus. Indicator
species are: Dryopteris carthusiana, Orthilia secunda, Moneses uniflora, Epipogium aphyllum,
Listera cordata da Goodyera repens. From mosses, the following are observed - Hylocomium
splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidisdelphus triquetrus, Dicranum scoparium,
Eurhynchium striatum, Ptilium cristacastrensis, Brachithecium velutinum.
2. Dark coniferous forest with the cover of mountain fescue (Abieta festucosa, Fageto-Abieta
festucosa, Piceeto-Abieta festucosa, Piceeta festucosa). Mountain fescue cover is common in
relatively less moist places in the fir, beech-fir, spruce-fir and spruce forests of all regions of
Georgia at the altitude from 900 to 2100 meters. In Kolkheti fir forest the following understory
species are common - Ilex colchica, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Rhododendron luteum. Hedera
colchica is rare. From herbal vegetation there are - Viola reichenbachiana, Sanicula europaea,
Oxalis acetosella, Vicia crocea, Dentaria bulbifera, Neottia nidus-avis, Cardamine pectinata.
The herbal cover above 1850 meters changes and we can see Calamagrostis arundinacea,
Milium schmidtianum, Gentiana schistocalyx, Hieracium prenanthoides, Polygonatum
verticillatum, Valeriana aliariifolia, etc.
3. Hemixerophyllic spruce forest (Piceeta sicca). Spruce forest of dry habitat is common on the
northern slope of Trialeti range 1000-1500 meters a.s.l.. Herbal cover is represented by the
following species – Poa nemoralis, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Festuca drymeja, Oxalis
96
acetosella, Polypodium vulgare, Carex buschiarum, C. digitata. Moss is distributed in fragments
in the form of spots - Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Scleropodium purum,
Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus.
4. Fir forest with sedge (Luzula sylvatica) cover (Abieta luzulosa). It is distributed on slopes of
every exposition, at the altitude of 1600-2150 meters. There is no understory but separate species
of the following plants are represented at the border of the forest - Vaccinium arctostaphylos,
Ilex colchica, Lonicera caucasica, Ribes biebersteinii, Rubus buschii, Sorbus caucasigena,
Rhododendron caucasicum. Herbal cover is represented by: Festuca drymeja, Oxalis acetosella,
Valeriana alliariifolia, Calamintha grandiflora, Viola reichenbachiana, Sanicula europaea, etc.
Milium schmidtianum, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Polygonatum verticillatum, Senecio
platyphylloides, Aconitum nasutum, etc. are distributed above 1800 meters.
5. Dark coniferous forest with low-herbal cover (Piceeta nanoherbosa, Piceeto-Abieta
nanoherbosa, Abieta nanoherbosa, Fageto-Abieta nanoherbosa) is predominantly found in moist
places, at the altitude of 1300-2000 meters in various regions of Georgia. Herbal cover is mainly
of two types. In the first case Oxalis acetosella dominates whereas in the second one - Sanicula
europaea. Other species are represented by Galium rotundifolium, Calamintha grandiflora,
Cardamine pectinata, Paris incompleta.
A special association is found on the Ajara-Guria border of the Meskheti Ridge, at the
altitude of 1600-2050 meters where together with low-herbal vegetation species of Colchic
understory are found - Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Daphne pontica, Rhododendron luteum,
Laurocerasus officinalis, Ruscus ponticum. In the limestone habitat of Bzipi gorge there are
Oxalis acetosella and Galium rotundifolium. In Abkhazia, the following arboreal plants are
found in the forest of the same type - Acer pseudoplatanus, A. platanoides, Tilia begoniifolia.
6. The dark coniferous forest with borage cover (Abieta trachystemosa, Fageto-Abieta
trachystemosa) is found in Northern Kolkheti at the altitude of 900-1900 meters both on
limetome and non-limestone rock layers. Mixed species are: Acer pseudoplatanus, A.
platanoides. Species of the understory are Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Viburnum orientale, Ilex
colchica, Rhododendron ponticum. The herbal cover is represented by Oxalis acetosella,
Polygonatum orientale, Sanicula europaea, Paris incompleta, Euphorbia macroceras, Actaea
spicata, Circaea lutetiana. At high altitude the following can be found: Cicerbita petiolata,
Prenanthes purpurea, Chaerophyllum aureum, Ligusticum alatum, Senecio platyphylloides. In
Abkhazia, in the surroundings of lake Ritsa, mountain Atsetuka, mountain fescue and borage
dominate simultaneously.
7. Beech and fir forests with fern cover (Fageto-Abiete filicosa) are found in the total massif of
west Georgia’s fir forest in the form of fragments and they are characterized by the large fern
cover - Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. oreades, Oreopteris limbosperma,
Matteuccia struthiopteris. From the herbal cover the following are worth mentioning Euphorbia macroceras, Actaea spicata, Circaea lutetiana, Impatiens noli-tangere,
Pachyphragma macrophyllum, Trachystemon orientalis, Paris incompleta, Dentaria bulbifera,
Polygonatum orientale, Carex sylvatica, etc.
8. Sub-alpine fir forest with small-reed cover (Abieta subalpina calamagrostidosa). The subalpine forest of this type is preserved only in places that are not easily accessible where grazing
almost never takes place, at the altitude of 1950-2100 meters and inclination of 25-40º, on
slopes of southern exposition and having convex relief. Beech, spruce, rarely birch (Betula
litwinowii) and mountain ash (Sorbus caucasigena) can be found. In the understory there are:
Vaccinium arctostaphylos, rarely Rhododendron luteum. From the herbaceous plants there are:
Festuca drymeja, F. gigantea, Poa nemoralis, Gadellia lactiflora, Gentiana schistocalyx,
Polygonatum verticillatum, Astrantia maxima, Valeriana tiliifolia, Solidago virgaurea,
Geranium sylvaticum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, etc.
9. Sub-alpine fir forest with the cover of various herbs (Abieta subalpina heteroherbosa) is less
studied. The reason for this is the fact that the upper border of the mountain in the place of
97
forests of such a type is most cases in lowered/dragged and replaced by the vegetation of the subalpine meadow existing there.
10. Fir forest with thin herbal cover (Abieta rariherbosa) is described in the eastern part of
northern Kolkheti. The herbal cover here is either extremely thin or is not found at all. The
species are mainly represented by xero-mezophyllic harbaceous vegetation - Poa nemoralis,
Brachypodium sylvaticum, Carex digitata, Orobus hirsutus, Lathyrus roseus, Mycelis muralis.
91PA-GE-02 Dark coniferous forest with Colchic understory (Piceeto-Abieta fruticosa
colchica)
Combination of separate species of the understory of Kolkheti is characteristic to this type of the
forest. These species are: Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), laurel (Laurocerasus
officinalis), holly (Ilex colchica), whortleberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos). It is not represented
in the amount the beech forest with the understory is and holds much less space. Several types of
communities are differentiated:
1. Dark coniferous forest with the understory of Pontic rhododendron (Piceeta rhododendrosa,
Piceeto-Abieta rhododendrosa, Abieta rhododendrosa, Fageto-Abieta rhododendrosa), mainly
found in the beech-fir forest, at the altitude of 1600-1800 meters, rarely in the eastern Georgia.
The grassy cover is rare and represented only by vegetation resistant to the shadow:
Trachystemon orientalis, Galium rotundifolium. From ferns the following can be found:
Blechnum spicant, Polystichum woronowii. These species are rare: Ruscus colchicus, Rubus
hirtus, Hedera colchica.
2. Dark coniferous forest with the understory of laurel (Piceeta laurocerasosa, Piceeto-Abieta
laurocerasosa, Abieta laurocerasosa, Fageto-Abieta laurocerasosa) is common on Great
Caucasus, in the upper forest zone, at the altitude of 2050-2100 meters, mainly in west Georgia.
It is rarely found in east Georgia. In the understory of this type, laurel grows up to 2-3 meters.
Other represented species are: holly (Ilex colchica). The rest of the species are identical to those
given in the Pontic rhododendron forest.
3. Dark coniferous forest with the holly understory (Piceeta ilicitosa, Piceeto-Abieta ilicitosa,
Abieta ilicitosa, Fageto-Abieta ilicitosa) is common in the dense forest of fir and beech trees at
the height of 1200-1700 meters. Different from the European holly (Ilex aquifolium), the Kokheti
type holly is more resistant to shadow and can only compete with Colchic butcher’s broom
(Ruscus colchicus). Therefore, in this forest we see together both plants and sometimes there is
whortleberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos) as well. Characteristic ferns are - Dryopteris filixmas, D. assimilis, Athyrium filix-femina, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, from herbaceaous plants
occur - Oxalis acetosella, Asperula odorata, Neottia nidus-avis, Epipogium aphyllum, Dentaria
bulbifera, Galium rotundifolium, Viola reichenbachiana, etc.
