Lagodekhi Protected Areas

Lagodekhi consists of two protected natural areas in northeastern Georgia on the southern slopes of the Caucasus near Azerbaijan and Dagestan. Originally a single reserve founded in 1912 by the Imperial Russian Geographical Society, it was divided in 2003 into a strict nature reserve and a managed reserve, now open to visitors as protected parkland. The strict reserve covers almost 20,000 hectares and the managed area about 4,700. Elevations rise from 590 to 3,500 meters, cut by deep gorges. The Ninoskhevi, Shromiskhevi, Lagodekhistskali, and Matsimistskali rivers feed glacial lakes, the largest being Khala-Khel at 14 meters deep. Sulfur springs and forests cover nearly 70 percent of the territory. Oriental beech, hornbeam, and maples grow beside rare Caucasian persimmon, yew, Turkish hazel, and aspen. Wildlife includes East Caucasian tur, chamois, red deer, lynx, wolf, brown bear, imperial eagle, golden eagle, steppe eagle, and bearded vulture. Many are listed in Georgia's Red Book, making Lagodekhi one of their final refuges.

Naturalist, zoologist, and botanist Ludwig Mlokosevich laid the foundations for Lagodekhi's protection through systematic study of Caucasian nature. His observations revealed the richness of its forests, mountains, and rivers. Mikhail Lermontov had also visited the area in 1837 and recorded impressions of its wild beauty. Lagodekhi has long rewarded both scientific and poetic attention.