Vashlovanian National Park
| Vashlovanian National Park | |||
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| Location: | Kakheti , Georgia | ||
| Next city: | Dedopliszqaro | ||
| Surface: | 25,114 ha | ||
| Founding: | 2003 (1935) | ||
The Vashlowani National Park ( Georgian ვაშლოვანის სახელმწიფო ნაკრძალი , Vashlowanis sachelmzipo nakrdsali ) is a national park in the Kakheti region in eastern Georgia , southeast of the city of Dedopliszqaro . It is characterized by its dry climate, steppe-like vegetation and bizarre rock and hill formations that are somewhat reminiscent of the badlands of the USA . There are also sparse forests and bush areas. A reserve was established as early as 1935, which was expanded in 2003, at the same time as the Vashlowani National Park with a total area of over 251 square kilometers was created.
Flora and fauna
In addition to some endemic plant species, special features are the occurrence of wild pistachio trees, peonies and various types of orchids.
The fauna includes 25 species of reptiles, including species such as the Levant Otter and the Western Sand Boa . Imperial eagles , black vultures and pheasants are among the well over 100 native bird species . The total of 46 mammal species include golden jackals , red foxes, wolves, lynxes , brown bears , reed cats and porcupines . After the track of a Caucasian leopard was discovered for the first time in 2003 , a leopard was captured in the national park area with a camera trap for the first time in the following year.
Access
After registering at the visitor center in Dedopliszqaro, the national park can be visited either freely or accompanied by a ranger. Marked slopes lead to various natural attractions up to the Alazani River on the border with Azerbaijan . You can spend the night in bungalows or on campsites.