4. Dark coniferous forest with the whortleberry sub-zone (Piceeto-Abieta magnovacciniosa,
Abieta magnovacciniosa, Fageto-Abieta magnovacciniosa) is a rare community. It can be found
at the altitude of 1200-1900 meters. Herbal cover is extremely poor. The following are found
scattered as separate species: Festuca drymeja, Oxalis acetosella, Dentaria bulbifera, Vaccinium
myrtillus. In the basin of Tskhenistskali river at the altitude of 1900-2050 meters there are rare
communities of firs and spruces where the forest of whortleberry co-exists with the moss cover.
Festuca drymeja, Oxalis acetosella, Goodyera repens, Listera cordata, Prenanthes purpurea,
Hieracium prenanthoides, Calamagristis arundinacea, etc. are noteworthy from herbaceous
vegetation. As for mosses, they are represented by Hylocomium splendens, Eurhinchium
striatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum scoparium, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, etc.
2) Species
Plants: Abies nordmanniana, Picea orientalis, Aconitum nasutum, Asperula odorata, Astrantia
maxima, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Calamagrostis
98
arundinacea, Calamintha grandiflora, Campanula cordifolia, Cardamine pectinata, Carex
buschiarum, C. digitata, Daphne pontica, Dentaria bulbifera, Dryopteris assimilis, D.
carthusiana, D. filix-mas, Epipogium aphyllum, Euonymus leiophloea, Festuca drymeja, F.
gigantea, Gadellia lactiflora, Galium rotundifolium, Gentiana schistocalyx, Geranium
sylvaticum, Goodyera repens, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Hedera colchica, Hieracium
prenanthoides, Ilex colchica, Lapsana grandiflora, Laurocerasus officinalis, Lilium
szowitsianum, Listera cordata, Lonicera cauacsica, Luzula sylvatica, Milium schmidtianum,
Moneses uniflora, Neottia nidus-avis, Orobus hirsutus, Orthilia secunda, Oxalis acetosella,
Paris incompleta, Poa nemoralis, Polygonatum verticillatum, Polypodium vulgare, Polystichum
woronowii, Prenanthes purpurea, Rhododendron caucasicum, R. luteum, Ribes biebersteinii,
Rubus buschii, R. hirtus, Ruscus colchicus, R. ponticum, Sanicula europaea, Senecio
platyphylloides, Sorbus caucasigena, Solidago virgaurea, Trachystemon orientalis, Vaccinium
arctostaphylos, V. myrtillus, Valeriana alliariifolia, V. tiliifolia, Veronica officinalis, Vicia
crocea, Viola alba, V. reichenbachiana. Mosses - Brachithecium velutinum, Dicranum
scoparium, Eurhinchium striatum, Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Ptilium cristacastrensis, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Scleropodium purum.
Animals: woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major, D. minor, D. medius, D. syriacus, Dryocopus
martius, Picus viridis), owls (Otus scops,Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars
(Caprimulgus europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), firecrest (Regulus ingicapillus),
blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos
caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia europaea), bullfinch (Pyrrhula
pyrrhula), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Typical amphibians are Asia
Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), Caucasian parsley frog (Pelodytes caucasicus), common toad
(Bufo (bufo) verrucosissimus), common treefrog (Hyla arborea); banded newt (Ommatotriton
ophryticus), in the Lesser Caucasus – Caucasian salamander (Mertensiella caucasica). Reptiles –
slow worm (Anguis fragilis), Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini), meadow lizard (Darevskia
praticola); Caucasian viper (Vipera kaznakowi); ring snake (Natrix natrix). At the rock faces in
the mountain forest belt typical reptiles are rock lizards with local distributions (Darevskia rudis,
D.parvula, D. mixta, D. caucasica, D. clarkorum, D. brauneri ), smooth snake (Coronella
austriaca). Small mammals are small and yellow-necked mice (Sylvaemus flavicollis, S.
uralensis), and a number of endemic species: Chionomys roberti, Sorex raddei, S. volnuchini,
Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus. Typical insects are
butterflies of families Satyridae and Lycaenidae, near brooks – ground beetles of genus
Pterostichus, endemic large land snail Helix buchi, high diversity of soil invertebrates.
3) Corresponding categories:
1. 91P0 Holy Cross fir forests (Abietetum polonicum)
2. PAL. CLASS.:42.134
4) Associated habitat
Dark coniferous forest frequently borders with the beech forest. It is especially near the beech
forests having hemixetophylic and Colchic type understories. Sub-alpine fir forest, frequently
replaced by sub-alpine berbs.
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery
of Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
99
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol.
2. Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The
vegetation of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
Kolakowski, AA. 1961. Rastitel'nyi mir Kolkhidi (Plants of the Kholkheti). Moscow,
Nauka.
Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants),
v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian
Biodiversity. In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
91PK-GE Code of Georgia: Caucasian Pine forest (Pinus kochiana)
1) General description
A widely distributed species of the pine in Georgia is - Pinus kochiana (=P. hamata, P.
sosnowskyi). It is the species related to the European pine (Pinus sylvestris). The area of its
common distribution is Caucasus, Crimea and western part of small Asia, Ponto mountains. In
Georgia pine forests are mainly common in the mountains. In east Georgia it follows the Mtkvari
gorge, creates a pure stand on the Gombori range, Mariamjvari reserve and Tusheti. In west
Georgia it is mixed with coniferous forests, the pure stand is only in rocky locations. Vertical
borders on the distribution of the pine forest are from 700 to 2400 meters a.s.l.. Optimum
conditions for the distribution are at the altitude of 1000-2200 meters. In certain places pine is
found at the altitude of 2500-2600 meters. The pine grows both on limestone and volcanic layers.
The pine rocky forest is especially distinguished in terms of the great variety of species.
Sub-types
91PK-GE 01 Caucasian pine forest of dry ecotope
1. Pine forest with tragacantha (Astaracantha microcephala) vegetation is common in Meskheti,
near village Damala. The following are represented in the herbaceous cover: Astragalus Astragalus arguricus, A. raddeanus, sainfoin - Onobrychis sosnowskyi, fetch - Vicia
akhmaganica, sage - Salvia compare, skullcap - Scutellaria sosnowskyi, psephelus - Psephellus
meskheticus, etc.
On the northern slopes of Trialeti range there is a pine forest with Chamaecytisus
caucasicus and in Abkhazia the pine forest is developed where the lower plant layer is composed
of C. hirsutissimus. In Ajara, in the same community another species is found, namely, C.
salvifolius.
2. The pine forest of limestone on Tetrobi-Chobareti range (1800-2000 meters) is characterized
by a slightly different composition. Earlier the pine distribution here was considered as endemic
100
P. kochiana, whereas a more widely distributed was called “Sosnowski pine” (P. sosnowskyi). At
the moment they are considered as one species. However, the Tetrobi pine forest according to the
composition is considered as a peculiar refugium where pine is mixed with mountain steppes. In
this community overall 48 species of vascular plants are represented. The following species of
herbaceous plants are associated with Pinus kochiana: Steven arenaria - Arenaria steveniana,
Sosnowski chickweed - Cerastium sosnowskyi, Voronov minuartsia - Minuartia woronowii,
caryophylaceae campion - Silene dianthoides, Sosnowski houseleek - Sempervivum sosnowskyi,
astragalus - Astragalus arguricus, A. campylosema, Javakheti lucerne - Medicago
dzhawakhetica, sun-rose – Helianthemum nummularium, H. orientale, Transcaucasian daphne Daphne transcaucasica,prickly thrift - Acantholimon glumaceum, hogweed - Heracleum
antasiaticum, bedstraw - Galium grusinum, cornflower - Centaurea bella, hawksbread - Crepis
pinnatifida, grapevine hyacinth - Muscari sosnowskyi, etc. This phytosenosis is quite rich with
endemic species that are mainly common on the limestones of the tetrobi plateau. Diphelypaea
coccinea (the blooming parasite) and asphodelo - Asphodeline taurica need to be mentioned
especially.
