Kintrishi (136)
Georgia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Kintrishi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.7500, Longitude: 41.8167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 450 to 2600
Area of KBA (km2): 217.26361
Protected area coverage (%): 62.33
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An area of the west and north-west slopes of the Meskheti range, with the densely-wooded gorge of the River Kintrishi and many tributaries with waterfalls and torrents, also subalpine lakes. Main tree species are Fagus, Castanea, also Carpinus, Alnus, Abies, Picea, etc.; evergreen shrubs such as Laurus, Rhododendron.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas) KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Caucasus Hotspot (2003, updated 2004). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat category follow the 2002 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: The avifauna of this site is little-studied, with a preliminary list comprising only 56 species and virtually no information on status and population. However, the site supports at least two of the 10 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Eurasian high-montane biome. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco naumanni (occurs). Also rare at this site are Gypaetus barbatus, Aquila chrysaetos and Falco peregrinus. Other breeding birds include Hieraaetus pennatus, Alectoris chukar, Bubo bubo, woodpeckers, Oriolus oriolus, Corvus corax, etc.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | nature conservation and research
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Forest | 81 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: There are some violations of the nature reserve (Zapovednik) regime, with temporary or permanent residence by humans who practise forest grazing, growing maize, melons, etc. The site lies within the Adjara-Imeretian Protected Area, part of the protected-area system which is now being established in Georgia.