Ilto Nature Reserve

Ilto Nature Reserve is part of the Batsara-Babaneuri protected areas, including the strict nature reserves of Batsara and Babaneuri. It is located in the upper reaches of the Ilto valley and borders the strict nature reserve of Batsara to the east, in the Pankisi Gorge. Established with the aim of protecting and restoring valuable wood species and characteristic fauna, the reserve is home to a diverse range of bird species, such as the buzzard, hawk, Eurasian sparrowhawk, and the rare bearded vulture. Among the mammals, one can find hedgehogs, martens, rabbits, badgers, jackals, foxes, wolves, wild boars, bears, deer, lynxes, and chamois. Otters are rarely encountered, making them a particularly valuable species in the reserve.