The Three Alazani Rivers Biosphere Reserve lies within the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot -one of 34 global hotspots with extraordinary species richness. The Caucasus region holds twice as many species as neighboring temperate forests in Europe and Asia.

The reserve hosts many plant habitats:

• Floodplain and mountain forests (hornbeam, chestnut, oak, birch, pine)
• Subalpine shrublands (juniper, rhododendron)
• Alpine meadows and subnival vegetation
• Untouched yew forests in the Batsara Reserve

Its fauna includes:

• 71 mammal species
• 182 bird species
• 17 reptile species
• 7 amphibian species
• 26 fish species

Large mammals include the East Caucasian tur, roe deer, wild goats, red deer, and several endemic species. Predators such as bears, wolves, and lynxes are found here. Endemic birds include the Caucasian snowcock and Caucasian grouse. Raptors listed on Georgia’s Red List - like the bearded vulture, griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, and golden eagle - are also present.

The reserve is rich in agrobiodiversity as well. Rare and traditional breeds have been preserved:

• Kershveli barley  - a local traditional crop
• Tushetian horse  - a hardy mountain breed
• Tushetian sheep -  valued for high-quality wool
• Georgian shepherd dog (Nagazi)  -  a loyal livestock guardian

Endemic grape varieties, Khikhvi and Kisi, are cultivated in the villages of Argokhi and Maghraani.

The reserve includes key protected areas: Tusheti Strict Nature Reserve, Tusheti National Park, Tusheti Protected Landscape, Babaneuri and Batsara Nature Reserves, and Ilto Managed Reserve.

Much of the reserve is also part of the Emerald Network - a European ecological initiative to protect important species and habitats. Visual: A biodiversity-themed photo collage.