Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to recognize the unique plants and animals of Western Georgia. You will learn to distinguish poisonous plants, mushrooms, insects, and snakes. You will also gain knowledge about everything tasty and useful that can be found in the forest.

Knowledge Assessment Format

A description of 2–3 pages and a photo report of 3–5 high-quality slides on a Red List plant or animal selected independently, with the lecturer’s support, and found independently during a hike in Western Georgia.

The description should include information on why this species is included in the Red List, what threatens it, and what measures should be taken to preserve it.

.Course Topics

• Geography and climate zones of Western Georgia. Observed climate changes.
• The humid broadleaf Colchic forest: Mtirala National Park and Kintrishi Reserve.
• High-mountain areas of Adjara and Guria: coniferous and mixed forests, alpine meadows.
• Coastal areas of the Colchis Lowland: Ispani Mire and Kolkheti National Park.
• Inland areas of the Colchis Lowland: Betlemi Canyon, the Askhi Massif, and caves around Kutaisi.