3. Seaside pine forest with endemic Bichvinta pine (Pinus pithyusa) grows on the plain place in
the form of the stand (Bichvinta stand) and is distributed on steep lime stone slopes 200 meters
a.s.l.. This species of the pine is a big type of a tree, with large cones and needles. It grows in
groups and is encountered in the form of separate species as well. Often it is mixed with the oakoriental hornbeam forest. It can be found in the Gagra surroundings. Where the Bichvinta pine
does not create a strong stand, a large size wide open forest windows are created, in which often
xerophite and forest vegetation are represented. Ever-green forest elements and a large amount
of blackberry are rare. The following are to be noted: Ruscus ponticus, Rhus coriaria, Mespilus
germanica, Hippophaë rhamnoides, Cistus tauricus, Orobus laxiflorus, Galium mullogo,
Psoralea bituminosa.
91PK-GE 02 Caucasian pine tree forest of moderately moist ecotope.
It is mixed coniferous-broad leaved type of a forest where spruce, fir, birch, beech, rowan, ash,
etc. dominate. The following communities are differentiated:
1) Pine forest with the understory of blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) - Pineta myrtillosa,
2) Pine forest with cover of yellow sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) - Pineta oxalidosa,
3) Pine forest with the understory of red blueberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) - Pineta vacciniosa,
4) Pine forest with the understory of Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) - Pineta
rhododendrosa,
5) Pine forest with the mixed understory - Pineta mixtofruticosa,
6) Pine forest with the understory of azalea (Rhododendron luteum) - Pinetum azaleosum,
7) Pine and lime (Tilia begoniifolia) forest - Pinetum tiliosum.
First three communities are common in Tusheti, on slopes with northern exposition where the
flora-genetic complex is closer to the boreal taiga type. The remaining four communities are
characteristic to mountain regions of west Georgia. The following communities are also
diffrentiated in Tusheti:
8) Pine forest with dry cover, Pinetum siccum.
9) Pine forest with summer sypress (Cytisus caucasicus) cover, Pinetum cytisosum.
10) Pine forest with small reed (Calamagrostis arundinacea) cover, Pinetum
calamagrostidosum,
In Ajara, along the middle current of river Ajaristskali, pine is introduced into the oak forest
where varied herbal cover is developed.
11) Pine forest with green cover, Pinetum prasinosum.
91PK-GE 03 Cucasian pine marsh forest
Separate species of the pine are scattered in peat marshes, which is situated in Ajara, near
Kobuleti – Ispani I and Ispani II. This marsh is very similar to Northern European marsh type.
101
Some authors consider it a refugium, which did not change as a result of the ice age. The proof
of this hypothesis is the existence of such palaearctic and boreal relict species as: Osmunda
regalis, Calluna vulgaris, Frangula alnus, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Drosera rotundifolia, etc.
Population of the orchid (Spiranthes amoena) was also found here, which is distributed in far
east, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia and the closest population encountered is in Carpathian
mountains. Similar marsh is described near village Smekalovka, Ajara, which is created by
especially endemic moss (Sphagnum batumense). The marshy forest of this type is found in the
western part of upper Imereti, river Kvirila gorge, near village Sakara.
91PK-GE 04 Caucasian pine rock-scree forest
Caucasian pine rock-scree forest is distributed on the slopes of rocky southern exposition dry
ecotone or limestone layers. Several communities are differentiated:
1. Rock pine forest with scattered herbal cover (Pineta rariherbosa) grows on clear rocky slopes
with a thin soil layer where herbal cover is rare due to the washing out of the soil.
2. Rock pine forest with xerophyte herbal cover (Pineta xeroherbosa) is characteristic to the
society which is found on southern slopes of Meskheti, Ajara-Imereti and Trialeti range.
However, pine is more common in spruce forests on northern slopes. In these forests, 1500
meters a.s.l. the second zone is created by the Georgain oak (Quercus iberica), whereas above
1500 meters there is high mountain oak (Q. macranthera). There are also species of maple. The
herbal cover is represented by - Carex buschiorum, Poa nemoralis, Brachypodium sylvaticum,
Sesleria anatolica, etc.
2) Species
Plants: Pinus kochiana, P. pithyusa, Acantholimon glumaceum, Arenaria steveniana,
Asphodeline taurica, Astaracantha microcephala Astragalus arguricus, A. campylosema, A.
raddeanus, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Calluna vulgaris, Carex
buschiorum, Centaurea bella, Cerastium sosnowskyi, Chamaecytisus caucasicus, C.
hirsutissimus, Cistus tauricus, Crepis pinnatifida, Cytisus caucasicus, Daphne transcaucasica,
Diphelypaea coccinea, Drosera rotundifolia, Frangula alnus, Galium grusinum, G. mullogo,
Helianthemum nummularium, H. orientale, Heracleum antasiaticum, Hippophaë rhamnoides,
Mespilus germanica, Minuartia woronowii, Medicago dzhawakhetica, Muscari sosnowskyi,
Onobrychis sosnowskyi, Orobus laxiflorus, Osmunda regalis, Oxalis acetosella, Poa nemoralis,
Psephellus meskheticus, Psoralea bituminosa, Quercus iberica Q. macranthera, Rhododendron
ponticum, R. luteum, Rhus coriaria, Ruscus ponticus, Scutellaria sosnowskyi, Sempervivum
sosnowskyi, Sesleria anatolica, Silene dianthoides, Sphagnum batumense, Spiranthes amoena,
Tilia begoniifolia, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, V. myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea, Vicia akhmaganica.
Animals: typical birds are Troglodytes troglodytes, Garrulus glandarius, Phoenicurus
phoenicurus, Fringilla coelebs, F. montifringilla, Carduelis spinus, Anthus spp., Dendrocopos
major, Dryocopus martius, Cuculus canoris. Terrestrial vertebrates the same as in the
surrounding landscapes. The commonest mammal is introduced red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).
3) Corresponding categories
1. 44.A2 - Scots pine mire woods
2. 44.A3 - Mountain pine bog woods
3. 44.A4 - Mire spruce woods
4) Associated habitat
1. Oak forests;
2. Marsh vegetation;
3. Vegetation of the rock-scree;
4. Dark coniferous forests.
102
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery
of Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol.
2. Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The
vegetation of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
8. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
10. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants),
v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
11. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
12. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
13. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
14. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
15. Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian
Biodiversity. In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
91PP-GE* Code of Georgia: Bichvinta Pine Forest (Pinus pithyusa)
1) General description
Bichvinta pine (Pinus pithyusa) is distributed along Black Sea coast on Bichvinta rock cape and
on southern slopes of Calcareous Mountain massive of Gagra, Abkhazia. The square of this
forest is ca. 250-300 ha.
The following plant communities are described:
1. Pine forest with understory of Cistus creticus. The dominant species are - Ruscus ponticus,
Mespilus germanica and Hedera helix.
2. Pine forest with understory of oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis). The dominant species
are - Ruscus ponticus, Ligustrum vulgare, Lonicera caprifolium and Hedera helix.
3. Pine forest with understory of Ruscus ponticus. The dominant species are - Brachypodium
sylvaticum, Festuca drymeja.
4. Pine forest with undersory of grasses. The dominant species are - Sesleria anatolica, Poa
nemoralis, Psoralea bituminosa, Anthemis euxina.
2) Species
Plants: Pinus pithyusa, Anthemis euxina, Cistus creticus, Hedera helix, Ruscus ponticus,
Ligustrum vulgare, Lonicera caprifolium, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Festuca drymeja, Poa
nemoralis, Psoralea bituminosa, Sesleria anatolica.
103
3) Corresponding categories
None
4) Associated habitat
1. Oak forests;
2. Marsh vegetation;
3. Vegetation of the rock-scree;
4. Dark coniferous forests.
Bibliography
16. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
17. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
18. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
19. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol.
2. Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
20. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The
vegetation of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
21. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
22. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
23. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
24. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants),
v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
25. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
91TB-GE* Code of Georgia: Yew forest (Taxus baccata)
1) General description
Yew - Taxus baccata, is preserved in the form of the mono-dominant forest in Batsara reserve,
Akhmeta region, Kakheti. It grows on the slopes of northern, northern-western exposition, moist
carbonated soil, 900-1350 meters a.s.l.. Its compatible species are beech, hornbeam, maple
(Acer laetum) and very rarely, lime. The understory and the herbal cover are not found. Vertical
distribution of Yew varies in west and east Georgia. In Kolkheti it is found in the form of the
lower floor up to 1500 meters a.s.l. in Colchic type forests. In eastern Georgia it is distributed
above 700 meters and is found in the form of small groups of species in beech and oak-hornbeam
forests in almost all gorges of left tributaries of Alazani River. Relatively large stands are in
Nichbisi and Pshavi Aragvi gorge, village Kanatia.
