Region 1: SOUTHEAST
1. Gardabani floodplain forest
Coordinates: 41 o22’ N, 45o03’ E.
Altitude: 150– 200 m. a.s.l.
 Dry throughout the geographic area, but locally humid. Soft winter, warm to hot summer. Annual precipitation ca. 400 mm (20 mm in January, 40 mm in April, 40 mm in July, 40 mm in October), over 20 days with heavy rains per year. About 10 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/– 2, April/12, July/25, October/13. Mean maximum temperature (July) 36 0 C.
 This site is a forest (mostly poplar) in a floodplain area south of Tbilisi, near the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan, in the lower part of the Mtkvari (Kura) river valley. The area lies near a densely populated town, Gardabani. The area harbors nesting sites of various herons, black stork, and some birds of prey. One– day excursions from Tbilisi are possible, although several visits are recommended. The area is famous for hunters and fishermen.
 Almost all European forest birds can be observed, including kingfisher, five species of woodpeckers and various songbirds. Common waterbirds are pigmy cormorant and wading birds, including grey heron, squacco heron, little bittern, little and cattle egrets, night heron, and black stork. One can watch lesser spotted eagle and white– tailed eagle.
  Some large mammal species can be occasionally observed, such as golden jackal, red deer, roe deer, and wild boar. The area has an introduced population of coypu. Amphibian and Reptile fauna includes yellow– lemon treefrog, European marsh turtle, Caspian terrapin, ring snake, dice snake, and red– bellied racer. A high density of lake frogs. Perfect place to watch aquatic turtles. The area is covered by a floodplain forest with white and black poplars as dominating trees. In the understory – blackberry and climbers. Fishing area.
 April through June (nesting herons and eagles, aquatic turtles).
  The site is accessible from the town Gardabani. Bus and minibus departs for Gardabani from Samgori bus station in Tbilisi several times a day. Travel by car to Gardabani lasts 40– 45 minutes from Tbilisi one– way. The forest is reachable from Gardabani by car. All wildlife– watching areas reachable by foot.
 Camping is possible in the forest, but mosquitoes may be a problem. Alternatively, accommodation in Tbilisi is possible, with daily visits to the site. There are quite a few restaurants and cafés en route from Tbilisi to Gardabani. The entrance needs a special permit that can be obtained from the office of forestry in Gardabani. The office may provide various kinds of assistance.
|
