Batsara - a unique nature reserve in Kakheti

The uniqueness of Batsara Strict Nature Reserve

The entire reserve spreads over 2,986 hectares, with its highest point at 2,000 meters above sea level and the lowest at 700 meters. Batsara Strict Nature Reserve is the only place in the world where massive, untouched groves of the endangered English Yew spread over 100 hectares. It is said that Noah built his ark from this tree. This beautiful tree grows very slowly but lives incredibly long. The average height of the English Yew trees found in Batsara exceeds 30 meters, most are between 500-1,000 years old and the oldest one is around 2,000 years old. Beech, maple, ash, linden and other types of trees also grow in the reserve.

Birds living in Batsara Strict Nature Reserve

Many species of animals and birds live. Rare bird species worthy of note are, the mountain eagle (Aqula crysaetos), Egyptian vulture (Neophron perncopterus), Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus), Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), Boreal owl (Aegolius funereus), and black stork (Ciconia nigra).

Access to the Batsara Strict Nature Reserve is granted for educational, scientific research, and monitoring purposes.