2) Species
Plants: Taxus baccata, Acer laetum, Fagus orientalis, Tilia begoniifolia.
Animals: birds – Loxia curvirostra, Troglodytes troglodytes, Garrulus glandarius, Phoenicurus
phoenicurus, Fringilla coelebs, F. montifringilla, Carduelis spinus, Anthus spp., Dendrocopos
major, Dryocopus martius, Cuculus canoris.
3) Corresponding categories
1. 91J0 * Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles. PAL.CLASS.: 42.A71
2. 9120GE-04 beech forest with the understory of Yew (Taxus baccata), holly (Ilex colchica)
and ivy (Hedera pastuchovii) (Fageta taxceto-ilicitosa-hederosa)
104
Code of Georgia: 91GE-FC beech forest with Kolkhic type understory (Fageta fruticosa
colchica).
3. Code of Georgia: 9180GE Mixed trees of the slope, fall-out and the cleft (Tilio-Acerion).
4. United Kingdom classification: "W13 Taxus baccata woodland".
5. 9210 * Apennine beech forests with Taxus and Ilex. PAL.CLASS.: 41.181, 41.185 and 41.186
6. 9580 * Mediterranean Taxus baccata woods. PAL.CLASS.: 42.A72 and 42.A73
7. PAL.CLASS.: 42.A72 - Corsican yew woods - Formations of Taxus baccata, Ilex aquifolium,
Buxus sempervirens restricted to cool, montane areas in the Tenda range, the San Pedrone range
and the Cap Corse mountains;
8. PAL.CLASS.: 42.A73 - Sardinian yew woods - Taxus baccata and Ilex aquifolium woods of
the Catena del Marghine and the Mount Limbara system. In the north and centre of Portugal
there are Taxus baccata relicts, sometimes in small isolated formations (Serras do Gerês and
Estrela), that may be included in this habitat type.
4) Associated habitat
1. 91GE: Beech forest
2. 91GE-FC Beech forest with Colchic understory (Fageta fruticosa colchica)
3. Kolheti broad-leaved mixed forest
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery
of Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
5. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
91CBGE Code of Georgia: Hornbeam forest (Carpinus betulus)
1) General description
Carpinus betulus is widely distributed in Georgia. It grows on fertile, well-drained soil. From
mixed species dominate beech or the oak in other locations. The hornbeam is the component of
the polidominant forest and is common together with other species.
Sub-types:
91CB-GE 01 Hornbeam forest with Colchic type understory
Four communities are characteristic:
1. Hornbeam forest with the understory of azalea, C. betulus - Rhododendron luteum, is found in
both west and east Georgia. Namely, Kakheti and Aragvi gorges.
2. Hornbeam forest with the understory of blueberry, C. betulus - Vaccinium arctostaphylos, is
found only in west Georgia (Abkhazia, Upper Svaneti, Guria), at the altitude of 900-1750
meters.
3. Hornbeam forest with the understory of Pontic rhododendron, C. betulus - Rhododendron
ponticum, is found on the slope of the northern exposition, in the lower zone of the forest (100800 meters a.s.l.) where there is no limestone layer.
105
4. Hornbeam forest with laurel understory, C. betulus - Laurocerasus officinalis. It occupies
rocky, stretching downhill slopes of northern exposition both on limestone and non-limestone
places 300-800 meters a.s.l..
91CB-GE 02 Hornbeam forest without the understory
1. Hornbeam forest with meadow grass cover, C. betulus -Poa angustifalia,
2. Hornbeam forest with fescue cover, C. betulus - Festuca drymeja,
3. Hornbeam forest with herbal cover, C. betulus - multiherbosa,
4. Hornbeam forest with borage cover, C. betulus - Trachystemon orientalis.
2) Species
Plants: Carpinus betulus, Fagus orientalis, Festuca drymeja, Laurocerasus officinalis, Poa
angustifalia, Quercus iberica, Rhododendron luteum, R. ponticum, Trachystemon orientalis,
Vaccinium arctostaphylos.
Animals: dormice (Myoxus glis, Dryomys nitedula), Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus),
songbirds (Fringilla coelebs, Troglodytes troglodytes, Parus spp., Aegithalos caudatus, Sitta
europaea, Garrulus glandarius, Dendrocopos spp., Picus viridis).
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat
1. Oak forests
2. Beech forests
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery
of Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
5. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
9.2. Mediterranean deciduous forests
9260CS-GE* Code of Georgia: Chestnut forest (Castanea sativa)
9260 Castanea sativa forest
PAL.CLASS.: 41.9
1) General description
The chestnut forest (Castanea sativa) is found both in west and east Georgia. However, in the
west is holds a larger territory. Pure stand of the chestnut forest is rare. It is mainly mixed with
beech or hornbeam. It is typical on shaded slopes. The border of vertical distribution in west
Georgia varies between 100 and 900-1000 meters. It reaches highest altitude at 1450 meters. In
east Georgia the lower boundary of its distribution varies between 400-500 meters and the upper
boundary is 1350-1380 meters. It grows on brown soils, does not like calcium but can be found
in some limestone regions.
106
Sub-types:
9260CS-GE-01 Chestnut forest with borage cover, C. sativa-Trachystemon orientalis; It can be
found in west Georgia, beech-chestnut forests or hornbeam- beech-chestnut forests.
9260CS-GE-02 Chestnut forest with fern cover, C. sativa-Dryopteris filix-mas occupies rocky
slopes. Associated species are - Alnus barbata, Ulmus carpinifolia, Acer laetum, Fagus
orientalis, Carpinus betulus.
9260CS-GE-03 Chestnut forest with herbal cover, C. sativa, Sanicula europaea, Asperula
odorata, Festuca drymeja, Paris incompleta, Polygonatum orientale. From liana type plants ivy
(Hedera helix) is typical in this community.
9260CS-GE-04 Chestnut forest with azalea understory, C. sativa - Rhododendron luteum. It is
mainly distributed in west Georgia but can be found in several place of Kakhetian Caucasus.
92CS-GE-05 Chestnut forest with Caucasian blueberry understory, C. sativa - Vaccinium
arctostaphylos. It is characteristic to Abkhasia. Mixed species are: beech and more rarely
hornbeam.
9260CS-GE-06 Chestnut forest with the understory of Pontic Rhododendron, C. sativa Rhododendron ponticum. It can be found in mountain regions of west Georgia, in beech and
hornbeam forests. Its hight in the forests of such a type reaches 3-4 meters.
9260CS-GE-07 Chestnut forest with laurel understory, C. sativa - Laurocerasus officinalis. It is
extremely rare. Often laurel is mixed with Pontic Rhododendron.
2) Species
Plants: Castanea sativa, Fagus orientalis, Carpinus betulus, Acer laetum, Alnus barbata,
Asperula odorata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Festuca drymeja, Hedera helix, Laurocerasus officinalis
Paris incompleta, Polygonatum orientale, Rhododendron luteum, R. ponticum, Sanicula
europaea, Trachystemon orientalis, Ulmus carpinifolia, Vaccinium arctostaphylos.
Animals: Majority of the vertebrate animal species the same as in other types of mountain
forests. Characteristic endemic terrestrial vertebrates are Robert’s vole (Chionomys roberti),
Caucasian toad (Bufo (bufo) verrucosissimus), Caucasian mud-diver (Pelodytes caucasicus),
Artwin, brauner’s and ajarian lizards (Darevskia derjugini, D. brauneri, D. mixta), Caucasian
viper (Vipera kaznakowi), Buch’s snail (Helix buchi).
3) Corresponding categories
1. 9260 Castanea sativa woods. PAL.CLASS.: 41.9
2. 91L0 Illyrian oak –hornbeam forests (Erythronio-Carpinion). PAL.CLASS.: 41.2A
4) Associated habitats: Colchic broad-leaved mixed forest, Oak-hornbeam forest
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery
of Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
107
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol.
2. Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The
vegetation of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
Kolakowski, AA. 1961. Rastitel'nyi mir Kolkhidi (Plants of the Kholkheti). Moscow,
Nauka.
Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants),
v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a
new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
Ochiauri, D. 1965. Materials for flora of Pshavi and Khevsureti. Tbilisi, Metsniereba, pp.
105.
Tarkhnishvili, D. Kikodze D., eds.,1996. Principal characteristics of Georgian
Biodiversity. In Natura Caucasica (publication of the NGO CUNA Georgica) vol. 1. No 2.
