Pskhu-Gumista Strict Nature Reserve

Pskhu-Gumista Strict Nature Reserve (Georgian: ფსხუ-გუმისთის სახელმწიფო ნაკრძალი) is a protected area in the Sukhumi District of Abkhazia,[2] Georgia.[1] Reserve main goal is protecting flora and fauna in surrounding mountainous region. [3]

Pskhu-Gumista Strict Nature Reserve
IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve)[1]
Road to Pskhu.
Location Abkhazia,[2]
 Georgia
Coordinates43°20′44″N 41°00′29″E
Area733.48 km2 (283.20 sq mi)[1]
Established1941
Governing bodyAgency of Protected Areas[2]
WebsiteStrict Nature Reserve Info

History

In 20th century control over this area frequently changed. In 1941 Russian Federation established Pskhu-Gumista Reserve. In 1978 size of protected territory was significantly enlarged to include area in Bzyb River gorge and Pskhu river gorge. When Georgia reestablished it independence in 1991 the modern Pskhu-Gumista Strict Nature Reserve was created. With outbreak of Abkhaz–Georgian conflict and subsequent war, de facto control is presently exercised by government of Abkhazia.

Geography

Pskhu-Gumista Strict Nature Reserve is located in the mountainous part of Abkhazia on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus range and consists of two areas. The area of Gumista Nature Reserve is 13 400 hectares in the Gumista River gorge. The area of Pskhu Nature Reserve is 27 334 hectares in the Pskhu river gorge and in the Bzyb River gorge.[1]

Climate

Proximity to the Black Sea and the shield of the Caucasus Mountains creates very mild climate with high amount of precipitation, though humidity decreases further inland. At higher elevations climate varies from maritime mountainous to cold and without summer season and it always receives significant amount of snow in winter.

Flora

The protected area of Euxine-Colchic deciduous forests has many endemic specimens.

Fauna

Mammals are represented by Caucasian Red Deer (Cervus elaphus maral), West Caucasian tur (Capra caucasica), Rupicapra, Capreolus, wild boar, Caucasian wildcat (Felis silvestris caucasica), stone marten and European rabbit.

See also

References
  1. World Database on Protected Areas (2018). "Pskhu-Gumista Strict Nature Reserve". Protected Planet. Retrieved 2018-11-02.
  2. Abkhazia is the subject of a territorial dispute between the Republic of Abkhazia and Georgia. The Republic of Abkhazia unilaterally declared independence on 23 July 1992, but Georgia continues to claim it as part of its own sovereign territory and designates it as a territory occupied by Russia. Abkhazia has received formal recognition as an independent state from 7 out of 193 United Nations member states, 1 of which has subsequently withdrawn its recognition.
  3. "Strict Nature Reserve Info - Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia". apa.gov.ge. Retrieved 2018-11-09.


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