Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve

What Makes Tabatskuri Lake Special?

At an average depth of fifteen metres and a maximum depth of more than forty metres, this blue lake, the island at its heart, and the Ktsia River create a wetland area that is a vital place for nesting and migratory birds.

The Fauna of Tabatskuri Lake

Some of the more commonly sighted birds here include black and white storks (Ciconia nigra and C. ciconia), the common crane (Grus grus), corncrakes (Crex crex), Caucasian grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi), and velvet scoters (Melanitta fusca). The managed reserve is also a resting place for many migratory waterbirds.

It is also a home for raptors, such as the eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliacea) and the greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga).

Forty-five species of mammals have been observed in the reserve, such as Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), wolves (Canis lupus), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), European badgers (Meles meles), Eurasian lynxes (Lynx lynx), and others. 

The managed reserve is bordered by the alpine villages of Moliti and Tabatskuri, the latter of which extends into the lake.

If seeing unspoiled wilderness on a miniature safari appeals to you, a visit to the Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve is well worth the drive.