Ecosystems & biodiversity

Fauna

Pankisi Valley has a diverse and interesting population of species. Unique environments such as the Batsara Strict Nature Reserve, provide an important habitat for roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), badger (Meles meles), weasel (Mustela erminea), hare (Lepus timidus), wolf (Canis lupus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), as well as Golden jackal (Canis aureus), lynx (Lynx lynx) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos).

Around the wide Alazani River basin, amphibians such as the Marsh frog (Rana ridibunda) and the Caucasian toad (Bufo verrucosissimus) are found. Many species of dragonflies and butterflies such as Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) and Balkan clouded yellow (Colias caucasica) occur close to the river and its meadow surroundings. River trout (Salmo trutta) thrives in the reserve. Examples of bird species include raven (Corvux corax), kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Eurasian golden oriel (Oriolus oriolus), Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops), nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos), and Eurasian black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) amongst others.

Flora

The forests on the eastern and western sides of the valley rise to 2000 meters above sea level and are populated mainly by broadleaf trees at lower elevations. Various types of trees grow between 700 to 1000 meters altitude, including hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), linden (Tilia dasystyla), oak (Quercus robur), walnut (Juglans regia), maple (Acer platanoides), and cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) among others.

Many kinds of bushes flourish such as hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), hazelnut (Corylus avellana), rosehip (Fructus cynosbati), medlar (Mespilus germanica) and the much loved jonjoli (Staphylea colchica), from which a traditional marinade is made from the flowers and eaten. Low level pastures and meadows full of wildflowers and grasses are prevalent. Between 1000 and 1500 meters elevation, beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) are dominant. Above 1500 meters grow coniferous trees including, Caucasian pine (Pinus sylvestris), Caucasian spruce (Picea orientalis), and other subalpine vegetation.

Agriculture

As elsewhere in Georgia, agriculture is crucial in Pankisi Valley. The valley has very limited agricultural land for farming, which is primarily used for low level corn and wheat production. Kists mostly depend on subsistence farming to provide for their basic food needs and nutrition. Growing crops and raising livestock is maintained on small plots of land by families.

Cows and sheep graze freely on pastures next to the Alazani River. Both animals are important for the cheese-making tradition, which is important in Georgian and Kist cuisine. Sheep wool is used by women to make felt products. Many families keep chickens and some also turkeys, which provide eggs and meat.

Bee keeping and honey production occurs across the valley due to the abundance of chestnut trees, linden trees and wild flowers. As for plant cultivation, each family grows their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs providing a variety of seasonal organic produce. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used in subsistence farming. Local forests also provide an abundance of walnuts, chestnuts, mushrooms and other fruits.

Small rural communities like the Kists live in harmony with their environment and take special care of it. The continuation of this vital tradition and the protection of the ecosystems and biodiversity that make Pankisi Valley unique, is essential for future generations so they may experience the beauty and benefits of the natural world.