Region 2: GREATER CAUCASUS
13. Kodori valley
Coordinates: 43o05’ N, 41o45’ E
Altitude: From ca. 1,300 to 3,984 m. a.s.l.
 Alpine– like, humid. Winters are snowy. Annual precipitation 1,600 to over 2,000 mm (120 mm in January, 160 mm in April, 180 mm in July, 160 mm in October). Over 30 days with heavy rains per year. Around 180 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/– 3, April/3, July/14, October/5. Mean maximum temperature (July)/ 28 o C.
This site is a spectacular upland area in the upper reaches of the Kodori River valley, Klukhori and Marukhi mountain passes at the border between historical provinces of Svaneti and Abkhazeti (Abkhazia). It is a favorite place for mountain tourists. The area covers a range of landscapes, from coniferous mountain forest to intermittent snow cover.
 In the forested deep river valleys, a common set of forest bird species can be watched – owls, six species of woodpeckers, goshawk, peregrine falcon, common crossbill, various tits and warblers, wood– pigeon, stock dove, white– throated dipper, wren, and other passerine birds. In subalpine and alpine areas, golden eagle, griffon vulture and lammergeier can be watched. Other interesting birds are endemic Caucasian black grouse, Caucasian snowcock and Caucasian chiffchaff. Other alpine birds are red– billed and yellow– billed choughs.
 West Caucasian tur is an endemic species of the western part of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Chamois and brown bear are other potential wildlife– watching subjects. The site has several species of endemic amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals – Caucasian mud– diver, Caucasian toad, alpine rock lizard (only found in the western Greater Caucasus), Artwin wood lizard, Caucasian and Dinnick’ s adders. Klukhor birch mouse (Sicista kluchorica) is a species found exclusively in this area. The area is covered by coniferous and mixed mountain forests, dominated by eastern spruce and Nordmann’ s fir, with evergreen plants in understory, including cherry laurel, butcher’ s broom, holy. In the upper part of the forest belt – mountain birch, high mountain Trautvetter’ s alpine maple, and Caucasian alpine rose.
 Spectacular alpine landscapes. It is a famous area for people interested in mountain tourism and rock climbing.
 From June through September.
 The site is adjacent to the conflict area in Abkhazia. For the moment, it is inaccessible without a special permit from the Georgian government.
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