92ZC-GE* Code of Georgia: Zelkova forest (Zelkova carpinifolia)
1) General description
Zelkova (Zelkova carpinifolia) is the relict of the arctic-tertiary period flora. Its areal of general
distribution is Kolkheti and Lenkorani in Azerbaijan. In the form of refugiums on small
territories it is found in Kakheti and Karabakh. Monodominant forest of zelkova is extremely
rare. Such a forest is preserved in Akhmeta region, Babaneuli reserve. Zelkova stand is found in
Akhmeta region in several places – Pichkhovani, Laliskuri and Argokhi. Forests occur on foothills of the mountains, slopes of various expositions at the altitude of 430-500 meters. In west
Georgia zelkova forest occupies lower places. The upper margin of its distribution is 750 meters.
However, in Karabakh and Lenkoran it can be found at the altitude of up to 1700 meters. In
Kolkheti Zelkova forest is mixed with other deciduous plants - Q. imeretina, Q. iberica, Q.
hartwissiana, Carpinus betulus, C. orientalis.
Sub-types:
92ZC-GE-01 Zelkova – hornbeam and oak forests - Zelkova-Carpineto-Quercetum, are
characteristic to west Georgia. The following communities are differentiated:
1. Zelkova forest with Imereti oak, Zelkoveto-Querceta (Quercus imeretina),
2. Zelkova forest with oak and Colchic butcher’s broom, Zelkoveto-Querceta ruscosa
(Ruscus colchicus),
3. Zelkova forest with oak and false-brome cover, Zelkoveto-Querceta brachypodiosa
(Brachypodium sylvaticum),
4. Zelkova forest with oak and azalea, Zelkoveto-Querceta rhododendrosa (Rhododendron
luteum),
5. Zelkova forest with oak and sedge cover, Zelkoveto-Querceta juncosa (Juncus effusus),
6. Zelkova forest with oak and hornbeam, Zelkoveto-Querceto carpinosa (Carpinus betulus).
108
92ZC-GE-02 Zelkova and oriental hornbeam forest - Zelkova carpinifolia - Carpinus
orientalis, is characteristic to east Georgia. The following communities are observed:
1. Zelkova and Jerusalem thorn forest, Zelkoveta Paliureto (Paliurus spina-christi)
2. Zelkova forest with astragal, Zelkoveta astragalosa (Astragalus brachycarpus),
3. Zelkova forest with oriental hornbeam, Zelkoveto-Carpineta (Carpinus orientalis),
4. Zelkova forest with hawthorn and bog cranesbill, Zelkoveto-Crataegeta (Crataegus
pentagyna) geraniosa (Geranium palustre)
5. Zelkova forest with nut and wild basil, Juglandeto-Zelkoveta clinopodiosa
(Clinopodium vulgare).
2) Species
Plants: Zelkova carpinifolia, Astragalus brachycarpus, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Clinopodium
vulgare, Carpinus betulus, C. orientalis, Crataegus pentagyna, Geranium palustre, Juglans
regia, Juncus effusus, Paliurus spina-christi, Quercus hartwissiana, Q. iberica, Q. imeretina,
Rhododendron luteum, Ruscus colchicus.
Animals: the fauna relatively poor. Amphibian and reptile fauna is composed of wide-spread
species – Rana ridibunda, Bufo viridis, Bufo (bufo) verrucosissimus, Hyla arborea, Lacerta
agilis, Darevskia rudis (on rock faces and buildings), Anguis fragilis, Coronella austriaca (on
rock faces), Natrix natrix, N. tesselata (near ponds and pools). Small mammals – Apodemys
flavicollis, Myoxus glis. Large terrestrial snails – Helix lucorum, Caucasotachea caligera.
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat
1. Oak- and hornbeam forest
2. Oak- and oriental hornbeam forest
3. Code of Georgia: 91GE-FC Beech forest with Colchic understory (Fageta
fruticosa colchica)
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
3. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
4. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
5. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
6. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
8. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
9. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
10. Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
11. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
109
12. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a new
species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
13. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:1-74.
92BCGE* Code of Georgia: Forest with Boxwood (Buxus colchica)
1) General description
Colchic boxwood (Buxus colchica) is the related species of the boxwood growing in Europe (B.
sempervirens). It is mainly found in west Georgia, limestone massifs, Abkhazia, Samegrelo and
Racha-Lechkhumi. Amplitude of vertical distribution is 1300 meters a.s.l.. It participates in the
formation of hornbeam and other broad-leaved forests. In forests of this type the following
endemic species characteristic to limestones are represented in large amounts - Ruscus ponticus,
Hedera helix, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Carex divulsa, C. transsilvanica, Veronica
peduncularis, V. persica.
In east Georgia boxwood stands are in abundance in Aragvi gorge, Saguramo,
Bulachauri, Navdaraant Kari. In Kakheti boxwood stands are encountered in several places. The
boxwood hill is common in Kvareli surroundings, on the Bursa river bank; Devubani, Sviana
Khevi, Chontis Khevi, Saborio Khevi and Didgori. Hornbeam, Georgian oak, lime and beech are
compatible species of the mentioned boxwood forests in R. Stori gorge. The boxwood here
creates the secondary layer. There are different opinions on the primary origin of the boxwood in
east Georgia. Some researchers consider that it is the tertiary relict, which is preserved in
refugiums (Troitsky, 1928; Matikashvili, 1953; Gurgenishvili, 1967). Majority though thinks that
the box was planted at the surrounding of churches and it has been naturalized into the natural
habitat.
2) Species
Plants: Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Buxus colchica, Carex divulsa, C. transsilvanica, Carpinus
betulus, Fagus orientalis, Hedera helix, Quercus iberica, Ruscus ponticus, Tilia begoniifolia,
Veronica peduncularis, V. persica.
Animals: the fauna relatively poor. Amphibian and reptile fauna is composed of wide-spread
species – Rana ridibunda, Bufo viridis, Bufo (bufo) verrucosissimus, Hyla arborea, Lacerta
agilis, Darevskia rudis (on rock faces and buildings), Anguis fragilis, Coronella austriaca (on
rock faces), Natrix natrix, N. tesselata (near ponds and pools). Small mammals – Apodemys
flavicollis, Myoxus glis. Large terrestrial snails – Helix lucorum, Caucasotachea caligera.
3) Corresponding categories
1. 42.A72 - Corsican yew woods - Formations of Taxus baccata, Ilex aquifolium, Buxus
sempervirens
2. Code of Georgia: 91GE-FC Beech forest with Kolheti understory (Fageta
fruticosa colchica)
4) Associated habitat
1. Hornbeam forest
2. Colchic broad-leaved mixed forest
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report,
(1996., Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the
Republic of Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre
for Recovery of Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
110
2.
7.
Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision
Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian
Plants), v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Kutubidze M. 1985. Key for Georgian Birds. Tbilisi State Univ. press, Tbilisi.
8.
Matikashvili, V. 1953. Boxwood stand in Kakheti. Proc. Tbilisi Bot. Gard. 15:206-209.
3.
4.
5.
6.
9. Nakhutsrishvili G. (Ed.) 1985. Flora and Vegetation of Svaneti. Tbilisi. Metsniereba.
10. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena –
a new species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
11. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia
15:1-74.
12. Troitsky, N.A. 1928. Boxwod on Saguramo range. Works Tifl. State Polytechnical
Institute 3.
9BCGE* Code of Georgia: Colchic relic broad-leaved mixed forest
1) General description
Colchic broad-leaved mixed forest is mainly distributed in west Georgia, non-marshy lowland
places and lower zone of the forest. It holds the eastern slopes of Ajara-Imereti range and
northern-western part of Great Caucasus. The boundary of vertical distribution is from 200 to
1000-2000 meters a.s.l.. However, in the southern part of Kolkheti it goes down to almost the sea
level.
Yellow, brown and red soil of the forest can be found in the area of its distribution.
Characteristic climatic feature is high humidity. Annual average precipitation in such types of a
forest amounts to 2500 mm. Such a high index of moisture is mainly characteristic to narrow
gorges, where the annual precipitation is almost always equal and the temperature is moderate.
Colchic forest differs from other broad-leaved forests by the ever-green understory with special
composition of species. It contains many relict mezophytic species of the Caucasus. It is
especially represented by tertiary period relicts. Among them the poikilohydric living relict, fern
- Hymenophyllum tunbrigense is worth noting. It grows in Southern Kolkheti. Overall in such a
type of a forest 50 coniferous/evergreen and 80 herbaceous species are described. 6 dominant
tree species are distinguished, that create syntaxons of various composition – chestnut (Castanea
sativa), beech (Fagus orientalis), Imereti oak (Quercus imeretina), Colchic oak (Q.
hartwissiana), Alder (Alnus barbata) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).
