Region 1: SOUTHEAST
Arid landscapes of the south–east. One can find steppes, low hills covered with shrubs, rocks, and savannah– like grasslands. Summers are hot and winters are mild. Vultures are common here (especially griffon, cinereous and Egyptian vultures), along with chukars, rollers, large groups of bee– eaters and rose– coloured starlings, blue rock thrush, falcons, buzzards, eagles, various wheatears, buntings, larks, and shrikes. Most of the species found here are typical for the Mediterranean region, however some of them are very rare in European Mediterranean countries and more typical in western Asia. A high diversity of reptiles is observed, including over fifteen species of snakes (watch out for the venomous Levantine viper) and various lizards. A common species is Mediterranean tortoise. Typical “ arid“ species of mammals are found, such as gerbils or long– eared hedgehogs. Like everywhere throughout the country, wolves and golden jackals are common animals here. There are small populations of striped hyenas and porcupines. Vegetation includes various species of junipers, pistachio, cork elm, and various grasses, many of which are endemic in the arid areas of the Caucasus. Spatially associated with this region are the wetland habitats of eastern Georgia, mostly floodplain forests along the valleys of the Iori and Alazani rivers and several lakes that provide habitats for various waterfowl. Floodplain forests harbor various birds such as black francolin, pheasant, crakes, grebes, aquatic turtles, and mammals like otter and wild boars. Lakes are used as nesting and stopover sites by various ducks, waders, and herons.
Region 2: GREATER CAUCASUS
Region 3: MTKVARI VALLEY
Region 4: WESTERN LESSER CAUCASUS
Region 5: BLACK SEA COAST
Region 6: JAVAKHETI
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