Black Sea coast of Caucasus - flora and fauna

The Black Sea coast of the Caucasus is a region stretching along the Black Sea from the border with Turkey to the Taman Peninsula. It includes the coastal areas of the Krasnodar Territory, Abkhazia and Georgia. The Black Sea coast of the Caucasus is famous for its rich nature, warm climate and an abundance of tourist centers. The most famous resort towns of the region are Sochi, Adler, Anapa, Gagry, Tuapse, Gelendzhik and others. In addition to the long bathing season and the abundance of beaches, tourists are attracted by the picturesque nature of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

Climate of the region

The Black Sea coast of the Caucasus is located in the subtropical belt. A warm climate is provided by the uniqueness of the terrain. A narrow strip between the sea and the mountains retains a positive temperature in winter and a moderately high summer. This can be explained by the fact that the mountains do not pass cold air from the north, and the sea heated over the summer gives warmth to the air in the winter. But in the region there is a different amount of precipitation. In the northern part, the climate is drier, and there is little rainfall. South of Tuapse, the height of the mountains increases, and this provides a large amount of precipitation during the year. But still in the region more than 120 warm sunny days. Such a climate provides the originality of the nature of the Black Sea coast.

Features of the region's relief

The Black Sea coast stretches along the sea for more than 600 kilometers. The long coastline is rather indistinct and has mostly smooth outlines. Near the sea the mountain ranges are low, but in some places they approach the water itself and form quaint rocks and cliffs. To the north of Anapa there is a sandy beach and low, with numerous spits and lime lakes. The nature of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus is striking in its diversity: from subtropical landscapes with palm trees to deep gorges, waterfalls and glaciers. The farther to the east of the sea, the higher the mountains.

Flora of the Black Sea coast

A mild subtropical climate creates favorable conditions for the growth of many plants. More than six thousand species are found in the region. There are many relic plants: laurel cherry, rhododendron, colchid holly, juniper tall and others. The mountains are covered with rich woody vegetation with predominance of oak, hornbeam and coniferous species. In the south of the region, there are evergreen bushes and vines, palms and magnolias. In the coldest time of the year, the temperature does not fall below 4-5 degrees, and the conditions for these plants are favorable. Thanks to the excellent climate, plant growing in the region is developed, tea, grapes, citrus and other crops are successfully grown.

Fauna of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus

Unlike other territories of the Caucasian region, this region is very peculiar. The animals that are found there are more typical of the Mediterranean. The fauna of the coast is relatively poor, despite favorable weather conditions. Who can we meet in this region?

1. Insects in these places are beautiful and unusual. From a distance you can hear the chirping of cicadas, you can meet large beautiful butterflies, for example a very rare oleander sage. Large beetles - ground beetles, a lot of fireflies, mollusks and millipedes are widespread. Some insects are harmful, for example a malarial mosquito or large scolopendra, which hurt bite. There are also many insect pests: a weevil weevil, a fruit moth and even worms that destroy wooden structures.

2. Mammals are represented in this region with only 60 species, but they are very peculiar. Interesting are predatory animals of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus: the Caucasian bear, jackals, lynx and leopard is very beautiful and dangerous. Deer, roe deer and wild boar are widespread. A lot of bats. Rare species include otters, chamois and tours.

3. Birds of the Black Sea coast are also rather peculiar. In addition to the well-known, which fill the Caucasian forests in spring and autumn during the flight, there are also special species: the Caucasian grouse, the dewclaw, the big buzzard, the yellow, the horned lark, the eagle-lamb, the whiten and many others.

4. Reptiles and amphibians in this region is rather small. There are turtles, many lizards, newts and snakes. To rare species include boas and red vipers, as well as large toads, found only in the Caucasus.

Water world of the region

Tourists visiting the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus are rarely in the depths of the region. Most often they rest on the shore and therefore get acquainted mainly with the inhabitants of the sea and the coastal zone. The water world of the region is also very peculiar. There are many species of commercial fish: herring, mullet, flounder, needle-fish and others. Of freshwater in rivers, trout is common. Very interesting marine life: dolphins, sea horses, jellyfish and shrimp. All of them are exterminated for food, fat extraction or just for fun.

What is being done to protect nature in the region

Since the end of the 19th century, new settlers of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus began actively exploring the territory and destroying valuable species of animals and plants. And only in the 20s of the 20th century began to take measures to preserve the unique animals of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. Several preserves and reserves have been created in the region. Endangered species of deer and tours have been preserved in the Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve. Deer, martens, mink and fox are bred in Golovinsk and Tuapse, and waterfowl are protected in Taman-Zaporozhye. The most famous is the Sochi National Park. It is there that the unique nature is preserved, which is famous for the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. The photo of these places attracts many people who want to relax there and enjoy the picturesque views.