SPA 13 — Zekari

Protection status: 54.25 % of territory is covered by Borjomi-kharagauli Protected Areas. 45.34 % of territory is covered by IBA (GEO15). 16.26 % of IBA (GEO15) is represented by SPA 13.

Species of concern

Caucasian Grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi), Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius), Kruper’s Nuthatch (Sitta krueperi). SPA contains the largest breeding populations of Caucasian Grouse and Caspian Snowcock on the Lesser Caucasus. Caucasian Grouse and Caspian Snowcock are included on the red list of Georgia as vulnerable (VU). Caucasian Grouse and Kruper’s Nuthatch are also classified on the IUCN red list as Near Threatened (NT).

Description of the site

Zekari SPA is located in the central part of Georgia at an altitude of 1300 – 2500 meters. Mixed forests cover the mountain slopes of the SPA. Dominant species of mixed forests are Abies (Abies nordmanniana), Pine (Pinus Sosnowskyi), Caucasian spruce (Picea orientalis), Georgian Oak (Quercus iberica), Beech (Fagus orientalis), Nornbeam (Carpinus caucasica), Oriental Hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), Sorb (Sorbus caucasigena) and Birch (Betula litwinowii). Over 1850 meters above the sea level Rhododendron (Rhododendron caucasicum) bushes create scrubland. Subalpine and alpine meadows are dominated with Milkvetch (Astragalus microcephalus), Nitre Bush (Nitraria schoberi), Perennial grass (Botriochlora ischaemum), Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia larchima) (Kvachakidze 2010). See the bird list below for Avifauna.

Monitoring

Caucasian Black Grouse

Method: Lekking male count

Period: May

Needed Equipment: 20X60 magnification spotting scope; 8X or 10X magnification binoculars; GPS.

Description: Field expedition should take place every May. During the expedition grouse leks should be discovered, GPS locations of the leks should be recorded and lekking males should be counted. Counts should be repeated at least once more during the season. Leks should be given unique names, mapped using coordinates collected on the field and number of males attending the lek should be recorded, date and weather conditions should be recorded as well. Results should be recorded in the database.

Caspian Snowcock

Method: Calling male count

Period: May

Needed Equipment: 20X60 magnification spotting scope; 8X or 10X magnification binoculars; GPS.

Description: This is a species, which lives in the mountains on bare stony ground. The counting unit is this territorial pair. Calling males are counted in May on several visits to the study area between 07:00 and 09:00 am. Number of calling males, date and weather conditions are recorded. Count data should be recorded in the database. See Map 1 for counting points.

Kruper’s Nuthatch

Method: Point transect, playback count

Period: May

Needed Equipment: Player, 8X or 10X magnification binoculars; GPS.

Description: Counts should take place in first half of May. Counter covers minimum 10 km distance in coniferous forest above 1000 meters from sea level and plays Kruper’s nuthatch’s song in every 250 meters. GPS coordinates of every point and number of individuals responded are recorded.

Counting point 1: 41.836670°/42.806620°

Counting point 2: 41.852527°/42.800061°

Birds recorded in the area 130

Photos and maps