From hard-wood plants the following are common: Zelkova (Zelkova carpintfolia),
Georgian oak (Q. iberica), elm (Ulmus glabra, U. elliptica), maple (Acer laetum), Norway maple
(Acer platanoides), wire-but (Pterocarya fraxinifolia), lime (Tilia begoniifolia), maple (Acer
campestre), willow (Salix micans, S. pantosericea), Caucasian wild pear (Pyrus caucasica),
apple (Malus orientalis), Diospyros lotus, ash (Fraxinus excelsior), pine (Pinus kochiana) and
Yew (Taxus baccata).
From ever-green bushes the following are worth noting: Rhododendron ponticum, Laurus
nobilis, Ruscus colchicus, R. ponticus, Daphne pontica, Ilex colchica, Rhododendron ungernii,
Epigaea gaultherioides and Buxus colchica.
From deciduous bushes the following can be encountered: relict Vaccinium
arctostaphylos, Staphylea colchica, Viburnum orientale, Philadelphus caucasicus, Euonymus
leiophloea, Hypericum xylosteifolium, Swida australis, Corylus avellana, Frangula alnus,
Mespilus germanica, Rubus caucasicus; Crataegus microphylla, etc.
111
Ferns are represented by Matteuccia struthioptenis, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum
spicant, Dryopteris affinis, etc. The epiphytic ferns are represented by Polypodium serratum. On
cliff grow: Phyllitis scolopendrium, Pteris cretica, etc. Lianas are widely represented and create
a an impenetrable plant cover, especially, in forests. Widely distributed species are: Colchic ivy
(Hedera colchica), Tamus (Tamus communis) and silk-vine (Periploca graeca), hops (Humulus
lupulus), prickly ivy (Smilax excelsa) and clematis (Clematis vitalba, C. viticella). In Abkhazia
there are Caucasian Dioscorea (Dioscorea caucasica), wild vine (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris, V.
labrusca); characteristic species also are epiphytic lichen old man’s beard (Usnea barbata) and
mosses (from Neckeraceae family).
The following representatives of herbaceous plants are common: Brachypodium
sylvaticum, Oplismenus undulatifolius, Cardamine impatiens, Oxalis corniculata, Fragaria
vesca, Lapsana intermedia, Brunnera macrophylla, Clinopodium vulgare, Arthraxon
langsdorffii, Salvia glutinosa, Veronica officinalis, Viola alba.
Invasive species are: Northern-American Baccharis halimifolia, Pan-tropical Paspalum
paspaloides, Andropogon virginicus, etc.
Sub-types:
9BC-GE-01 Beech-chestnut forest (Fagus orientalis - Castanea sativa;) is a moist forest,
widespread on slightly declined slopes, clay soil.
9BC-GE-02 Hornbeam-chestnut forest (Carpinus betulus - Castanea sativa)
9BC-GE-03 Beech-chestnut-hornbeam forest (Carpinus betulus - Fagus orientalis-Castanea
sativa)
9BC-GE-04 Beech – alder -chestnut-hornbeam forest (Alnus barbata - Carpinus betulus - Fagus
orientalis - Castanea sativa) can be found in moit, slightly incluned locations of the northern
slope.
9BC-GE-05 Hornbeam forest with oak (Carpinus betulus -Quercus harwissiana)is found in
Abkhazia on the terrace up to 30 meters a.s.l.
9BC-GE-06 Imereti oak and hornbeam riparian forest (Quercus imeretina-Carpinus
betulus)grows along moist narrow gorges.
9BC-GE-07 Colchic broad-leaved mixed forest with boxwood (Buxus colchica) understory is
found in limestone places.
9BC-GE-08 Colchic broad-leaved mixed forest with Pontic Rhododendron (Rhododendron
ponticum) understory is found in Ajara at the altitude of 960-1060 meters in the Koronistskali
river gorge. Characteristic features are:
Epigaea gaulterioides, Ilex colchica, Betula
medwedewii, Quercus pontica, Vaccinium arctostaphyllos, Viburnum orientale, Rhododendron
luteum, R. ponticum, R. ungernii.
2) Species
Plants: Alnus barbata, Castanea sativa, Diospyros lotus, Fagus orientalis, Quercus imeretina,
Q. hartwissiana, Q. iberica, Acer campestre, A. laetum, A. platanoides, Andropogon virginicus,
Arthraxon langsdorffii, Athyrium filix-femina, Baccharis halimifolia, Blechnum spicant,
Brachypodium sylvaticum, Brunnera macrophylla, Buxus colchica, Cardamine impatiens,
Carpinus betulus, Clinopodium vulgare, Corylus avellana, Crataegus microphylla, Daphne
pontica, Dryopteris affinis, Epigaea gaultherioides, Euonymus leiophloea, Fragaria vesca,
Frangula alnus, Fraxinus excelsior, Hymenophyllum tunbrigense, Hypericum xylosteifolium,
Ilex colchica, Lapsana intermedia, Laurus nobilis, Malus orientalis, Matteuccia struthioptenis,
Mespilus germanica, Oplismenus undulatifolius, Oxalis corniculata, Paspalum paspaloides,
Philadelphus caucasicus, Pinus kochiana, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Pyrus caucasica,
Rhododendron ponticum, R. ungernii, Rubus caucasicus, Ruscus colchicus, R. ponticus, Salix
micans, S. pantosericea, Salvia glutinosa, Staphylea colchica, Swida australis, Taxus baccata,
112
Tilia begoniifolia, Ulmus glabra, U. elliptica, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Veronica officinalis,
Viburnum orientale, Viola alba, Zelkova carpintfolia.
Animals: woodpeckers (Dendrocopus major, D. minor, D. medius, D. syriacus, Dryocopus
martius, Picus viridis), owls (Otus scops,Aegolius funereus, Strix aluco, Bubo bubo), nightjars
(Caprimulgus europaeus), cuckoo (Cuculus canoris), firecrest (Regulus ingicapillus),
blackbirds and trushes (Turdus spp.), whitetroats (Sylvia spp.), tits (Parus spp., Aegithalos
caudatus), nuthatches and tree-creepers (Sitta spp., Certhia europaea), bullfinch (Pyrrhula
pyrrhula), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Typical amphibians are Asia
Minor frog (Rana macrocnemis), Caucasian parsley frog (Pelodytes caucasicus), common toad
(Bufo (bufo) verrucosissimus), common treefrog (Hyla arborea); banded newt (Ommatotriton
ophryticus), in the Lesser Caucasus – Caucasian salamander (Mertensiella caucasica). Reptiles –
slow worm (Anguis fragilis), Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini), meadow lizard (Darevskia
praticola); Caucasian viper (Vipera kaznakowi); ring snake (Natrix natrix). At the rock faces in
the mountain forest belt typical reptiles are rock lizards with local distributions (Darevskia rudis,
D.parvula, D. mixta, D. caucasica, D. clarkorum, D. brauneri ), smooth snake (Coronella
austriaca). Small mammals are small and yellow-necked mice (Sylvaemus flavicollis, S.
uralensis), and a number of endemic species: Chionomys roberti, Sorex raddei, S. volnuchini,
Neomys teres, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa caucasica, Sciurus anomalus. Typical insects are
butterflies of families Satyridae and Lycaenidae, near brooks – ground beetles of genus
Pterostichus, endemic large land snail Helix buchi, high diversity of soil invertebrates.
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat:
1. Code of Georgia: 9120GE Beech forest with holly (Ilex colchica) and sometimes Yew (Taxus)
understory (Fageta ilicitosa; Fageta taxceto-ilicitosa)
2. Code of Georgia: 91GE-FC Beech forest with Colchic understory (Fageta fruticosa colchica)
3. 91GE-FC-01 Beech forest with Pontic rhododendron understory Fageta rhododendrosa
(Rhododendron ponticum, R. ungernii)
4. 91GE-FC-02 Beech forest with laurel understory Fageta laurocerasosa (Laurocerasus
officinalis)
5. 91GE-FC-03 Beech forest with butcher’s brom understory Fageta ruscosa (Ruscus colchicus)
91GE-FC-04 Beech forest with Cauasian blueberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos) understory
(Fageta magnovacciniosa)
6. 91GE-FC-05 Beech forest with azalea (Rhododendron luteum) understory (Fageta azaleoza)
91GE-FC-06 Beech forest with guilder rose understory Fageta viburnosa (Viburnum orientale)
7. Code of Georgia: 9260CS-GE Chestnut forest
8. Code of Georgia: 92ZC-GE Zelkova forest (Zelkova carpinifolia)
9. Code of Georgia: 92BC-GE Box forest (Buxus colchica)
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of Georgia"),
UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of Endangered
Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
5. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
113
6. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
8. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia15:1-74.
