10. Mountain lake Ertso

Region 2: GREATER CAUCASUS

10. Mountain lake Ertso

Coordinates: 42 o28’ N, 43o45’ E

Altitude: ca. 1,500 m. a.s.l.

Climate Temperate, mountainous, reasonably humid. Winters are snowy, summers cool. Annual precipitation 1,600– 1,800 mm (80 mm in January, 60 mm in April, 50 mm in July, 60 mm in October). Over 40 days with heavy rains per year. Ca. 100 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/– 4, April/8, July/10, October/4. Mean maximum temperature (July) /28o C.

This site is a spectacular highland lake on the southern slopes of the central part of the Greater Caucasus, in Java district. Rich in trout, it is surrounded by primary mixed mountain forests and subalpine meadows. Unfortunately the site is currently off limits for tourists because it lies within the area of one of two Georgia’ s “ frozen conflicts“ .

Birds A common set of forest bird species, among them are five species of owls, greater spotted, lesser spotted, white– backed, middle spotted, green, and black woodpeckers, goshawk, wood– pigeon, stock dove, white– throated dipper, various warblers and other songbirds. In subalpine and alpine areas, an important attraction is a community of large raptors: golden eagle, griffon vulture, and Lammergeier, as well as endemic birds such as Caucasian black grouse, Caucasian snowcock, and Caucasian chiffchaff.

Other wildlife Large mammals such as chamois and brown bear can be observed. The lake itself and surrounding ponds are good areas for watching spectacular banded newts. The best time for watching newts is May and first half of June. There are also other endemic amphibians: Caucasian mud– diver and Caucasian toad. Interesting reptiles are endemic Caucasian rock lizard and Artwin wood lizard. The area is covered by mixed mountain forest (Nordmann’ s fir, eastern beach, eastern spruce, and Sosnowsky’ s pine. In the understory, cherry laurel, butcher’ s broom, and holly are represented.