BICHVINTA-MIUSERA PROTECTED AREAS

Bichvinta-Miusera Nature Reserve was established in 1966 and the main goal of its establishing was to preserve the relict forests of Bichvinta and the deciduous forests of Kolkheti. The reserve is located on the Black Sea coast of Apkhazeti.
The separate parts of the Nature Reserve itself differ from each other by relief, as well as by the geological structure and soil that in its part define the diversity of flora. It is evident from the name of the Nature Reserve that it consists of two parts. A section of Bichvinta is located near the city of Gagra, on the Black Sea coast, on the Bichvinta cape and its area is 347 hectares. Miusera section is also located on the Black Sea coast at a distance of 15 km from Bichvinta to the south.
Forests of Bichvinta-Miusera Nature Reserve are mainly presented by the mixed forests of the subtropical zone. Out of 92 species of trees and plants characteristic for this area 28 species are included in the Red Data Book of Georgia. Forests of the Nature Reserve are divided into two different ecosystems: Bichvinta pine forest and Lidzava and Miusera deciduous forest, where the oak and lime dominate. Unique wood species of the endemic dendro-flora are spread in the Nature Reserve, such as the endemic Bichvinta pine, Colchis box tree, Caucasian wingnut, Colchis climber, Caucasian lime, Georgian oak and Hartvis oak. In the Miusera section of the reserve 1040 hectares are occupied by the chestnut forest – the species of the Red List of Georgia. The smaller area is covered by hornbeam, box tree, alder-tree and beech-tree groves.
Fauna of Bichvinta-Miusera Nature Reserve is quite diverse. Among mammals one can find Roe deer, Red deer, Wild boar, Radde’s shrew, mole, hedgehog, hare, Long-tailed field mouse, and among predators – weasel, Brown bear, Pine marten, badger, wolf, Red Fox, jackal and lynx.
Georgia’s Red List species are: Red deer and Brown bear.