9. Abashidze, I.B. 1947. Zelkova in Kakheti. Proc. AS GSSR, 8 1-2. (Russ.)
10. Grossheim, AA. 1915. Zametki o flore Kolkhidi (Notes on flora of Kolkheti). Notulae Tbilisi
Bot. Gard. 21:85-87.
11. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
12. Gulisashvili, V.Z. 1950. Kashtan (Castanea sativa Mill.) i ego rasprostranenie v zakavkazii v
sviazi s pochvennymi i klimaticheskimi usloviami. (Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and its
distribution in Transcaucasus in relation to edaphic and climatic conditions). Bull. Tbilisi Bot.
Gard. 59:1-19.
13. Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol. 2.
Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp. pp. 334.
14. Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The vegetation
of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
15. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
16. Kolakovsky A.A., 1961 - Plant life of Kolkheti. MOIP, otd.bot.10 XVIII, MGU Moscow 460
pp.
17. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
18. Sokolov V. E, Tembotov A. K. 1989. Mammals. Insectivorous. Series Vertebrates of
Caucasus, M. Nauka, 548p. (in Russian)
9AOWGE* Code of Georgia: Arid open woodlands
1) General description
Arid open woodlands consists of xerophyte arboreal plants that do not create a closed canopy in
upper layer and has xerophytic herbal cover. It is distributed in fragmented forms, between the
steppe and semi-desert vegetation in the arid zone of east Georgia. Annual precipitation amounts
to 550 mm. It is preserved in its original form in Vashlovani reserve. Dominant species are:
mastic (Pistacia mutica), species of juniper (Juniperus polycarpos, J. foetidisima, J. rufescens),
hackberry (Celtis caucasica, C. glabrata), species of willow-leaved pear (Pyrus salicifolia),
sumach (Cotynus coggygria), cattle-herder’s cherry (Prunus incana), jasmine (Jasminum
fruticans), black buckthorn (Rhamnus palasii), spiraea (Spiraea crenata). Thuja (Biota orientals)
has been planted in v. Alani at the Shiraki forester's summer house and became naturalized.
Sub-types:
9AOW-GE 01 Dry open woodland with mastic (Pistacia mutica). The open woodland formed
by the mastic is worth noting. It is associated with the habitat of Iori river flood plane forest.
Mastic trees are frequently at a long distance from each other and sometimes grow big size (10.5
meters high, 0.5 diameter). Co-existing species of the mastic tree are: elm (Ulmus carpinifolia),
black buckthorn (Rhamnus pallasii) and oak (Quercus iberica). In the second type of the forest
there are mastic, hackberry (Celtis australis), berberis (Berberis vulgaris), black buckthorn,
oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia), willow-leaved pear (Pyrus salicifolia), Jerusalem thorn
(Paliurus spina-christi) and sumach (Cotinus coggygria). From shrubs there are Atraphaxis
spinosa, Reaumuria alternifolia. The mastic open woodland is also found in Kvemo Kartli,
gorge of the river Khrami, on slopes between Asureti and sadakhlo. Here the following species
dominate Pistacia mutica, Acer ibericum, Celtis caucasica.
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9AOW-GE 02 Dry open woodland with juniper species (Juniperus spp.). The juniper is
distributed in Southern Kiziki in the form of small stands, on slopes of northern exposition of
Vashlovani reserve, on Zilchi mountain, southern slopes of Palantuki range. It can also be found
in Mtskheta surroundings, near Shio-Mgvime, Karsani, etc. Species that form juniper
communities are - Juniperus foetidissima, J. oblonga, J. polycarpos, J. rufescens, Ephedra
procera, Rhamnus palasii, Colutea orientalis, Jasminum fruticans, Prunus microcarpa,
Atraphaxis spinosa, Cynosurus cristatus, Silene cyri, Teucreum polium, Campanula
hohenackeri, Centaurea ovina, Stachys fruticulosa.
9AOW-GE 03 Dry open woodland with willow-leaved pear species (Pyrus spp.). Dominant
species are: Pyrus salicifolia, P. georgica and P. demetrii. From other species Paliurus spinachristi, Berberis vulgaris, Rosa canina, etc. are worth noting. Endemic P. eldarica is found by
A. Grossheim only in Azerbaijan, Samukhi region (Eliar-ougli). P. fedorovii is the endeme found
in the surroundings of village Gldani and village Mukhrani. P. oxyprion can be found in
Dedoplistskaro region in the Lekistskali ravine. Celtis caucasica, Punica granatum, Rosa spp.,
Tamarix ramosissima also grow in this place. Rare endemic species P. sakhokiana is found only
in Dedoplistskaro region, on the black mountain. Here is formations a more dense stand than P.
salicifolia, on the northern slope, in the depression. The understory made of Jerusalem-thorn and
oriental hirn-beam is developed here. In Ateni village surroundings, on mountain Unagira grow
P. salicifolia var. angustifolia.
9AOW-GE 04 Dry open woodland with hackberry species (Celtis spp.) is developed on the Mt
Shavimta, big and small Zilchi, their slopes and canions. Dominant species are: hackberry (Celtis
australis, C. caucasica) and mastic. The species that add to them are: tamarisk (Tamarix
ramosissima), oleaster, willow-leaved pear, Georgian maple (Acer ibericum), juniper (Juniperus
rufescens).
2) Species
Plants: Pistacia mutica, Juniperus polycarpos, J. foetidisima, J. rufescens, J. oblonga, Celtis
australis, C. caucasica, C. glabrata, Pyrus salicifolia, P. ketzkhovelii, P. demetrii, P.
takhtadziani, P. georgica, P. fedorovii, P. oxyprion, P. sakhokiana, P. salicifolia var.
angustifolia, Acer ibericum, Cynosurus cristatus,, Amygdalus georgica,, Atraphaxis spinosa,
Atraphaxis spinosa, Berberis vulgaris, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Campanula hohenackeri,
Caragana grandiflora, Prunus incana, Centaurea ovina, Colutea orientalis, Cotinus coggygria,
Elaeagnus angustifolia, Ephedra procera, Festuca sulcata, Jasminum fruticans, Lonicera
iberica, Paliurus spina-christi, Prunus microcarpa, Punica granatum, Quercus iberica,
Reaumuria alternifolia, Rhamnus pallasii, Rhus coriaria, Rosa canina, Silene cyri, Spiraea
crenata, Stachys fruticulosa, Tamarix ramosissima, Teucreum polium, Ulmus carpinifolia.
Animals: gerbils (Meriones lybicus, M. tristrami), hamsters (Mesocricetus brandti, Cricetulus
migratorius), common voles (Microtus arvalis), steppe mouse (Apodemus fulvipectus), small
mustelid species. Nesting habitats for black vulture (Aegypius monachus), Imperial eagle (Aquila
heliaca), chuckar (Alectoris chuckar), wild pigeon (Columba lybia), bee-eater (Merops apiaster),
European roller (Coracias garrulus), huppoe (Upupa epops), rosy starling (Sturnus roseus), blue
rock thrush (Monticola solitarius), smaller songbirds (Emberiza melanocephala, Carduelis
carduelis) and dozens of other nesting birds. Typical reptiles are Lacerta media, L. strigata,
Eremias velox, Laudakia caucasica, Eumeces schneideri, Ablepharus pannonicus, Malpolon
monspessulanus, Elaphe sauromates, Coluber schmidti, Coluber najadum, Macrovipera
lebetina. Typical amphibians are Rana ridibunda, Bufo viridis, Pelobates syriacus, Hyla
savignyi. Insect fauna is quite reach, and includes moths and butterflies not found or rare in other
areas – for instance, burnet moth Zygaena fraxini, swallowtails of genus Zerynthia. Dominating
land snails are Helicella spp., Zebrina spp.
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3) Corresponding categories
1. 9560* Endemic forests with Juniperus spp.
2. PAL.CLASS.: 42.A2 to 42.A5 and 42.A8
4) Associated habitat: Riparian forest
5) Bibliography
1. Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery of
Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants), v.
1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
5. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
6. Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
7. Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
8. Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia15:1-74.
