A Wildlife Guide to Georgia
- The only 'where to watch' guide for the Caucasus.
- Covers birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies, flora and much more.
- Contains practical maps and suggested routes.
- Brecht’s new book reveals tons of secrets as to where and how to explore Georgia’s rich biodiversity.
—Brecht Verhelst, BirdLife International
- birdwatching
- Caucasus
- Georgia
- natural history
- travel
- wildlife
Description
Considered by many to be one of the most interesting, varied and biodiverse destinations in the Western Palearctic, Georgia has a great deal to offer for the naturalist-traveller. This guidebook is the first of its kind for the area, not only giving information on where to go birding, but also covering mammals, reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies, flora and numerous other items of note.
Since the Rose Revolution in 2003, Georgia has gained popularity among western travellers. With the Caucasus being one of the richest wildlife hotspots in the world, featuring a high degree of endemism – not to mention the hospitable people, dramatic landscapes and last but not least the wonderful cuisine – it makes an excellent travel destination.
This book is the practical guide for any nature enthusiast considering a visit to Georgia – from the serious birder to the butterfly fanatic, to the traveller with a general interest in the natural world. Packed with photographs and tips, it also contains many practical maps and suggested routes. An indispensable companion for any journey to the region.
DOI: 10.53061/BFTL8672
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
FAUNA AND FLORA
TBILISI AND SURROUNDING AREAS
City centre
Ponichala Reserve
Lake Lisi
Lake Kumisi
THE NORTH: HIGH CAUCASUS
Kazbegi
Georgian food
Svaneti
Lagodekhi
Tusheti
THE EAST
Lake Jandari
David Gareji
Dedoplistskaro
Vashlovani National Park
Chachuna and the Dali reservoir
THE SOUTH
Javakheti plateau
Vardzia
Borjomi
Zekari
Uplistsikhe
THE WEST
The Batumi bottleneck
Batumi Botanical Garden
Chorokhi delta
Mtirala National Park
Kolcheti National Park and Maltakva beach
Further reading
Index of species
Reviews
- A very detailed guide to the unique wildlife of Georgia, including much-needed details of Batumi - the hotspot migration spot, the high Caucasus and general information on the Georgian lifestyle. Essential for any wildlife enthusiast visiting this increasingly popular destination.
—Klaus Malling Olsen, ornithologist and author - Georgia is one of the most underestimated and unknown countries in Europe for nature and wildlife exploration. Thanks to this excellent new book, the gates to this splendid destination are open. The essential information on what to see and where to go is included in clear maps, descriptions and crucial hints to plan your once in a lifetime trip.
—David 'Billy' Herman, Starling Travel - Brecht’s new book reveals tons of secrets as to where and how to explore Georgia’s rich biodiversity and is a must-have for the independent birder, mammal watcher or butterfly enthusiast dreaming of a trip to the Caucasus.
—Brecht Verhelst, BirdLife International - Full of colour, including maps to help you once you are there, this guide is a must for the traveller.
—John Miles, Bird Watching Magazine - ...a joy... this is a very neat book on all aspects of the wildlife of a country varying from more or less sea level to almost 4000 m, one with a remarkable wildlife.
—Davit Lomidze, IBIS - This book offers an appealing and practical way in for any future enthusiast considering a visit to Georgia from the birdwatcher to the entomologist. It is the ideal practical guide to take with you on your travels, also full of practical information.
—Bruno Massa, The Sicilian Naturalist - This excellent guide highlights the best [of Georgia's wildlife]... in a commendably practical format that will be a boon for any birder or naturalist lucky enough to spend time in the country.
—Dominic Mitchell, BirdLife - ...richly illustrated... the book functions primarily as a nature travel guide, and I would consider it almost indispensable for visitors wishing to locate the birds on their own.
—Kim Frost, Journal of The Danish Ornithological Society (DOFT)
About the Author
Brecht de Meulenaer has been passionate about nature and birds since childhood. After studies in biology and a short career as a researcher, he got bitten by the travel bug and ended up in the Caucasus. It was love at first sight. A polyglot, he has led many wildlife tours and scientific surveys in Georgia and elsewhere.Bibliographic Information
144 pages - 242 colour illustrations, 25 maps
- BISAC NAT037000, SCI070040, 1.6.12.0.0.0.0
- BIC WNC, 1DVUG, PSVW6




