Region 1: SOUTHEAST
6. Chiauri riparian forest
Coordinates: 41 o40’ N, 46o07’ E
Altitude: 100– 200 m. a.s.l.
 Moderately dry, mild winter, warm to hot summer. Annual precipitation ca. 600 mm (20 mm in January, 60 mm in April, 70 mm in July, 60 mm in October) 30– 40 days with heavy rains per year. 20– 30 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/2, April/12, July/25, October /13. Mean maximum temperature (July)/ 36 o C.
 Chiauri is a subtropical, jungle– type floodplain forest along the middle stretch of the Alazani River. The forest is dominated by willows, white and black poplars with an understory of blackberry and climbers. The area harbors game animals, birds and other interesting animals and plants. A one– day visit is possible from towns Lagodekhi, Kvareli or Signaghi.
 The bird community includes almost all European forest birds, among them four species of woodpeckers, various warblers, buntings, finches, and owls. A typical Galliform bird is the pheasant, which are native to the site. Pheasants are externally distinct from those introduced in Europe. Common waterbirds are pygmy cormorant, grey heron, squacco heron, little bittern, little egret, night heron, and black stork. Chiauri is also a nesting area of lesser spotted eagle.
  Small ponds throughout the area have dense populations of European marsh turtle. Other amphibians and reptiles are lake frog, Caucasian subspecies of common treefrog, green toad, ring and dice snakes, red– bellied racer, striped and sand lizards. The site harbors populations of wolf, fox, golden jackal, wild boar, brown bear, roe deer, jungle cat, wildcat, badger, wood marten, raccoon, and Caucasian squirrel. There is a high variety of blackberry species and climber plants.
 April through June.
  Travelling time is approximately 4– 5 hours by car from Tbilisi. The site can be reached by minibus or taxi from Sighnaghi, Tsnori, or Lagodekhi. Minibuses for these towns leaves several times a day from Isani bus station in Tbilisi.
 Camping possible. The alternative is housing in Sighnaghi, Tsnori, or Lagodekhi. There is a rustic bed and breakfast in Sighnaghi. Better to take food with you.
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