Region 5: BLACK SEA COAST
24. Wetlands of the western Georgia: Kolkheti national park
Coordinates: 42 o08’ N, 41o45’ E
Altitude: 0– 5 m. a.s.l.
 Warm and humid climate. Winters are rainy, summers warm to hot. Annual precipitation 2,200 mm (200 mm in January, 120 mm in April, 160 mm in July, 200 mm in October). Over 30 days with heavy rains per year. Less than 10 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/2, April/8, July/22, October/14. Mean maximum temperature (July) /34 o C.
 This area is a wetland forest area west of the Black Sea coast, east of the town Poti and salty Lake Paliastomi, and south of the mouth of the river Rioni (Phasis). It has been designated a national park. The area is the geographic center of historical Kolcheti (Colchis), well known from the Hellenistic legend Jason and the Argonauts. As it is a lowland area lying almost at the sea level, it can be swampy and difficult to reach. Touring the site will take at least four days. The combination of the ancient Greek names of the site and the river makes up the Latin (and English) name for pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) that is thought to have been introduced to Europe by Argonauts from the site. The area harbors many waterfowl birds (especially along the eastern shore of Lake Paliastomi), and rare endemic plants, and many water– associated amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
 The number of species is much larger in the wintertime, as the site is an important wintering ground. The most numerous waterfowl that one can watch in the area are great crested grebe and little egret. Other birds to be seen include: red– necked grebe, black– necked grebe, great cormorant, squacco heron, great white egret, Eurasian spoonbill, glossy ibis, lesser white– fronted goose, ruddy shelduck, marsh sandpiper, great snipe, and many more species of ducks, waders, coots, as well as gulls and terns like great black– headed gulls, gull– billed terns, and white– winged terns. White– headed duck is a rare sight. At least one breeding pair and some dozens of white– tailed sea eagles have been recorded.
 Some mammal species can be occasionally observed, such as golden jackal, wild boar, and roe deer. The area has an introduced population of coypu. There is extremely high density of the Caucasian subspecies of common treefrog and lake frog. Common and eastern crested newts are found as well. Most common reptiles are ring snake, dice snake, and European marsh turtle. On land, one can see Artwin wood lizard, a west Caucasian subspecies of slow worm, and occasionally the Aesculapian snake. The area is covered by a deciduous wetland forest, composed mostly of bearded alder, several species of willows and oaks, common ash, etc. An important attraction is a relic, endemic tree species, wingnut (Pterocaria fraxinifolia). This tree’ s closest relatives outside the Colchis plain grow in China and Japan. Locally an endemic oak (Querqus chorokhensis) is found. In the understory are various species of bladdernut.
 Lake Paliastomi is an important fishery site. Grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) is the favorite catch for local fishermen. The river Rioni itself is one of two spawning sites of the Atlantic sturgeon still existent.
  April through September.
 The site is accessible from the town Poti. One can reach Poti by train (every day from Tbilisi railway station), bus or minibus (Didube bus station in Tbilisi). Travel by car to Poti takes 6– 7 hours. Wetlands along the eastern side of Lake Paliastomi can be reached in a boat rented in Poti from the administration of Kolkheti national park. Local trips are possible with a motorboat, taken from the administration of Kolkheti national park.
 There are several lodging places within the park that belong to the park administration, although sleeping bags are necessary. Alternatively, accommodation in Poti is possible. Prices for a single room in a reasonably comfortable hostel range from 10– 15 USD per day. Restaurants and cafés are found in the town Poti. Entrance to the area requires a special permit that can be obtained in the office of Kolkheti national park in Poti. At the same place, one can get other useful assistance. We recommend contacting the park office prior to visiting the site anyway.
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