9. Abashidze, I.B. 1947. Zelkova in Kakheti. Proc. AS GSSR, 8 1-2. (Russ.)
10. Grossheim, AA. 1915. Zametki o flore Kolkhidi (Notes on flora of Kolkheti). Notulae Tbilisi
Bot. Gard. 21:85-87.
11. Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
12. Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia). Tbilisi,
Universal.
13. Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
14. Sokolov V. E, Tembotov A. K. 1989. Mammals. Insectivorous. Series Vertebrates of
Caucasus, M. Nauka, 548p. (in Russian)
9BFGE* Code of Georgia: Sub-alpine birch krummholz
1) General description
The treeline on moist slopes of the northern exposition of the Great and Minor Caucasus is
formed by the sub-alpine forest of birch elfin trees at the altitude of 2400-2500 meters. However,
separate trees are common at the altitude of up to 2550 meters. Inclination of slopes does not
exceed 10-25º that determines stable cover of snow during winter. The mountain brown soil is
characteristic, mainly on volcanic rock layers with the humus layer of 10-20 cm thick. The forest
of this type is found in the Central Caucasus. Namely, Kazbegi region as well as in the Minor
Caucasus. For example, on Tskhratskaro pass above Bakuriani. It is as well common on northern
slopes of Shavsheti and Erusheti ranges. In this type of habitat the border of the forest is lowered
by 200-400 meters as a result of anthropogenic impact, which is caused by excessive grazing and
cutting of trees. However, as a result of recent global warming and decrease of grazing, the
slopes where the birch grove had to be present earlier were repeatedly reforested. Those forests
on the Great Caucasus that are considered to be the so-called “forests of the church” and where
grazing and cutting has not taken place for ages, are well preserved.
Above 1800 meters up to 2300 meters tall birch trees with closed canopy form forest
occupied the slopes of northern exposition. The timberline is situated at the altitude of 24002500 meters where 2-3 meter tall elfin birch and mountain ashes are found and Caucasian
116
evergreen rhododendron (Rhododendron caucasicum) and other evergreen shrubs are introduced
as a understory. The treeline reaches 2550 meters where only dwarf trees of the birch grow
among Caucasian evergreen rhododendron shrubs. Characteristic species are: Betula litwinowii,
B. radeana, B. pendula, Sorbus caucasigena, Salix caprea, S. kazbegensis, Rhododendron
caucasicum, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. uliginosum, V. vitis-idaea, Daphne glomerata, D.
mezereum, Anemone fasciculata, Polygonatum verticillatum, Swertia iberica, Festuca drymeja,
Calamagrostis arundinacea, Dolichorrhiza renifolia, D. caucasica, Cicerbita racemosa.
2) Species
Plants: Betula litwinowii, B. radeana, B. pendula, Salix caprea, S. kazbegensis, Sorbus
caucasigena, Rhododendron caucasicum, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. uliginosum, V. vitisidaea,
Aconitum nasutum, A. orientale, Anemone fasciculata, Aquilegia caucasica, Calamagrostis
arundinacea, Campanula latifolia, Caphalanthera longifolia, Cicerbita racemosa, Daphne
glomerata, D. mezereum, Dolichorrhiza caucasica, D. renifolia, Festuca drymeja, Geranium
sylvaticum, Heracleum roseum, Lathyrus roseus, Polygonatum verticillatum, Senecio
propinquus, Swertia iberica, Vicia balansae, Gymnadenia conopsea, Platanthera montana.
Animals: Caucasian black grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi), red-fronted serine (Serinus pusillus),
locally (greater Caucasus only) large rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilla) and Gueldenstaedt’s
redstart (Phoenicurus erythrogaster). Typical small mammals are snow and Gudauri voles
(Chionomys nivalis, C. gud), birch mice (Sicista spp.; only Greater caucasus). Near rock faces endemic rock lizards with local distributions – Darevskia rudis, D. caucasica, D. mixta, D.
parvula, D. brauneri, D. daghestanica, D. derjugini, D. dahli, D. armeniaca. Smooth snake
(Coronella austriaca), vipers (V. dinnicki, V. lotievi) (Greater Caucasus only).
3) Corresponding categories: None
4) Associated habitat
1. Sub-alpine Caucasian evergreen rhododendron (Rhododendron caucasicum) scrub;
2. Sub-alpine meadow with dominating mountain avens (Dryas caucasica);
3. Sub-alpine tall herbaceous vegetation (Megaherbosa);
4. Sub-alpine meadow with the domination of colourful brome (Bromopsis variegata);
5. Dry sub-alpine meadow with the domination of common bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis);
6. Colourful fescue xerophyte sub-alpine meadow (Festuca varia);
7. Buttercups moist sub-alpine meadow (Trollius ranunculinus);
8. Anemone broad-leaved sub-alpine moist meadow (Anemone fasciculata);
9. Mat grass sub-alpine meadow (Nardus stricta);
10. Bog sedge sub-alpine meadow (Kobresia capilliformis);
11. Small-reed mezophyllic sub-alpine meadow (Calamagrostis arundinacea).
5) Bibliography
1.
Chatwin, M.E., Kikodze, D., Svanidze, T., Chikvaidze, J., Gvritishvili, M., and
Tarkhnishvili, D.N. (Eds.), Georgian Country Biological Diversity Study Report, (1996.,
Program "Assistance for preparation of Biodiversity Country Study in the Republic of
Georgia"), UNEP, Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Noah's Ark Centre for Recovery
of Endangered Species; 1997, Tbilisi, Georgia : 74-82. (in Georgian)
2. Grossheim, A.A., Sosnovski, D.I., Troytski, N.A. 1928. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi,
Publishhouse Georg. SSR Planing Commision.
3. Ketskhoveli, N. (Ed.) 1969. Sakartvelos mtsenareebis sarkvevi (Key to Georgian Plants),
v. 1, 2, Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
4. Ketskhoveli, N. 1935. Main types of Georgian Vegetation. Tbilisi.
5. Ketskhoveli, N. 1959. Sakartvelos mtsenareuli safari. (Vegetation of Georgia). Publish.
Acad. Scien. Georgia, Tbilisi.
117
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Kimeridze, K. 1954. Festuca varia meadows in the east Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Kimeridze, K. 1965. Kavkasionis lertsamkuchiani mdeloebi (Festuca varia meadows of
the Caucasus). Tbilisi.
Kvachakidze, R. 2001. Forests of Georgia. Tbilisi, Metsniereba. pp 168.
Kvachakidze, R. 2009. Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi, TBG&IB.
Nakhutsrishvili G. 1999. The vegetation of Georgia (Caucasus). - Braun-Blanquetia 15:174.
Nakhutsrishvili G., Abdaladze O., Akhalkatsi M. 2006. Biotope types of the treeline of the
Central Greater Caucasus. In: D. Gafta, J. Akeroyd (eds), Nature Conservation: Concepts
and Practice. Springer, Berlin, NY, pp. 211-225.
Grossheim, AA. 1948. Vegetation Cover of the Caucasus. Moscow, MOIP.
Gulisashvili, V.Z. (Ed.), 1961. Dendroflora Kavkaza (Dendroflora of the Caucasus), vol.
2. Tbilisi, Izdatel’stvo AN GSSR, 334 pp.
Gulisashvili VZ, Makhatadze LB, Prilipko LI. 1975. Rastitel'nost Kavkaza. (The
vegetation of the Caucasus.) Moscow: Nauka 232p.
Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
Dolukhanov, AG. 1946. Osnovnye cherty rastitel'nogo pokrova verkhnei Svaneti (Main
features of vegetation cover of the Upper Svaneti). Works Tbilisi Bot. Inst. 9.
Dolukhanov, AG., Sakhokia, MF., Kharadze, AL. 1945. K voprosu o vysokogornykh
rastitel'nykh poiasakh Kavkaza (About high mountainous vegetation belts of the
Caucasus). Works Tbilisi Bot. Inst. 8.
Dolukhanov, A. 2010. Lesnaia Rastitel’nost’ Gruzii (Forest Vegetation of Georgia).
Tbilisi, Universal.
Ochiauri, D. 1965. Materials for flora of Pshavi and Khevsureti. Tbilisi, Metsniereba, pp.
105.
Kolakowski, AA. 1961. Rastitel'nyi mir Kolkhidi (Plants of the Kholkheti). Moscow,
Nauka.
Shidlovsky M.V. 1976. The key-handbook of the rodents of the Transcaucasia, the second
edition, Tbilisi, Metsniereba, 255p. (in Russian)
Sokolov V. E, Tembotov A. K. 1989. Mammals. Insectivorous. Series Vertebrates of
Caucasus, M. Nauka, 548p. (in Russian)
118