Kazbegi Nature Reserve

Established in 1976 the Kazbegi Nature Reserve covers an area of 8,707ha in the Central and Eastern Caucasian Mountain ranges. The reserve is situated in the Kazbegi Municipality of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region in north-eastern Georgia.

The park is a popular tourist destination with a huge variety of plant species. Most of the trees are pine and beech. Other notable species include Rhododendron caucasicrm, buckthorn, juniper, maple, williow, aspen and barberry.

Above the treeline are hay meadows with various alpine flowers such as campanulas, gentians and on the Scree slopes cushion alpines.

The wildlife found in the reserve includes Brown Bear, Caucasian Goat (Tur), Chamois, fox, marten, hares, Wildcat, Weasel, Suare and Birch Mouse.

There are a variety of raptors in the reserve with Berded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, and Eurasian Vultures all found in the park. Other raptors include Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, White-tailed Eagle and Long-legged Buzzard.

The park alsos includes sone interesting historical monuments such Sameba Temple and Sno Castle.

Source: Georgia (Bradt Travel Guides) Editor: Tim Burford (ISBN: 978-1-78477-072-3)